WSSC Water Crews Quickly Respond to and Stop Sanitary Sewer Overflow in Fort Washington

Laurel, Md. – August 6, 2026 – WSSC Water crews quickly responded to and stopped a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) today at the Swan Creek Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) located at 522 W. Tantallon Drive in Fort Washington, Prince George’s County. 

The overflow, which was detected at approximately 8:02 a.m., was stopped about one hour later at 9:17 a.m. The total volume of this SSO is estimated at 150,300 gallons of untreated wastewater that overflowed from a 24‑inch diameter force sewer main connected to temporary bypass pipes at the WWPS. The SSO was caused by a break in one of the temporary bypass pipes connected to the force sewer main. 

WSSC Water crews arrived shortly after the overflow began and promptly stopped it.

The untreated wastewater entered a storm drain that discharges into Swan Creek. Crews have initiated cleanup and restoration efforts in the affected area. Warning signs have been posted advising residents to avoid the area until further notice.

WSSC Water notified the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department.

WSSC Water is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,600 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC Water appreciates notifications from citizens if a sewer overflow or water main break is suspected. Citizens can call WSSC Water’s 24-hour Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002 to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George’s or Montgomery counties.

Customers can also report emergencies via email at [email protected], and on the WSSC Water Mobile App.