DC Water is advising the public to avoid the water in Maddox Creek due to a sewage spill. Recent heavy rains eroded the bank of 49th Street, NW. The eroded earth slid downhill and came to rest on top of a 10” sewer line, crushing it. DC Water crews today used closed circuit television cameras to inspect the sewer line and pinpoint the crushed portion of pipe.

DC Water is taking an immediate two-pronged approach to 1) set up a bypass that will direct the sewage back into the sewer line beyond the crushed pipe and 2) repair the broken pipe.

The public is advised to stay away from Maddox Creek and to keep pets away until further notice to eliminate the risk of exposure to raw sewage. Maddox Creek runs from 49th and Fulton, NW to Fletcher’s Boathouse.

With nearly 1,800 miles of sewer lines throughout its service area, DC Water appreciates notification from the public if a sanitary sewer spill or leak is suspected. Please call the 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in the District of Columbia. More information on the sewer system can be found at dcwater.com.