Overview
- A video inspection of the 72-inch Potomac Interceptor found a large rock dam about 30 feet from the Jan. 19 breach, extending the repair timeline by 4 to 6 weeks.
- DC Water says a bypass is capturing most overflow, with five additional pumps arriving to bring 13 units on site and boost diversion capacity above 100 million gallons per day.
- Engineers must stabilize the ground, enter the pipe to remove boulders manually, and use bigger machinery to reopen the line safely.
- Recent sampling showed E. coli below 50 at several D.C. sites on Feb. 4 but 178 at National Harbor; officials say drinking water is safe and urge people and pets to avoid river contact.
- The Potomac Riverkeeper Network and University of Maryland reported high fecal bacteria and pathogens near the break and downstream, calling for public health advisories.