Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of the Environment, has filed a lawsuit against DC Water seeking significant penalties and compensation for damages resulting from a major sewage spill into the Potomac River. The legal action also demands a court order for the complete restoration of the affected areas.
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The lawsuit originates from the rupture of a 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line on January 19, 2026. This failure, which occurred in Montgomery County near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, led to an estimated 240 million gallons of untreated sewage being discharged into the Potomac River and its tributaries over an eight-day period. The complaint alleges that DC Water was aware of the deteriorating condition of the Potomac Interceptor, a system over half a century old, due to corrosion. Despite this knowledge, the lawsuit contends that DC Water failed to adequately assess the associated risks and delayed necessary capital improvements.
The Maryland Department of the Environment is seeking substantial civil penalties, with the potential for up to $10,000 per day for each violation of state water pollution laws. Beyond penalties, the state is requesting that DC Water cover all costs associated with environmental testing and cleanup efforts. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks damages for the diminished value of Maryland’s natural resources and a court order to permanently prevent any future unauthorized sewage discharges. The complaint was officially filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court.
This incident and subsequent lawsuit will likely have implications for residents who utilize the Potomac River for recreation or depend on its environmental health. The contamination raised concerns about the impact on local ecosystems, public health, and potentially the local economy tied to the river. The legal action aims to hold DC Water accountable for the environmental damage and to ensure measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.
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