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.
Six Pumps Turned On and Rerouting Wastewater Around Collapsed Section of the Sewer Line.
Measures in Place to Help Ensure Water Service and Customer Safety
DC Water Expects to Start Turning on Bypass Pumps on Monday.
Additional work completed to remove upper lock gates on C & O Canal locks.
Partial Bypass Expected to Begin as Early as This Weekend
DC Water and its contractor continue to make progress to contain the sewer overflow from a collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor (PI), a major sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway near 495 in Montgomery County, MD. As part of that work, crews today are mobilizing equipment, clearing brush and debris, and installing pipes in ...
Bypass system construction underway to contain overflow and protect waterways
Drinking water service remains safe and unaffected
One lane of eastbound Clara Barton Parkway remains closed
C & O Canal Towpath remains open; public advised to avoid contact with wastewater
One lane of Clara Barton Parkway Closed as a Precaution. Drinking Water is not impacted.
DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.
Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW between Virginia Avenue NW and F Street NW. During this time, crews will perform well-monitoring instrument activities.
This work is part of DC Water’s efforts to construct the Potomac River Tunnel—an essential component of the Clean Rivers Project ...
