Overnight Excavation of Damaged Pipe Continues as Crews Maintain Large-Scale Uninterrupted Bypass Operations and Prepare to Install New Main
Keep Wipes Out of the Pipes & Can the Grease
Reminder: Drinking Water NOT Impacted
Laurel, Md. – March 21, 2026 @ 11:15 a.m. – WSSC Water crews worked continuously overnight to carefully excavate the collapsed 30-inch diameter sewer main at 19111 Liberty Mill Road in Germantown while maintaining the large-scale bypass pumping operation to protect surrounding communities and the environment.
The fully operational bypass system was activated last night at 11:10 p.m. and consists of approximately 1,000 feet of 18-inch diameter piping and high-capacity pumps – allowing sewage to flow fully contained within the temporary pipes and safely around the damaged main.
With the successful implementation of the bypass, Germantown Elementary School will be able to open on Monday.
Work will continue 24 hours a day until repairs are complete, with crews removing the damaged pipe and installing approximately 110 feet of 30-inch diameter PVC pipe between two manholes.
Reminder, drinking water is not impacted.
Crews are taking 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 the continuous emergency repairs. Crews have worked nonstop since.
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 on 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.
WSSC Water is the proud provider of safe, seamless and satisfying water services, making the essential possible every day for our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. We work to deliver our best because it’s what our customers expect and deserve.