D.C. Water to Use Drones for Assessments along Potomac Interceptor Following Sewage Spill

D.C. Water will utilize drones starting Thursday to assess conditions along the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor after a sewage spill. The drones will map the topography and identify areas requiring further inspection. This initiative supports a $625 million rehabilitation project for the interceptor. The data collection is scheduled from March 26 to April 3, with the drones operating during weekdays.

Published Mar 27, 2026

Beginning Thursday, D.C. Water will deploy drones to evaluate the conditions along the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor, which transports wastewater from Loudoun and Fairfax counties to Montgomery County and the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant.

AI-curated by Theia

This assessment follows a sewage spill that released over 240 million gallons into the Potomac River after a sewer line collapse on January 13. The drones will use lidar scanning to create detailed maps and assist in the ongoing $625 million rehabilitation project.

Drone flights are scheduled for March 26 to April 3, during weekdays, and will be conducted in coordination with the FAA. Temporary markers will be placed on the ground to facilitate accurate data collection.