Around-the-Clock Efforts Successfully Install Approximately 110 Feet of New Sewer Main
CCTV Inspection Confirms New Pipe Installation Complete
Large-Scale Bypass Pumping Operation Remains
Reminder: Drinking Water NOT Impacted
Laurel, Md. – March 23, 2026 @ 1 a.m. – Working continuously day and night, WSSC Water crews have successfully installed approximately 110 feet of new 30-inch-diameter PVC sewer main between two manholes at the site of the collapsed pipe located at 19111 Liberty Mill Road in Germantown. CCTV was used to fully confirm installation of the pipe. Crews are now backfilling the excavation, marking a major milestone in this urgent, around-the-clock repair effort.
Emergency operations remain active, including the temporary bypass pumping operation, which must remain in place as crews continue the next phase of work. This includes proactively inspecting nearby sewer mains and clearing debris from sections of the 30-inch diameter main downstream of the collapse where sediment likely accumulated. These preventative measures are critical to protecting system reliability and preventing future issues. Cleanup and restoration of the surrounding area will occur simultaneously as this work continues, including removal of most construction equipment.
WSSC Water is finalizing details to begin a comprehensive sewer rehabilitation project, replacing and repairing approximately 1,708 feet of sewer main in this area and rehabilitating 18 manholes. WSSC Water will engage in extensive community outreach to keep school officials and residents informed once the project begins.
Germantown Elementary School will be able to open today. Safety fencing has been installed around the bypass pumping operation to ensure the safety of students and school personnel.
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.
Keep Wipes Out of the Pipes!
WSSC Water appreciates the patience, cooperation and understanding of local residents as this complex emergency repair project continues uninterrupted. Special thanks to the community for keeping wipes and grease out of the pipes as the large-scale bypass pumping operation has not experienced any clogs, keeping emergency operations on track.
WSSC Water is directly reaching out to customers in Germantown and Clarksburg whose wastewater flows through the area of the temporary bypass pumping operation 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.
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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.