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Officials Outline Next Steps for Massive Potomac Sewage Spill, Targeting Nine-Month Full Repair

Authorities now project nine months for permanent fixes following a four-to-six-week bulkhead phase to isolate the damaged line.

Water samples are taken from the Potomac River, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 in Glen Echo, Md. A massive pipe that moves millions of gallons of sewage has ruptured and sent wastewater flowing into the Potomac River northwest of Washington, polluting it ahead of a major winter storm that has repair crews scrambling. (AP Photo/Nathan Ellgren)
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Potomac River Keeper Dean Naujoks, holds a biohazard collection bag while standing alongside the site where a massive pipe rupture has sent sewage spilling into the Potomac River, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 in Glen Echo, Md. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
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Overview

  • DC Water told Maryland legislators it is constructing a bulkhead near I-495 and bringing in 100 million gallons per day of additional pumping to curb remaining overflows.
  • Permanent repairs using sliplining are expected to take about nine months once the damaged section is isolated, with environmental restoration to follow.
  • The spill is officially estimated at roughly 243 million gallons, while the Potomac Riverkeeper Network contends the total exceeds 300 million gallons.
  • Recent testing detected very high E. coli levels at the overflow point and elevated bacteria at some downstream sites; a shellfish closure remains in place to the Nice Bridge and recreational advisories continue in three Maryland counties.
  • DC Water reported a separate Feb. 8 overflow of about 600,000 gallons after wipes clogged temporary pumps, and officials reiterated that Maryland drinking water has not been affected.