DC Water CEO Addresses Potomac Sewage Spill in Open Letter

David L. Gadis outlines response efforts and commitment to river's long-term health

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In an open letter, DC Water CEO David L. Gadis acknowledged the recent sewage spill into the Potomac River, explaining how the incident unfolded and the actions taken to mitigate its impacts. Gadis emphasized DC Water's commitment to transparency, environmental monitoring, and long-term solutions to protect the river's health, including a $10 billion capital improvement program and ongoing collaboration with community partners.

Why it matters

The Potomac River is a shared natural treasure, and any event that threatens its health understandably causes concern among residents, environmental advocates, and river users. This incident has highlighted the aging infrastructure challenges facing utilities across the country and the need for sustained investment and vigilance to protect vital waterways.

The details

On January 19, 2026, a collapse in a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line resulted in an uncontrolled overflow of wastewater into the Potomac River. DC Water crews and contractors worked around the clock to contain the overflow, protect public safety, and begin repairs to the 72-inch pipe. By January 24, an emergency bypass was activated to reroute flows and stop the discharge. DC Water has prioritized environmental monitoring, stabilization, and frequent communication with the public and oversight partners.

  • On January 19, 2026, security cameras detected unusual activity near one of DC Water's odor control facilities along the Clara Barton Parkway, leading to the discovery of the sewer line collapse.
  • By January 24, 2026, an emergency bypass was activated to reroute flows and stop the discharge into the Potomac River.

The players

David L. Gadis

The CEO and General Manager of DC Water, the utility responsible for managing the Potomac Interceptor sewer line and responding to the sewage spill.

DC Water

The public utility that provides water and wastewater services to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including the management of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.

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What they’re saying

“The Potomac River is a shared natural treasure, and any event that threatens its health understandably causes concern, frustration, and a sense of loss. Those feelings are not only valid – but they are also shared by all of us at DC Water.”

— David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager, DC Water (popville.com)

“Restoring confidence – both in the river's health and in our stewardship – requires more than repairs. It requires listening, learning, and continuous improvement. We take seriously the calls from community members and environmental partners for accountability, transparency, and long-term solutions, and we are committed to engaging constructively as this work continues.”

— David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager, DC Water (popville.com)

What’s next

DC Water is working to bring its leadership together with community partners to engage directly with the public on the response, ongoing assessment, and both near- and long-term solutions to protect the Potomac River.

The takeaway

This incident has underscored the need for sustained investment and vigilance to protect vital waterways like the Potomac River, as much of the infrastructure that safeguards these natural resources was built decades ago. DC Water's commitment to transparency, environmental monitoring, and long-term solutions, including a $10 billion capital improvement program, aims to restore public trust and ensure the river's health for generations to come.