Bowser seeks federal aid after Potomac sewage spill 240-250M gallons

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a local public emergency on Feb. 18 and asked President Donald Trump to issue a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration after a rupture in the Potomac Interceptor pipeline sent hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River. The pipeline, a 72-inch line that ruptured on Jan. 19, has dumped an estimated 250 million gallons of raw sewage in its early stages, AP reported; local broadcasters have said the overflow exceeded 240 million gallons.

The declaration seeks 100 percent reimbursement for costs incurred by the District and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, and asks federal agencies to step into a coordinated response. The mayor’s office requested that FEMA "establish a regular interagency coordination calls among federal agencies, affected states, and the District to maintain shared situational awareness and align federal assistance," according to the emergency petition filed with federal authorities. The request also asks the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to join assessments of water and sewage system elements and seeks Small Business Administration support "should there be economic impacts," AP said.

Public health officials and first responders warn of immediate community harms. NBC4 reported dangerous levels of E. coli in the river and said first responders have adopted hazmat protocols for water rescues. DC Water has repeatedly insisted that tap water remains safe to drink while cautioning residents to avoid direct contact with Potomac River water, WUSA reported. The spill has closed or contaminated recreational access and threatens downstream communities that rely on the river for fishing, boating, and livelihoods.

DC Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah framed the emergency declaration as a tool to marshal resources. "Our number one priority is the district, and that we’re going to utilize all resources, local, federal, and regional, or otherwise, to support operations of the district and what’s best for district residents," Appiah said on a press call announcing the action. He added that "the mayor evaluated the situation and decided the declaration was the appropriate action to bring in the necessary resources and coordination to repair the leak and get the city reimbursed," according to AP.

Local authorities said the leak affects a federally regulated line and that DC Water has been coordinating with the Environmental Protection Agency. WUSA reported that the EPA had offered federal funds in earlier contacts. District officials met with White House staff and EPA officials in recent days as they prepared the formal request; the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the emergency declaration request, AP said.

Repair estimates remain stark. NBC4 reported DC Water expects about four to six weeks to repair the pipeline and up to nine months of additional work at the site to stabilize systems and restore full service. Meanwhile, the political fallout has intensified: AP quoted President Trump on Truth Social saying, "There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland," and noting that local officials had not asked for emergency help and that he intended to step in.

The next visible steps will be federal decisions on the emergency declaration and reimbursement, expanded water quality monitoring, and the pace of the pipeline repair. For communities along the river, public health advisories and economic damage assessments will determine whether small businesses and waterfront neighborhoods can recover.