WSSC Water Statement on Motion to Intervene in Potomac Interceptor Lawsuit

Laurel, Md. – August 18, 2026 @ 6:35 p.m. - WSSC Water today filed a motion to intervene in the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act lawsuit regarding the Potomac Interceptor. This measure is necessary to allow WSSC Water to directly engage in discussions regarding remedial actions concerning the Potomac Interceptor and related wastewater treatment infrastructure to ensure the viability of that infrastructure for decades to come. It also allows us to be mindful of our customers’ financial interests and address the potential impact of significant costs resulting from the Potomac Interceptor collapse.

By intervening in the lawsuit, WSSC Water will have the ability to directly engage in decisions about costs, future capital improvements and financial responsibilities tied to this critical wastewater infrastructure.

Our involvement is also critical to protecting our drinking water. Emergency repairs are underway on another section of the Potomac Interceptor just two miles upstream of our Potomac Water Filtration Plant, which produces 70 percent of the drinking water for our 1.9 million customers.

Our priorities are clear: secure reliable wastewater treatment infrastructure, protect our customers’ financial interests, safeguard our drinking water, and ensure our customers have representation in decisions that could have significant and lasting impacts.