DC Water progressing with sewer overflow repair along Potomac and Clara Barton Parkway

WASHINGTON (7News) — DC Water is making significant progress in containing a sanitary sewer overflow caused by the collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line, along Clara Barton Parkway and the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, Md.

Nearly a week after the Jan. 19 incident, the utility said it is nearing full containment of the overflow, with a temporary bypass system now operational.

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The bypass system, activated early Saturday evening, is channeling approximately 40 million gallons of wastewater per day to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, DC Water said in a news release.

Six large pumps are conveying wastewater into a controlled section of the C&O Canal, routing it around the break and back into the sewer system further downstream, the release explained. Overnight monitoring confirmed the pumps are functioning as intended, with increased flow successfully returning to Blue Plains.

Despite the progress, some wastewater continues to escape around the break site because the damaged pipe section is at a lower elevation than the pumps.

Crews are deploying additional pumps to expedite the removal of the remaining wastewater and achieve full containment, DC Water said. Once conditions allow, the damaged section will be isolated, exposed, and repaired.

DC Water crews are now focusing on the next steps, which include excavation, inspection, and developing a long-term repair plan. This involves assessing the extent of the damage, mobilizing equipment, stabilizing surrounding ground conditions, installing shoring supports, and removing debris from the collapse currently blocking the line.

The failure of the 72-inch-diameter section of the Potomac Interceptor caused wastewater to spill into a creek bed and flow into the Potomac River, DC Water said. Crews have been working around the clock to build the temporary bypass system, coordinating with the National Park Service to adjust canal structures and set up the necessary infrastructure.

DC Water assures the public that drinking water remains completely safe and unaffected, as the drinking water and wastewater systems are separate, and the incident occurred downstream of the Washington Aqueduct drinking water intakes.

After the overflow is fully contained and the pipe is repaired, DC Water will work with the National Park Service, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and other partner agencies to assess the areas affected by the overflow. This will include surveying erosion, debris removal, cleaning, and determining the need for remediation.

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The public is advised to avoid any posted areas along the canal or river. In case of accidental contact with wastewater, individuals should wash immediately with soap and clean water, disinfect any exposed items, avoid consuming potentially contaminated food or drinks, and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

For questions or support, DC Water’s Customer Care team can be reached at (202) 354-3600, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the 24Hour Command Center at (202) 6123400.