DC Water Restores Flow to Potomac Interceptor After Repairs

The 72-inch pipeline ruptured in January, spilling 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:03pm

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D.C. Water has completed the final steps necessary to return flow to the Potomac Interceptor, a massive 72-inch pipeline that ruptured in January and spilled 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River just north of Washington.

Why it matters

The Potomac Interceptor is a critical piece of infrastructure that transports sewage from the D.C. area to treatment facilities. The January rupture and subsequent spill raised environmental concerns about the impact on the Potomac River and surrounding communities.

The details

After a series of tests conducted early Saturday, D.C. Water spokesperson Sherri Lewis confirmed that flow can now be safely returned to the pipe. The utility had been working to complete the final repairs necessary to restore operations.

  • The Potomac Interceptor ruptured on January 19, 2026.
  • D.C. Water completed the final repairs and testing on March 14, 2026.

The players

D.C. Water

The utility responsible for water and sewer services in the District of Columbia.

Sherri Lewis

A spokesperson for D.C. Water.

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What they’re saying

“This morning testing confirmed that flow can be safely returned to the pipe.”

— Sherri Lewis, D.C. Water spokesperson

What’s next

D.C. Water will continue to monitor the Potomac Interceptor to ensure the repairs hold and there are no further issues with the pipeline.

The takeaway

The restoration of the Potomac Interceptor is a critical step in mitigating the environmental impact of the January sewage spill and ensuring the reliable operation of this key piece of infrastructure for the D.C. region.