Weeks After Sewer Line Break, There Is Still a Lot of Crap in the Potomac River - Washingtonian

"Three weeks ago, a collapse of the Potomac Interceptor pipe launched hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, contaminating waterways and thrusting the concept of "poop water" into local consciousness. Though it seemed for a moment that the spill was largely contained, DC Water announced last week that workers discovered a massive rock dam blocking the damaged sewer line-a snafu that is expected to delay repairs for another four to six weeks."

"According to a DC Water press release Monday, an onslaught of non-disposable wipes flushed Sunday clogged multiple pumps, which then had to be taken out of service for cleaning and maintenance. "This reduction in pumping capacity coincided with a high flow period in the sewer system contributing to the event," the release says. "The incident is in addition to a smaller overflow that occurred earlier in the day but was contained within the site and did not reach the river.""

"The deluge released "several hundred thousand gallons of wastewater," which the agency says was contained on-site and did not reach the river. A smaller related overflow-about 5,000 gallons of contaminated water-took place Monday but was also contained on-site, according to a Tuesday update. DC Water says five new bypass pumps are being tested and could arrive as soon as the end of this week."

A collapse of the Potomac Interceptor pipe released hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, contaminating waterways and increasing public concern about sewage contamination. Workers later discovered a massive rock dam blocking the damaged sewer line, a complication that is expected to delay repairs for four to six weeks. On Super Bowl Sunday non-disposable wipes flushed into the system clogged multiple pumps, reducing pumping capacity during a high-flow period and causing an overflow. Several hundred thousand gallons were released but contained on-site; a smaller 5,000-gallon overflow was also contained. Temporary bypasses have limited overflows most days while additional bypass pumps are tested and repairs continue, with more leaks possible during the work.

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