Friday, February 20, 2026

Maryland, Virginia Democrats press DC Water on Potomac sewage spill

Maryland and Virginia Democrats are taking action in response to a recent wastewater spill that has caused concern and sparked political tension in the region. In a letter addressed to DC Water CEO David Gadis, the lawmakers expressed their serious concerns and called for immediate action to address the issue.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised alarm over the potential impact on the Potomac River, a vital water source for the region. The spill has also raised questions about the effectiveness of DC Water’s management and infrastructure.

In the letter, the lawmakers stated, “We are deeply troubled by the recent wastewater spill that has leaked into the Potomac River. This incident has not only caused environmental damage but also threatens the health and well-being of our communities. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to hold DC Water accountable and ensure the safety of our constituents.”

The spill, which occurred at DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, released over 10 million gallons of untreated wastewater into the river. This has raised concerns over the potential contamination of the water and its impact on the ecosystem.

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, along with Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, have called for a thorough investigation into the incident. They have also urged DC Water to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

In addition to the environmental concerns, the spill has also sparked political tension in the region. Both Maryland and Virginia Democrats have criticized DC Water for its lack of transparency and failure to inform the public about the spill in a timely manner.

“We are disappointed by the lack of communication and transparency from DC Water regarding this incident. The public has the right to know about potential threats to their health and the environment. We urge DC Water to be more forthcoming and keep the public informed about any developments,” the lawmakers stated in the letter.

DC Water has responded to the letter, acknowledging the concerns raised by the lawmakers and assuring them that they are taking all necessary steps to address the issue. The utility company has also stated that they will cooperate fully with the investigation and provide regular updates to the public.

As the investigation into the spill continues, it is crucial that DC Water takes swift action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The safety of our water sources and the well-being of our communities must be a top priority for all involved.

The lawmakers have also urged DC Water to invest in modernizing their infrastructure to prevent such incidents from happening. This will not only ensure the safety of our water supply but also create much-needed jobs and boost the local economy.

In conclusion, the recent wastewater spill in the Potomac River has raised serious concerns and sparked political tension in the region. Maryland and Virginia Democrats are taking a stand and holding DC Water accountable for their actions. It is crucial that immediate action is taken to address the issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The safety of our communities and the protection of our environment must be a top priority for all involved.

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