** 11:10 P.M. UPDATE ** Bypass Pumping System Fully Operational as WSSC Water Crews Continue 24/7 Repairs on Collapsed Sewer Main in Germantown

Laurel, Md. – March 20, 2026 @ 11:10 p.m. – WSSC Water crews working nonstop have successfully established a full-scale bypass pumping operation to safely divert wastewater around the collapsed 30-inch diameter sewer main at 19111 Liberty Mill Road in Germantown.  

Teams have been working around the clock to connect and install approximately 1,000 feet of 18-inch diameter bypass piping and high-capacity pumps – allowing sewage to flow fully contained within the temporary pipes and safely around the damaged main.  

With the bypass system now fully operational, crews are pressing ahead nonstop with excavation and permanent repairs. Reminder, drinking water is not impacted. 

Status of Current Work 

• With the bypass system fully operational, crews are now excavating and removing the damaged section of pipe. 
• Once the excavation is complete, crews will install approximately 110 feet of 30-inch diameter durable PVC pipe between two manholes. 
• Crews will take all necessary steps to minimize any potential odor concerns for nearby residents and continue to monitor conditions closely. 

Keep Wipes Out of the Pipes! 

WSSC Water is directly reaching out to customers in Germantown and Clarksburg whose wastewater flows through the damaged pipe to remind them that wipes should never be flushed and grease should never be poured down the drain. These items can clog bypass pumps and disrupt critical emergency operations. This outreach includes paid advertising on Nextdoor, Facebook and Instagram targeting zip codes 20874, 20876 and 20871. More information at wsscwater.com/wipes and wsscwater.com/canthegrease.

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. 

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. Follow WSSC Water social for the latest updates or visit our website.

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.