DC Water completes final emergency repairs to Potomac Interceptor

LaDawn Black | ladawn.black@wtop.com
March 14, 2026, 12:03 PM

D.C. Water has completed the final steps necessary to return flow to the Potomac Interceptor.

D.C. Water spokesperson Sherri Lewis said the water flow was restored after a series of tests were carried out by officials early Saturday.

“This morning, testing confirmed that flow can be safely returned to the pipe,” she said. “This is a huge day for all of our crews who have been working so hard to try and get this work done.”

Back on Jan. 19, the massive 72-inch pipeline, known as the Potomac Interceptor, ruptured. ... The leak sent 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River just north of Washington.

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LaDawn Black
LaDawn Black is a digital writer and editor with WTOP News.
ladawn.black@wtop.com