The cost of cleaning up and making repairs after a sewer line failure sent hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River will total about $20 million, the CEO of D.C. Water said Friday.

David Gadis provided the estimate during a briefing on the Jan. 19 failure of the Potomac Interceptor, a roughly 60-year-old, 54-mile long sewer line. The pipe failed in Cabin John, Maryland.

It’s not entirely clear how the cost will be covered.

Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser submitted a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration request, seeking full reimbursement for costs incurred by both D.C. and D.C. Water.

“We expect 100% reimbursement,” Bowser said.

But D.C. Water’s facilities, including the Potomac Interceptor, are funded through an intermunicipal agreement, or IMA. Maryland and Virginia would be on the hook for more than 50% of the cost, per the agreement.

So will the federal government approve D.C.’s request? And if so, will Maryland and Virginia’s share be covered too?

“If the president wants to help Americans who deserve to know that the Potomac River is safe, it doesn’t matter, in my estimation, if it comes through D.C. to D.C. Water, because D.C. Water serves D.C., Maryland and Virginia. It’s kind of hard to parse it out,” Bowser said. “We are happy to be the conduit for the region.”

President Donald Trump also weighed in this week on social media, saying the three jurisdictions needed to work collaboratively. He called out Maryland Gov. Wes Moore by name.

“If they can’t do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding the federal government “can fix it.”

According to D.C. Water, the utility’s customers will not face any additional financial strain as a result of the sewage spill. Gadis said there would be no rate increase tied to the incident, and that the utility had already submitted planned rate increases for the future.

Officials also stressed during Friday’s briefing that drinking water was not affected, but said people should avoid recreational contact with the river as a precaution.

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WASHINGTON (7News) — If you’re heading out early in Washington, DC, expect patchy fog and rain showers through about 9 a.m., creating reduced visibility during the Friday morning commute.

Why It’s Foggy This Morning:

Overnight rain combined with mild air and light winds is allowing moisture to linger near the ground. That setup is ideal for patchy fog, especially in low-lying areas, near rivers, and along parkways.

What to Expect:

Visibility: Locally reduced, at times under a mile

Rain: Intermittent light rain or drizzle

Timing: Gradual improvement after 8–9 a.m. as clouds lift and winds increase slightly

7News On Your Side:

Slow down and allow extra stopping distance

Use low-beam headlights in fog

Watch for sudden visibility drops on bridges and near water

Conditions should improve steadily mid-morning, with fog lifting and rain tapering off. Keep checking local updates if you’re traveling early, and plan a little extra time for the commute.

During the meeting, the Head of State emphasized his high expectations for the younger generation, noting that the government pays special attention to youth development and creating conditions for their self-accomplishment.

Tokayev also reminded the meeting participants of the upcoming nationwide referendum in March on the draft of a new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressing its historic importance for the country’s future.

Students and young researchers expressed gratitude to the President for his comprehensive support of science and education.

Earlier, it was reported that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had arrived in Washington, D.C. on a working visit at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump.