Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is currently investigating the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) following a major sewage spill. On January 19th, 2026, a section of the Potomac Interceptor System – an underground pipeline responsible for carrying sewage into Washington, DC for treatment – collapsed, releasing approximately 240 million gallons of untreated sewage spilling out into the Potomac River.
Concerns About Hazardous Water Conditions and Negligence
The Potomac River became extremely hazardous with E-coli levels 4,000 times higher than recreational water standards. In February, residents were told not to engage in any recreational activity on the river. While the advisory on recreational activities was recently lifted, swimming remains prohibited without special permission.
Repair efforts were stalled by a pipe blockage created by large boulders that redirected additional waste into the river. In this case, officials believe that the abrupt collapse and subsequent blockage was linked to poor engineering practices while building the system in the 1960s.
This raises concerns about negligence due to insufficient construction and inspection of existing DC WASA pipes.
Why This Matters for DC Residents and Property Owners
This contamination event constitutes a public and private nuisance. The release of sewage into the waterway and resulting rise in contaminants made the water unsafe, restricting recreational and business activities on the river.
Do you reside in the Washington, DC area?
If you are a resident or property owner in the DC area whose property or business has been affected, we would like to hear from you.
Please complete the questionnaire below. For more information or to submit documentation, contact us at [email protected] or call (202) 470-3520.