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40 Million Gallons of Sewage Spill in Potomac River

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 20, 2026, a rupture in the Potomac Interceptor spilled 40 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River, which normally carries up to 60 million gallons daily.
On January 24, 2026, crews began rerouting sewage.
District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) coordinates with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate ecological impacts.
Repairs face a severe winter storm forecast of up to 10 inches.

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Story summary

On January 20, 2026, a rupture in the Potomac Interceptor spilled 40 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River, which normally carries up to 60 million gallons daily.
On January 24, 2026, crews began rerouting sewage.
District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) coordinates with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate ecological impacts.
Repairs face a severe winter storm forecast of up to 10 inches.