Mayor Bowser Declares Emergency Over Potomac Sewage Spill, Seeks Federal Assistance [WATCH]

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a local emergency on Wednesday and requested that President Donald Trump issue a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration to address a major sewage system failure that released approximately 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River during the first days of the incident, as reported by The New York Post.

The rupture involves a 72-inch pipeline known as the Potomac Interceptor, which was installed in the 1960s. The pipe burst on January 19, sending untreated sewage into the river just north of Washington over the first five days.

“Our number one priority is the district, and that we’re going to utilize all resources, local, federal, and regional, or otherwise, to support operations of the district and what’s best for district residents,” DC Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah said during a press call announcing the mayor’s action.

.@pdoocy: “Is he worried that by the summer the Potomac River will still smell like poop?”@PressSec Karoline Leavitt: “He is worried about that which is why the federal government want to fix it.” pic.twitter.com/rqXXYhtWVo

— CSPAN (@cspan) February 18, 2026

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The emergency declaration seeks full federal reimbursement for the costs incurred by the city and its local utility, DC Water, in responding to the leak and making repairs.

It also asks the president to authorize federal support to coordinate the ongoing response.

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Among the requested actions, the declaration would “direct FEMA to establish a regular interagency coordination calls among federal agencies, affected states, and the District to maintain shared situational awareness and align federal assistance.”

The mayor’s request also calls for involvement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the water and sewage systems and for potential assistance from the Small Business Administration if there are economic impacts.

“The federal entities do exist to support this type of activity,” Appiah said.

The declaration follows two days of public comments from President Trump on Truth Social, criticizing the handling of the spill.

In one post, he wrote, “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland.”

Trump noted that local officials had not formally requested emergency assistance and indicated he intended to step in.

The federal government has already been involved in the response, with the Environmental Protection Agency participating in repair efforts and assessing the environmental impact.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Bowser’s emergency declaration request.

Appiah said the mayor determined that issuing a local emergency was necessary to secure additional coordination and resources, as well as reimbursement for expenditures.

She also noted that Washington is making longer-term requests tied to critical infrastructure projects.

DC Water has been working with federal and regional agencies, including the EPA, to contain the spill and monitor conditions in the river.

Officials said the leak is primarily under control, though it could take months to complete repairs on the damaged pipeline.

Authorities have stated that the city’s drinking water remains safe. However, individuals who use the Potomac River for recreational purposes are being advised to avoid direct contact with the water.

Betsy Nicholas, president of the Potomac River Keeper Network, said her organization has been monitoring the situation and supports federal involvement.

“Our most urgent needs are for clarity on timelines, monitoring data, and coordination among the governmental bodies,” Nicholas said.

She also said funding will be needed to analyze the environmental damage to the river’s ecosystem, including impacts on recreation and businesses that rely on the waterway.

The request now awaits action from the president as city and federal agencies continue addressing the aftermath of the spill.

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