WSSC Water Crews Rapidly Respond to Sewer Main Collapse in Germantown

Laurel, Md. – March 19, 2026 – WSSC Water crews responded rapidly this morning to a sewer main collapse near 19111 Liberty Mill Road in Germantown, near Germantown Elementary School. The 30-inch diameter main collapse was reported at 6:31 a.m. Crews were onsite quickly and began assessing conditions and initiating emergency response plans. 

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. 

The collapse resulted in a broken Washington Gas service line. Crews from Washington Gas are on site and working to address the issue. In addition, Verizon is responding after a telephone pole in the area was compromised due to the sewer-main collapse. 

Due to the collapsed main, Germantown Elementary School is 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 is closed between Dawson Farm and Pepper Court. WSSC Water crews are working to establish a bypass pumping operation that will safely redirect wastewater around the collapsed pipe. Once conditions are deemed safe - and in coordination with all utility partners and emergency personnel - contractors working for WSSC Water will: 

• Remove the damaged section of pipe. 
• Install a new section of durable PVC pipe. 
• Take all necessary steps to minimize any potential odor concerns for nearby residents and continue to monitor conditions closely. 

WSSC Water will provide updates, including a pipeline replacement timeline, as work progresses. This section was planned for replacement under a current contract which required additional design efforts and coordination with utility operations. This delay is being assessed further. 

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.