DC Water is responding to a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor in Montgomery County (near Lockhouse 10 within the C&O Canal National Historical Park). On the evening of January 19, a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed along the Clara Barton Parkway, near Lock 10 of the C&O Canal. A bypass system, installed with cooperation from the National Park Service, is in use to contain the overflow. The bypass uses a contained section of the C&O Canal running about 2,700 feet to carry wastewater around the damaged section of pipe and back into the Potomac Interceptor further downstream. For more information, please follow official updates and guidance from DC Water as response efforts continue.
The C&O Canal Trust has closed Lockhouse 10 for reservations until further notice. Visitors to the C&O Canal National Historical Park are encouraged to keep an eye on current conditions by visiting the park’s website here.
Is the C&O Canal National Historical Park open?
Yes, the park is still open for visitation. Please be aware that there may be increased activity and an odor in areas surrounding Lock 10. Visitors to the C&O Canal National Historical Park are encouraged to keep an eye on current conditions by visiting the park’s website here.
Is Lockhouse 10 accepting reservations?
No, Lockhouse 10 is closed for reservations until further notice. Six other Canal Quarters Lockhouses remain open. We recommend booking your stay in Lockhouse 21 or 6 for options near Lock 10.
Is the sewage hazardous?
- Leave the area immediately.
- Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water.
- Disinfect any affected areas or items.
- Do not consume food or water that may have been exposed.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
- Report exposure to DC Water at (202) 612-3400.
You can also find this information here.
What are the impacts of the sewage?
Currently, roughly 60 million gallons of sewage are carried by the Potomac Interceptor every day. The overflow has caused sewage to enter the Potomac River and the surrounding environment. Sewage contains pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals that can cause widespread damage to the ecosystem and human health.
DC Water has been working closely with federal, state, and local agencies to coordinate efforts to contain the overflow, monitor and assess impacts, and keep the public informed. The National Park Service will continue coordinating with DC Water to mitigate impacts to the C&O Canal National Historical Park and its resources. Following containment and repair, the NPS will continue working with DC Water on restoration efforts in the C&O Canal.
Update from DC Water:
“As work progresses at the site, efforts are underway to begin the environmental assessment and cleanup. DC Water is performing water quality sampling and surveying the areas impacted by the overflow into the Potomac, working in coordination with federal, state, and local partners to evaluate environmental effects and determine appropriate remediation measures.
The full cost of cleanup and remediation is still being determined. DC Water will cover the expenses, which will be shared among wholesale customers—WSSC Water, Loudoun County, and Fairfax County—in proportion to their allocated pipe capacity.”
To learn more about the effects of sewage, check out these resources:
If you have additional questions or need information you may contact DC Water’s Customer Care team at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.
Photo credit: Paul Graunke