- More than one month after the last overflow into the Potomac River, DC Water is preparing to return flow in the coming days to the Potomac Interceptor and meet the mid-March target to complete the emergency repair on the damaged pipe section.
- Crews have completed work to reinforce the pipe sections upstream and downstream of the collapse site using geopolymer to strengthen the pipe. The work ...
Work is nearly complete on the downstream section of the Potomac Interceptor to reinforce the pipeline with geopolymer. The concrete-like material will strengthen and restore the structural integrity of the pipe. Completion of the geopolymer lining downstream is one of the final steps to restore flow to the interceptor and finish the emergency repair.
This comes one month since the last overflow ...
As emergency repairs continue, today marks 27 days, nearly one month, with no overflow reaching the Potomac River.
Crews are making significant progress to reinforce the downstream section of pipe from the collapse site and completed 240 linear feet of geopolymer overnight. Crews are working to apply another layer of geopolymer today. The material is similar in strength to concrete and when ...
Reinforcement of the upstream section of the Potomac Interceptor has been completed, marking the halfway point in emergency repairs following the January 19 sewer line collapse. Crews continue to advance repairs on schedule, with full project completion expected by mid-March.
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 ...
