Trump Approves Emergency Aid for DC as Sewer Break Triggers Potomac River Contamination

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Saturday, 21 February 2026 11:31 AM EST
President Donald Trump on Saturday approved Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s request for federal disaster assistance as the nation’s capital works to clean up the Potomac River following a sewer line collapse.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced in a statement that disaster assistance is now available for emergency conditions resulting from the collapse, which began on January 19.

Trump’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts aimed at protecting public health and safety, safeguarding property, and reducing the threat of further catastrophe.

The assistance applies to the District of Columbia and areas in Maryland and Virginia where the District has responsibilities.

FEMA stated it is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide equipment and resources as needed.

Emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program are limited to direct federal assistance and funded at a 75% federal cost share.

The administration named Mark K. O’Hanlon as the federal coordinating officer for response operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations could be made later if requested and supported by damage assessments.

Bowser declared a local public emergency on Wednesday and asked the Trump administration for support under a 15-day order.

In her declaration, she directed emergency and city officials to “activate, implement, and coordinate mutual aid agreements between the District of Columbia and federal, state, or local jurisdictions as needed.”

Bowser also contacted Trump directly, requesting he declare a major disaster and authorize 100% federal reimbursement for costs incurred by the District and DC Water.

DC Water owns and operates the Potomac Interceptor, which ruptured last month, resulting in an estimated 243 million gallons of untreated wastewater flowing into the Potomac through January 24.

The utility erected a temporary bypass pipeline to prevent additional contamination, with repairs expected to take four to six weeks.

Trump has blamed local officials in D.C. and Maryland for the spill, noting that the portion of the interceptor that collapsed was in Montgomery County, Maryland.

The incident intensified a public dispute between Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who has pressed the administration for FEMA funding.

Moore’s spokesperson, Ammar Moussa, accused Trump of misstating key facts about responsibility for the interceptor and claimed the administration failed to act quickly enough after the leak began.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger stated on Friday that the Trump administration is coordinating with local authorities to fix the broken underground pipe dumping wastewater into the Potomac River. “Amid the response, our state agencies are conducting water quality testing and monitoring the status of repairs,” she said. “Our focus is on Virginians’ health and safety.”