DC Water's

News & Updates

At DC Water, we understand the importance of keeping our community informed about our services, projects, and achievements. Our news web page serves as a reliable source for the latest information on a range of topics.

Odor Control Measures near Open Trench with Pumps
16 March, 2026

Work continues on the initial clean-up of the C & O Canal which was temporarily used as a bypass during the emergency repair of the Potomac Interceptor. Additional efforts are also underway on a freshwater dam at Lock 14, which will be used to help flush the sludge and debris.

As the environmental rehabiltation efforts continue, crews also made preparations to secure fencing, equipment, and ...

Workers constructing the freshwater dam to be used for flushing the C & O Canal
15 March, 2026

With flow returned to the Potomac Interceptor work has begun on the initial phase of clean-up for the C & O Canal which had been used as a bypass to redirect wastewater around the collapse site and into the pipe further downstream.

Picture of flow back in the Potomac Interceptor
14 March, 2026

DC Water Celebrates Massive 55-Day Effort, Outlines Next Steps for Rehabilitation and Environmental Restoration

After 55 days of extraordinary effort with crews working around the clock, DC Water has successfully completed emergency repairs and returned the flow to the Potomac Interceptor to mark a major milestone.

Photo of PI ready for return of flow
13 March, 2026
  • DC Water has completed final site preparations to return the flow to the Potomac Interceptor, marking and important milestone after 33 consecutive days without an overflow to the Potomac River.
  • The geopolymer – used to seal and waterproof the trench boxes around the open pipe sections – finished curing today. This will allow the flow to safely be returned to the interceptor itself, allowing the ...
graphic with meeting times
13 March, 2026

Second Meeting Scheduled in Bethesda; Community Forum in Alexandria Next Week

As DC Water nears completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we remain committed to transparent communication and partnership with our community. Next week, two meetings are scheduled on March 18, in Bethesda, MD and March 19, in Alexandria, VA to hear from the community and provide ...

Collapse site with equipment idle due to weather conditions
12 March, 2026
  • Environmental Rehabilitation and Emergency Repair work on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line was slowed by rain and snow, as we enter day 33 without an overflow into the Potomac River.
  • When there are measurable rain and snow, crews are unable to do environmental rehabilitation work due to the risk of spreading contamination. In addition, geopolymer being used to waterproof the trench boxes around ...
Photo of workers doing environmental rehab in west section of Area 1
11 March, 2026

With 32 days of no overflows reaching the Potomac River, DC Water and its contractor continue to make progress on the Environmental Rehabilitation of the areas impacted by the failure in the Potomac Interceptor. Meanwhile work is nearing completion in the coming days on the emergency repair and is expected to meet the mid-March target.

photo of worker going into downstream cleaning pit
10 March, 2026
  • Work is progressing to meet the mid-March target to return the flow to the Potomac Interceptor, as we reach 31 days with no overflows reaching the Potomac River.
  • The geopolymer applied to the upstream and downstream sections of the pipe has cured to reinforce the pipe and ensure structural integrity. This completes the repair on the pipe, which is now ready for the flow to return.
  • Additional work is ...
Workers putting down rye and matting for soil stabilization
9 March, 2026
  • 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 ...
Tree and debris removal for environmental rehabilitation
8 March, 2026

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 ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

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.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
March 19, 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.