Sewage Gushes into Potomac Near Lock 10

A major sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway collapsed Jan. 19, releasing millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River just upstream from Lock 10. On Jan. 24, as this Cruiser issue closed, crews were scrambling to contain the overflow and lay the groundwork for a bypass around the damaged section. It was impossible to predict how long the water would remain hazardous.

The collapse was in a pipe that carries flow from parts of Virginia and Maryland to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. In a video posted Jan. 21 to the Potomac Riverkeeper Network's Facebook page, Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks said, "This is just an extraordinary amount of flow of raw sewage in high concentrations into the Potomac River. I've been doing this for 25 years—I've never seen anything like it."

DC Water has emphasized that there is no impact on drinking water.

Key sources to check for updates on the status of repairs and water quality:

DC Water News & Updates (ongoing)

Potomac Riverkeeper Network Facebook page

For background on the overflow event:

"Pumps Are in Place … ," DC Water, Jan. 23

"DC Water Working to Install Bypass Pumps … ," DC Water, Jan. 22

"DC Water Advancing Work On Bypass ... ," DC Water, Jan. 21

Potomac Riverkeeper video posted Jan. 21