DC Mayor declares State of Emergency over Potomac sewage spill

Move aims to unlock federal funding to address environmental crisis

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The mayor of Washington, D.C. has declared a State of Emergency in response to a major sewage spill into the Potomac River, a critical waterway that provides drinking water to millions. The declaration is intended to open up access to federal resources and aid to help clean up the environmental disaster.

Why it matters

The Potomac River is a vital natural resource for the D.C. region, providing drinking water, recreation, and supporting local ecosystems. A large-scale sewage spill poses serious health and environmental risks, making the mayor's emergency declaration a crucial step to secure federal assistance.

The details

The sewage spill occurred after a major wastewater treatment plant experienced a mechanical failure, allowing millions of gallons of untreated sewage to flow into the Potomac. Cleanup efforts are underway, but the scale of the spill has overwhelmed local resources, prompting the mayor to seek federal aid through the emergency declaration.

  • The sewage spill was first reported on February 18, 2026.
  • The mayor declared a State of Emergency on February 19, 2026.

The players

Muriel Bowser

The mayor of Washington, D.C. who declared the State of Emergency in response to the Potomac sewage spill.

Potomac River

A major waterway that provides drinking water, recreation, and supports local ecosystems in the Washington, D.C. region, now impacted by a large-scale sewage spill.

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What they’re saying

“This sewage spill poses a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of our community. Declaring a State of Emergency is a necessary step to unlock federal resources and aid to address this environmental crisis.”

— Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C. (WUSA9)

What’s next

The mayor's office is working closely with federal environmental agencies to coordinate the cleanup effort and secure additional funding and resources. The State of Emergency declaration is expected to expedite the process of obtaining federal assistance.

The takeaway

The Potomac sewage spill underscores the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure and the need for robust emergency response plans to address environmental disasters. The mayor's decisive action in declaring a State of Emergency demonstrates the city's commitment to protecting its natural resources and the health of its residents.