Story perspectives
Potomac Interceptor Flow Restored After Sewage Spill Cleanup
3/17/2026
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Story summary
- D.C. Water restored flow to the Potomac Interceptor after a rupture on January 19 released 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River.
- Testing confirmed it was safe to resume flow, per Sherri Lewis, spokesperson for D.C. Water.
- The repair involved 53 D.C. Water staff working in shifts.
- Cleanup continues, particularly in the C&O Canal.
- D.C. Water is assessing other Interceptor areas to prevent future ruptures.
