Waste Overflow Into Rock Creek in Adams Morgan

DC Water is warning residents to avoid contact with water in a portion of Rock Creek after blockage in an old pipe caused sewer waste to overflow into the creek this week.

Crews discovered the overflow Wednesday at 20th and Biltmore streets NW. It’s estimated that 1,200 gallons of untreated waste flowed into the creek.

“DC Water responded immediately, setting up a bypass to direct sewage back into the sewer system while crews work to clear the blockage and make any needed repairs,” according to a release. “The bypass was in place Thursday morning, effectively stopping the overflow, and allowing crews to being repairs.”

The public is cautioned to avoid contact with the water in Rock Creek for 72 hours from below Calvert Street Bridge, south of the National Zoo, to the mouth of Rock Creek.

“The NPS discourages public fishing and recommends creek users sanitize equipment which has come into contact with Rock Creek south of the outfall,” according to release.