Repairs To Potomac Interceptor Officially Complete

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — After nearly two months of emergency repairs, operations were restored at the Potomac Interceptor over the weekend.

The DC Water utility announced that crews restored water flow on Saturday.

Video of the milestone moment can be viewed online.

The sewer line, which runs through Montgomery County and is owned and operated by DC Water, collapsed in January. It sent more than 250 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River.

“This operation was extremely challenging, but our teams rose to the occasion, working tirelessly through harsh weather and tough conditions," David Gadis, DC Water CEO and general manager, said in a release.

"Their expertise, dedication, and collaboration were key to our success."

While the water is restored, it doesn't mean the work is done just yet.

Officials are now turning their attention to the C&O Canal, which had been used as a bypass to redirect wastewater from the collapsed pipe.

DC Water said in a release that workers will continue rehabilitation work at the canal site to "flush out residual waste and contaminants," including efforts to "vacuum out sludge in the canal."

Officials have warned the public that "odors" will persist in areas along the canal as cleanup efforts continue over the next two months.

A 6:30 p.m. community meeting is planned for Wednesday in Bethesda to discuss repair work and address any concerns from residents. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of Walt Whitman High School, at 7100 Whittier Blvd.