DC Water's

News & Updates

At DC Water, we understand the importance of keeping our community informed about our services, projects, and achievements. Our news web page serves as a reliable source for the latest information on a range of topics.

Truck mounted vacuum cleaning the Potomac Interceptor
31 January, 2026
DC Water and its contractor continue work to mitigate the sanitary sewer overflow that occurred on January 19, from the Potomac Interceptor, along Clara Barton Parkway and the 495 interchange and into the C& O Canal National Historical Park. Below is an update on the progress. 
 
Potomac Interceptor Overflow Update
January 31, 2026
 
Containment
  • The overflow remains contained for now, with no overflows ...
Photo of excavation of collapse site and containment in place
30 January, 2026

DC Water and its contractor have successfully excavated around the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor, a sanitary sewer line that collapsed on January 19 and overflowed into the Potomac River. For the second straight day, there have been no sewer overflows from the damaged pipe.

Photo of collapse site and federal, state, local officials in background
29 January, 2026

Federal, State, and Local Officials Get Firsthand Look at Collapse Site and Repair Efforts

Over the past 24-hours, DC Water engineers for the first time report no sanitary sewer overflows escaping from a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor since the incident happened. The 72-inch diameter pipe section collapsed on January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway and the C & O Canal National ...

Photo of collapse site of Potomac Interceptor and excavation underway
28 January, 2026

Excavation is underway to access a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line that collapsed on January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway near the 495-interchange and C & O National Historical Park in Montgomery County, MD. This marks a pivotal step forward in the recovery process, allowing DC Water and its contractor to directly inspect the damaged pipe, exposing the affected ...

Graphic inviting people to join the meeting Jan 28 6pm - 7pm
27 January, 2026

This week’s heavy snow, icy conditions, and extreme cold have brought challenges to the DC region —exactly the kind of weather that can impact how DC Water’s Lead Free DC Program replaces lead service lines. That’s why we’re reminding you to join us tomorrow, January 28, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., for an important Lead Free DC (LFDC) virtual community meeting.

Photo of equipment and workers manning the PI bypass return
26 January, 2026

DC Water teams and contractors are working around the clock to operate a bypass system that diverts wastewater away from a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor. Industrial pumps have been running since late Saturday, but heavy snow and extreme cold continue to create challenges for the equipment and operations.

Photo of the Potomac Interceptor Bypass where overflow reentering the sewer line
25 January, 2026

DC Water is nearing full containment on a sanitary sewer overflow, nearly a week after a section of the Potomac Interceptor – a major sewer line – collapsed in Montgomery County, MD. In the first full day of operation since a temporary bypass system was activated, the flow of wastewater downstream where it re-enters the sewer line has increased by about 40 million gallons per day.

A DC Water employee breaks up ice on a sidewalk
24 January, 2026

Measures in Place to Help Ensure Water Service and Customer Safety

Pipes from three of the pumps discharge flow into the C&O Canal
24 January, 2026

Six Pumps Turned On and Rerouting Wastewater Around Collapsed Section of the Sewer Line.

Three pumps installed as part of the bypass system
23 January, 2026

DC Water Expects to Start Turning on Bypass Pumps on Monday.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above
DC Water Launches Tunnel Boring Machine Mary, Marking Important Step for Potomac River Tunnel Project

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
April 15, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.