Swan Creek Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)

WSSC Water Crews Quickly Respond to and Stop Sanitary Sewer Overflow in Fort Washington

 

Overflow Caused by Broken Temporary Bypass Pipe; Drinking Water NOT Impacted

Capital Heights, MD. – August 6, 2026 – WSSC Water crews quickly responded to and stopped a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) today at the Swan Creek Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) located at 522 W. Tantallon Drive in Fort Washington, Prince George's County.

The overflow, which was detected at approximately 8:02 a.m., was stopped about one hour later at 9:17 a.m. The total volume of this SSO is estimated at 150,300 gallons of untreated wastewater that overflowed from a 24-inch diameter force sewer main connected to temporary bypass pipes at the WWPS. The SSO was caused by a break in one of the temporary bypass pipes connected to the force sewer main. WSSC Water crews arrived shortly after the overflow began and promptly stopped it.

"Protecting the health and safety of Prince George's County residents is our highest priority. We are working closely with WSSC Water and our partners to ensure the affected area is properly addressed and that appropriate precautions are communicated to the public," said Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, Prince George's County Health Officer. We urge residents to avoid contact with the affected water until cleanup and assessment activities are complete and the area is determined to be safe,

The untreated wastewater entered a storm drain that discharges into Swan Creek. WSSC Water is responsible for conducting cleanup and restoration activities in the affected area and for posting warning signs advising the public to avoid contact with the affected water until the area is determined safe. WSSC Water has initiated these efforts, and the Prince George's County Health Department will conduct a follow-up investigation on August 7 to assess the affected area and verify that appropriate cleanup and public warning measures have been implemented.

WSSC Water notified the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George's County Health Department.

"Protecting the health and safety of Prince George's County residents is our highest priority. We are working closely with WSSC Water and our partners to ensure the affected area is properly addressed and that appropriate precautions are communicated to the public," 

said Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, Prince George's County Health Officer. We urge residents to avoid contact with the affected water until cleanup and assessment activities are complete and the area is determined to be safe.

WSSC Water is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,600 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC Water appreciates notifications from citizens if a sewer overflow or water main break is suspected. Citizens can call WSSC Water's 24-hour Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002 to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George's or Montgomery counties.

Customers can also report emergencies via email at emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com, and on the WSSC Water Mobile App.