DC Water

We know this is top of mind right now. We’ve been monitoring conditions closely as cleanup and rehabilitation work continues. Here’s where things stand.

We’re moving into the next phase following the Potomac Interceptor emergency repair. Preliminary initial cleanup along the Potomac River shoreline & tributary is complete, w/crews continuing work in the C&O Canal btwn Locks 10/13 to remove sludge/debris. 🔗dcwater.com/about-dc-water…

This routine maintenance is separate from the recent Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapse. That event involves a different system and does not affect drinking water lines that serve homes.

Starting March 23 🌱 As part of routine maintenance, we’re temporarily switching from chloramine to chlorine through May 4 to clean the system & maintain water quality. You may notice slight changes in taste or smell. This is normal, temporary, & safe. dcwater.com/about-dc-water…

You asked. We’re answering. Starting with one we’ve seen a lot 👇

DON’T MISS: We’ll be at the Lee Center Auditorium in Alexandria tonight at 7 p.m. for a Potomac Interceptor Response Town Hall hosted by the City of Alexandria. Can’t make it? Join via Zoom: 🔗 zoom.us/webinar/regist…

We’re also seeing questions about whether wastewater is flowing from the open sections of the pipe. Here’s what to know ⬇️

@311DCgov @DCHomos Thanks for flagging this. We’ll share this with our Command Center for review. For immediate assistance, please contact DC Water’s 24/7 Command Center at 202-612-3400.

@DCHomos @dcwater Thanks for the alert! Looping in @dcwater for further assistance! Have a great Day!

Hey @dcwater @311DCgov this is the second time this year that this water main or whatever has broke- 21st and Penn NW

We’ve been seeing this question come up: Why are there open sections of the pipe, and when will they be closed? Here’s what to know ⬇️

Clean-up is underway in the C&O Canal between Locks 13 and 14 following the Potomac Interceptor emergency repair. Crews are removing sludge and debris while water is used to help flush the canal as rehabilitation continues. 🔗 dcwater.com/about-dc-water…

HAPPENING NOW: We’re back at Walt Whitman High School in Montgomery County for another community meeting, sharing where things stand on the Potomac Interceptor and hearing from residents.

As this long-term rehabilitation effort continues, we want to hear from you. Share your questions or feedback here: dcwater.com/form/potomac-i…

This work is taking place across multiple impacted areas and is part of a phased effort to support long-term environmental recovery. Protecting the Potomac River and surrounding ecosystems remains a priority throughout this process. 🔗dcwater.com/sites/default/…

Freshwater is also being used to flush the canal and help clear remaining contaminants. Temporary structures, including sandbagging and a freshwater dam, are supporting this process. 🔗dcwater.com/sites/default/…

As part of this work, crews are continuing to remove sludge and debris from the canal, which was used as a temporary bypass during the response. This is a key step in restoring the canal and surrounding environment. 🔗dcwater.com/sites/default/…

🧵Over the past few weeks, many of you have been following updates on the Potomac Interceptor repair and cleanup efforts. Now that emergency repairs are complete, environmental rehabilitation is underway, with a focus on protecting the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.

Montgomery County has partially lifted the recreational water advisory. Recreational activities may resume downstream beginning at Lock 8. The advisory remains in place for areas closest to the spill site. We continue water quality sampling.

Today, DC Water joined @EPA, @fema, @COcanalNPS & @USACEHQ for a Potomac Interceptor press conference. CEO & GM @DavidGadis outlined next steps following the return of flow & completion of emergency repairs, emphasizing this is “not a victory lap” as rehabilitation continues.

Since restoring flow to the Potomac Interceptor, we’ve had stable operations with no issues. Cleanup and rehabilitation are progressing, with work nearly complete in areas directly impacted by overflows as we transition to long-term rehabilitation. 🔗 dcwater.com/about-dc-water…

Don’t forget! Tomorrow we’re holding a virtual briefing on the Potomac Interceptor response. 📍 March 18 | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM ➡ Join: qrco.de/Virtual-Briefi… We’ll share updated progress and answer your questions live.