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EPA Assumes Potomac Water Testing After Sewer Repairs as Cleanup and Oversight Intensify

EPA begins daily public sampling to verify recovery, guiding cleanup decisions.

Overview

  • DC Water restored full wastewater flow through the Potomac Interceptor after completing emergency repairs and shutting down the canal bypass.
  • EPA took over water‑quality sampling from D.C.’s environment department, with daily results to be posted publicly and analyzed at the agency’s Fort Meade lab.
  • Montgomery County lifted most recreational advisories, though officials still warn people to avoid areas near Swainson Island and the Lock 8–14 shoreline where bacteria levels have been elevated.
  • Crews are vacuuming sludge from the C&O Canal and finishing a freshwater dam at Lock 14 to help flush remaining contaminants as site remediation continues.
  • Public pressure and scrutiny are growing with House investigators seeking answers, a class‑action suit filed March 6, and DC Water holding community meetings on the failure and long‑term fixes.