DC Water Completes Emergency Repairs on Potomac Interceptor Following Major Sewage Spill

DC Water has completed emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor after a major sewage spill. Environmental remediation efforts are ongoing, including restoration of the C&O Canal in Maryland. The response to the spill, which involved nearly two billion gallons of sewage, is estimated to cost between $20 million and $30 million. The agency plans a $625 million rehabilitation program for its pipeline network. The U.S. EPA will oversee water quality testing as cleanup and restoration continue.

Published Mar 24, 2026

DC Water has completed emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor following a significant sewage spill that released nearly two billion gallons of wastewater. Cleanup activities are underway, particularly in the C&O Canal area, with an estimated cost for the response ranging from $20 million to $30 million.

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A planned $625 million rehabilitation program for the overall pipeline network remains under evaluation. Environmental remediation includes an 11-pump stormwater diversion system and soil removal. The U.S. EPA will conduct ongoing water quality testing as DC Water assesses other infrastructure to prevent future ruptures.