DC Water to Host Virtual Meeting on Emergency Repairs to Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch

June 10, 2026

DC Water will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to inform residents and other stakeholders about the emergency rehabilitation of a section of the Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch near Pennyfield Lock (Lock 22) in Potomac Maryland. Recent inspections identified structural deterioration in this section, including significant corrosion and exposed rebar, requiring immediate repair.

As part of this emergency effort, contractors will begin mobilizing at the site on Monday, June 15, to rehabilitate about 1,700 linear feet of the interceptor. 

On a typical dry weather day, this segment conveys an average of six million gallons of wastewater and serves as a critical connection to the main trunk of the Potomac Interceptor.

Following the January 19, 2026, failure along the Clara Barton Parkway in Cabin John, Maryland, DC Water expanded its inspection program across the entire 54-mile Potomac Interceptor system. Along with standard video inspections, DC Water used LiDAR to measure wall thickness and sonar to identify debris or blockages.

Although the findings identified in this section warranted moving this work to the top of DC Water’s repair priorities, the most deteriorated portion of the pipe is fully encased in concrete, which reduces the risk of failure and the likelihood of an impact to public water supplies, public health and the environment. 

DC Water officials and technical staff will present an overview of the project, share key findings, and respond to questions from community members during the meeting. 

Meeting Information

What: Virtual Community Meeting on Emergency Repairs to Potomac Interceptor
When: 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 11, 2026
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247771688929694?p=VdqaoZtsH2m1AxGwkb

Dial in by phone: +1 202-753-6714,,695210785#
                              Phone conference ID: 695 210 785#

Who: DC Water leadership and technical staff

More information about this project is available on the DC Water website at https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/emergency-work-rehabilitate-section-potomac-interceptor-begin-potomac-md
 

Latest News

Graphic with details for the public hearing on June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

As DC Water’s Board of Directors considers proposed rate increases for the upcoming 2027 and 2028 fiscal years, we’re asking customers to provide feedback during a public hearing on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The proposed rate changes would support critical investments in safe, reliable drinking water, replacement of aging water and sewer lines, cleaner local waterways, and continued lead service line replacement across the District.

Photo of LFDC work on a street in the Trinidad NE Neighborhood

Public Encouraged to Provide Comment through June 23

DC residents who want to replace their lead service lines may soon have more options to do it sooner—without having to wait for construction to reach their block.  While the Lead Free DC Program replaces lead service lines at no cost, DC Water has proposed two updates to its program that would make it easier and faster for some residents to get their lead pipes replaced, especially those at higher risk of lead exposure. These proposed changes have been published in the DC Register and are now open for public review. 

Placeholder DC Water Image

DC Water will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to inform residents and other stakeholders about the emergency rehabilitation of a section of the Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch in Potomac, Maryland.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Photo of temporarily relocated section of Piney Branch Parkway
Piney Branch Parkway Section to Reopen Monday, Restoring a Key Route for DC Commuters

Following a 27-day closure, DC Water will reopen a section of Piney Branch Parkway between Arkansas Avenue and Beach Drive NW early Monday morning, restoring an important cross-town connection for thousands of District commuters. During the closure, a section of the road was temporarily relocated for construction of DC Water’s Piney Branch Tunnel Project.

Latest Blog Post
DC Water General Manager and CEO David Gadis recognizes Lily MacDonald during the May Board of Directors meeting.
From Classroom to Community: A Student Spotlight on DC Water's SPLASH Program
A speechwriting assignment became a call to action for water access and affordability through DC Water's SPLASH program.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
June 18, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

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.