** 10:15 A.M. UPDATE ** WSSC Water Makes Significant Progress in 24/7 Response to Collapsed Sewer Main in Germantown

Laurel, Md. – March 20, 2026 @ 10:15 a.m. – WSSC Water crews worked throughout the night in a continuous effort to repair the collapsed sewer main near 19111 Liberty Mill Road in Germantown, making significant progress. Reminder, drinking water is not impacted. 

Status of Current Work 

• Construction teams worked all night fusing together and installing the 1,000 feet of 18-inch diameter bypass piping and are approximately halfway complete. 
• Washington Gas and Verizon crews completed their utility relocation work earlier this morning, allowing WSSC Water full and safe access to the site.  
• Eight pumps are on site – ready for use in the bypass pumping operation. 
• Bypass pumping is expected to become operational later today. 
• Approximately 110 feet of 30-inch diameter PVC pipe is now on site. 
• After bypass pumping is operational, crews will excavate to remove the damaged section of pipe. 
• New sections of durable PVC pipe will then be installed between two manholes. 
• Crews will take all necessary steps to minimize any potential odor concerns for nearby residents and continue to monitor conditions closely. 

Background 

The 30-inch diameter main collapse was reported on Thursday, March 19, at 6:31 a.m. Crews were on site quickly and secured the site for safety and initiated emergency response plans. 

Due to the collapsed main, Germantown Elementary School was closed yesterday. Montgomery County Public Schools are scheduled to be closed today.  

WSSC Water is coordinating closely with utility partners and local emergency officials. To ensure public safety, Liberty Mill Road remains closed between Dawson Farm Road and Pepper Court.  

WSSC Water will provide updates, including a pipeline replacement timeline, as work progresses.  

WSSC Water appreciates the community’s patience as crews work safely and efficiently to address this emergency issue. 

Customers who observe a water or sewer emergency can contact WSSC Water’s 24-hour Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002. Emergencies can also be reported via email at [email protected] or through the WSSC Water Mobile App.