Another emergency repair of the Potomac Interceptor pipe renews calls for stronger drinking water and environmental protections
/DC Water crews are working to prevent harm to our drinking water supply
Spill site along the C&O canal, may 2026
Statement from Potomac Conservancy | June 10, 2026
In response to emergency repairs near Pennyfield Lock (Lock 22)
Potomac Conservancy is aware that another section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line has been identified as at risk of failure and is undergoing emergency repair near Pennyfield Lock (Lock 22). DC Water has indicated that crews will begin sliplining this section of pipe imminently. This vulnerability was identified through expanded inspections following the January 19 spill, an important step toward more proactive monitoring of this critical infrastructure.
The location of this risk is especially concerning. This section of pipe lies upstream of major drinking water intakes that serve more than 5 million people in the region. A failure here could threaten drinking water supplies and cause significant harm to the Potomac River. As confirmed by the US Army Corps of Engineers at a May 20, 2026 Congressional oversight hearing, the Washington, DC region has no secondary water supply in the event of an emergency.
We commend DC Water for identifying this issue before a second incident occurred and for acting quickly to address it. At the same time, this discovery underscores how vulnerable the Potomac remains. After decades of progress to restore the river, we are at a critical turning point and that progress is fragile.
Potomac Conservancy is calling for a full accounting of the root causes of these failures and a clear, accelerated plan to inspect, repair, and replace aging sections of the interceptor. We will continue working with regional leaders and the public to ensure the investments and transparency needed to protect the Potomac River and the drinking water it provides.
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