DC Water today is releasing a comprehensive assessment detailing the condition of the Potomac Interceptor and our emergency response to the January 19 sanitary sewer line failure. This report provides clarity for customers, stakeholders, and community members about the steps taken and findings from the incident, including prior inspections of the pipe’s condition.
After the collapse, DC Water’s ...
DC Water and its contractor have taken significant steps toward repairing the Potomac Interceptor. The repair process currently underway involves reinforcing the damaged section of the pipe using geopolymer. This material is known for its concrete-like strength and durability.
Repair efforts continue as we reach 23 days in which no overflows have entered the Potomac River. Crews finished pressure washing the pipe upstream of the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor and preparations are underway for the application of the geopolymer lining to reinforce and strengthen the pipe.
National Park Service Issues Special Use Permit to Move Forward with Restoration Plan
DC Water has begun the rehabilitation and environmental restoration to address areas affected by the sewer overflow from a section of the Potomac Interceptor that collapsed January 19. Contaminated material is being hauled away and work is underway to clear trees, brush, and contaminated debris in and around ...
Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
March 1, 2026
- Today marks a milestone, as we reach the three-week point with no overflows entering the Potomac River. The last release to reach the river occurred on February 8.
- On February 28, National Park Service (NPS) issued a Special Use Permit for the repair, rehabilitation, and environmental restoration of the Potomac Interceptor and the C&O Canal National ...
Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 28, 2026
- The bypass pumping system continues to divert wastewater around the collapse site and back into the Potomac Interceptor, preventing any overflows from reaching the Potomac River in nearly three weeks. The last time an overflow reached the river was 20 days ago, February 8.
- Crews continue to clean the pipe and progress is being made to remove the ...
No overflows reaching the Potomac River for 19 days. The last release to enter the river occurred on February 8. Crews were able to reach some of the additional large rocks downstream of the collapsed section and remove them without additional excavation. Cleaning continues in the area upstream of the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor to remove muck, debris, and smaller rocks.
DC Water will be performing repairs to the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) within the West End and Georgetown Neighborhoods. This will require temporary lane closures beginning tonight, February 27, at 8 PM through Monday, March 2, at 5 AM.
DC Water is inviting Maryland residents to join us tonight for a community meeting at Walt Whitman High School at 7 p.m. for an update about ongoing repair efforts on a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that failed, directly impacting the surrounding Montgomery County communities. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn about planned environmental ...
Crews continue work to clean the remaining debris upstream and downstream of the damaged Potomac Interceptor Pipe, with no overflows entering the Potomac River in 18 days.
A rock and debris dam that had been blocking the pipe has been removed, but some large rocks and boulders remain in other sections of the pipe and may require additional excavation to remove.
