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  "path": "/news/non-disposable-wipes-clog-pumps-cause-more-sewer-overflow-potomac",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-11T15:19:09.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.fox5dc.com",
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  "textContent": "Efforts to contain one of the Washington, D.C., region's largest environmental emergencies faced a setback this week.\n\nA major blockage caused an estimated 600,000 gallons of additional sewage to spill into the Potomac River over the weekend, complicating the ongoing response to a massive pipe collapse that occurred in January.\n\nThe latest incident was triggered by two pipes becoming clogged with non-disposable wipes, according to DC Water.\n\nOfficials say the accumulation of non-disposable wipes, combined with increased water and toilet usage and runoff from melting snow, led to the additional overflow.\n\nD.C. Water also admitted to a reporting error regarding water quality samples.\n\nOfficials clarified that a sample taken Friday in the affected area of the Potomac actually contained levels of E. coli bacteria 100 times higher than initially reported.\n\nThis latest spill is part of a larger, months-long crisis. Crews have been working around the clock near Lock 10 to repair a pipeline section that collapsed in January.\n\nThe initial collapse has already resulted in at least 240 million gallons of raw sewage entering the Potomac.\n\nThe current clogs are impacting pumping capacity at a critical time when crews are attempting to install bypass pumps to manage the flow while permanent repairs are made.\n\nOfficials urge the public to be mindful of what they flush to avoid further stressing the compromised infrastructure as work continues at the site.",
  "title": "Non-disposable wipes clog pumps, cause more sewer overflow into Potomac"
}