Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 15, 2026
- No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours.
- The four high-capacity bypass pumps installed this week are now fully primed and operational, increasing overall system capacity and reliability.
- In addition, the third flume at the downstream end of the canal near Lock 10 is now active and conveying wastewater ...
Crews have completed construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Three high-capacity bypass pumps have been installed and are operational, with a fourth pump expected to be activated later tonight or early Sunday ahead of the forecasted weather to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.
No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours as crews continue advancing construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Additional high-capacity bypass pumps are on site in advance of the forecasted weather on Sunday to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.
DC Water Completes Critical Work, Ensuring Public Safety and Roadway Stability
Tonight, DC Water has reopened the northbound lanes of 14th Street NW between L Street and Thomas Circle, following the successful completion of emergency repairs to a century-old, abandoned sewer tunnel beneath the roadway. These repairs took place over the past week, ensuring the safety and stability of this critical ...
Potomac Interceptor Repair Update
February 12, 2026
Highlights:
- No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours.
- Crews continue advancing construction of two new access pits to support installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. The first of the new high-capacity bypass pumps is scheduled to arrive on site Friday.
- These pumps will increase redundancy and ...
DC Water Secures 10 Consecutive Years of a “AAA” credit rating from S&P
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has once again secured high credit ratings from all three major rating agencies—S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, and Fitch Ratings—further strengthening our position as a national leader in public utilities.
To our neighbors, community partners, and everyone who cares deeply about the Potomac River and our shared commitment to the Potomac River.
Work remains ongoing, and protecting public health and the Potomac River continues to be the top priority of DC Water.
Pumping capacity remains a challenge, due to ongoing maintenance and operational issues. An overflow occurred late Monday night, when two pumps – clogged with non-disposable wipes – were taken out of service for cleaning and maintenance. During a period of high flow, the volume of wastewater temporarily exceeded pumping capacity resulting in the overflow.
The overflow did not enter the Potomac ...
DC Water and its contractors continue working around the clock, to operate, clean and maintain bypass pumps that divert wastewater around the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor and return flows into the system further downstream. Despite these efforts, a significant overflow occurred late Sunday.
