Speak up for the Potomac River!

Tell DC Water to adopt a stronger restoration plans to address the Potomac Interceptor sewage contamination

DC Water is accepting public comments on its restoration plans following the January 19, 2026 Potomac Interceptor sewage spill. Potomac Conservancy does not believe the current plans go nearly far enough to address contaminated habitats or fully restore the health of the Potomac River.

Submit your comment to DC Water by March 31, 2026 and amplify our demands to protect our river and our communities! We’re asking DC Water to:

  • Commit to comprehensive, multi-year ecological monitoring

  • Expand restoration beyond the immediate site based on scientific impact studies

  • Prioritize nature-based solutions including riparian forest planting and shoreline vegetation

  • Greater transparency and public accountability throughout the process

Take action in two easy steps:

  1. Visit DC Water’s public comment form https://www.dcwater.com/form/potomac-interceptor-contact-form

  2. Copy and paste our suggested message, personalize it, and submit by March 31, 2026

Suggested comment:

As a concerned resident who cares deeply about the health of the Potomac River, I urge DC Water to adopt and follow through on the requests submitted by Potomac Conservancy on March 17, 2026. These requests include:

  • Comprehensive, multi-year ecological monitoring to fully understand impacts to fish, wildlife, sediments, and water quality over time.

  • Science-driven, adaptive restoration that expands beyond the immediate site if impacts are found elsewhere, including nature-based solutions like wetland and stream restoration.

  • Transparency and public accountability, including regular public reporting, accessible data, and meaningful opportunities for community input.

This spill requires a response that matches its scale. I urge DC Water to commit to a full, watershed-wide recovery effort that protects public health, restores the river, and rebuilds public trust.

Submit your comment to DC Water
 
 

Thank you for taking action!

Every comment helps show strong public demand for a response that matches the scale of this spill. Together, we can push for the accountability and restoration the Potomac River deserves.

Support Potomac Conservancy’s work as we continue to fight for accountability and sign up for our emails to keep updated as this crisis evolves: