D.C. Mayor Declares Potomac Sewage Spill Emergency, Seeks Federal Aid

Bowser requests FEMA coordination and additional technical support as month-long spill continues

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a local public emergency over the month-long Potomac River sewage spill, requesting federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and additional technical support to address the ongoing environmental crisis.

Why it matters

The Potomac River sewage spill has impacted the nation's capital and surrounding areas, raising concerns about water quality and environmental damage. Bowser's emergency declaration aims to secure federal resources to help mitigate the spill's effects and coordinate a regional response.

The details

On January 19, a section of the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewage pipeline operated by DC Water, collapsed, releasing over 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. Bowser's emergency declaration requests FEMA to establish regular interagency coordination calls and provide additional federal technical and testing assistance for water quality monitoring, environmental modeling, and engineering support.

  • The sewage spill began on January 19, 2026.
  • Bowser declared the local public emergency on February 18, 2026.

The players

Muriel Bowser

The mayor of Washington, D.C. who declared the local public emergency over the Potomac River sewage spill.

DC Water

The main water utility that serves Washington, D.C. and operates the Potomac Interceptor sewage pipeline where the collapse occurred.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who recently criticized local leaders for their handling of the Potomac sewage spill.

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What they’re saying

“If they can't do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This emergency declaration highlights the regional impact of the Potomac sewage spill and the need for coordinated federal support to address the environmental and public health concerns arising from the ongoing crisis.