Ruptured sewer line floods Potomac with millions of gallons upstream of Washington

A 72-inch sewer pipe rupture in Montgomery County releases about 40 million gallons of wastewater daily into the Potomac River upstream of Washington, D.C., as crews install pumps to divert flow and repair the line ahead of a winter storm. The spill does not affect drinking water, but authorities warn the public to stay away and wash exposed skin; the EPA is coordinating with DC Water and local agencies, highlighting aging wastewater infrastructure and planned rehabilitations on the Potomac Interceptor.