Statement
Statement from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Environmental Protection Regarding DC Water Potomac Interceptor Sanitary Sewer Overflow
For Immediate Release: Thursday 29 January
The Montgomery County Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Environmental Protection (DEP) are monitoring the DC Water Potomac Interceptor Sanitary Sewer Overflow along the Clara Barton Parkway near 495 in Montgomery County.
DC Water, the asset owner of the affected pipe, is leading the response and is responsible for containment, installing the bypass, investigating and repairing the pipe, conducting site mitigation, and performing environmental assessments related to this incident.
The overflow occurred on National Park Service (NPS) land, over which Montgomery County lacks regulatory authority. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NPS are responsible for regulatory oversight and compliance.
DC Water continues to post signage, restrict access where appropriate, and provide ongoing public updates on its website and directly to affected communities. DC Water’s website remains the best source of up-to-date information regarding the incident and response actions.
DC Water has reported working with federal, state, and local partners, including EPA, NPS, the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington Aqueduct, the District Department of Energy and Environment, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the governments of Montgomery County, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County.
DHHS, DEP, and the County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security are coordinating locally to monitor any potential community impacts. The County has also consulted with MDE regarding any current or future environmental concerns.
To minimize health risks, DHHS and DEP advise the following:
- Avoid Contact: Do not come into contact with the water or shoreline in impacted areas. Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge and ensure pets do not drink from the river.
- Hygiene and Exposure: If exposure occurs, wash skin and hands immediately with soap and clean water. Pet owners should thoroughly rinse their pet’s paws and fur.
- Consumption Risks: Do not consume any food or water that may have been exposed. Additionally, avoid collecting or eating fish, shellfish, or any other wildlife from the river.
- Infrastructure Support: Residents served by the interceptor are encouraged to avoid flushing wipes or disposing of grease down drains. This simple action helps support ongoing emergency operations and reduces strain on the system.
- Medical and Veterinary Care: Anyone experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, or skin irritation after exposure should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if their pet becomes ill after exposure.
Reporting Exposure: Please report any exposure to DC Water at 202-612-3400. Montgomery County residents or visitors may also report an exposure involving symptoms to DHHS’ Disease Control Office at 240-777-1755.
We are working to ensure DC Water is addressing the discharge responsibly, protecting public safety through access controls and signage, providing timely updates, and evaluating infrastructure maintenance needs to help prevent future failures.
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Release ID: 26-003