February 20, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
Your drinking water is not impacted. DC Water’s drinking water system is separate from the wastewater/sewage system. The river water used for our drinking water is being pulled from upstream of the break (at Great Falls). Any sewage that went into the river because of the break in the Potomac Interceptor flowed away from the water intake and not towards it. An intake site for drinking water does exist downstream from the break, at Little Falls, but it was not in operation during the spill and it remains closed. Once pulled from Great Falls, the river water goes to the Washington Aqueduct, which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to be cleaned and distributed by DC Water for residential use. Residents should also know that all DC drinking water is cleaned, purified, and constantly tested for safety before it comes to Washington, DC.
There have been no overflows into the Potomac River since February 9, and the water in the Potomac River and the Anacostia River is being closely monitored. Both DC Water and the District Department of Energy and Environment are conducting regular testing, and results are being shared publicly. The Environmental Protection Agency is also supporting daily testing.
Avoid contact with the Potomac River. For now, residents should continue to avoid contact with water from the Potomac River. At 21 days of continued normal levels downstream over changing weather conditions and no additional substantial overflows, DC will lift the advisory on March 2.
We’ve requested federal support. The District is seeking 100% reimbursement for costs incurred by the District and DC Water, and we made additional requests for support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Small Business Administration, and the National Park Service.
We will continue to keep you informed as response efforts move forward. Thank you to the teams and crews working tirelessly to protect our city and our waterways.
Sincerely,
 Budget season is here, and we want your ideas on how to keep our city growing. Join us at one of our two remaining Budget Engagement Forums to share your thoughts on how we can support good jobs, strong neighborhoods, and continued economic growth, or simply come to listen and learn from your neighbors. Learn more at budget.dc.gov.
Budget Engagement Forum at Barry Farm Recreation Center
Budget Engagement Forum at Dock 5 in Union Market
Join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation for the 8th Annual FITDC HerStory 5K and Kids Dash, a free, family-friendly celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Enjoy a morning of fitness, community, and fun, followed by a post-race celebration. Register today!
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When: Saturday, March 7
- Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
- Kids Dash begins at 9:15 a.m.
- Race begins at 10:00 a.m.
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Where: Freedom Plaza, 1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Register for the 8th Annual HerStory 5K
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Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the 2026 Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown! Walk with Mayor Bowser and the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and enjoy vibrant cultural performances, a special ceremonial program, and a dazzling firecracker finale as we ring in the Lunar New Year together.
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