** UPDATE ** WSSC Water Crews Continue 24/7 Response to Collapsed Sewer Main in Germantown

Laurel, Md. – March 19, 2026 @ 9:15 p.m. – WSSC Water’s rapid response to a collapsed sewer main near 19111 Liberty Mill Road in Germantown continues. Crews are working around the clock to establish a bypass pumping operation as personnel from Washington Gas relocate a gas main that was near the collapsed sewer main. Additionally, Verizon crews are relocating two utility poles impacted by the collapsed pipe.

At this time, there is no wastewater escaping from the pipe. The flow of wastewater continues along the intact bottom section of the main. Drinking water is not impacted. 

WSSC Water crews and emergency contractors will work around the clock until repairs are complete to the 30-inch diameter sewer main. 

Status of Current Work 

• Emergency contractors working for WSSC Water are connecting 1,000 feet of 18-inch diameter bypass piping. 
• Eight pumps are on site – ready for use in the bypass pumping operation. 
• Crews are cutting roadways and sidewalks to prepare for the installation of this piping. 
• As soon as Washington Gas and Verizon complete their work, crews will start installing the bypass system. 
• Approximately 110 feet of 30-inch diameter PVC pipe is en route to the construction 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. 
• WSSC Water and emergency contractors will work around the clock to complete these repairs. 

Background 

The 30-inch diameter main collapse was reported 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 today. Montgomery County Public Schools are scheduled to be closed tomorrow.  

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

Timeline of Prior Events 

• In August 2024, a section of the 30-inch diameter sewer main broke in front of Germantown Elementary School. WSSC Water crews responded quickly to this break and made repairs. 
• At the time of this break, a contract was already in place to replace and rehabilitate 1,708 feet of 30-inch sewer main and rehabilitate 18 manholes, which included this section of collapsed main. 
• In December 2024, before work was scheduled to begin, WSSC Water and the contractor determined the original bypass plan could not handle wastewater flows during construction.  
• The project was paused while WSSC Water engineers and staff from operations and production developed a more robust bypass solution capable of safely handling wastewater flows 24/7 without jeopardizing system operations.  
• This new bypass plan was completed in December 2025.  
• To minimize disruption to Germantown Elementary School, work was scheduled to begin in Summer 2026 – after school was out. 
• Due to today’s collapse, work to replace and rehabilitate 1,708 feet of sewer main and 18 manholes will begin in mid-April. WSSC Water will closely coordinate with school officials and residents to ensure public safety and minimize impacts to students and staff.   
• Completion of this larger rehabilitation project is anticipated in April 2027, weather permitting. 

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.