Trump directs federal authorities to manage sewage spill 'disaster'

February 17, 2026

A major sewage line rupture in Maryland has caused millions of gallons of wastewater to pour into the Potomac River since late January, creating what experts consider among the largest sewage spills in American history. President Trump has ordered federal agencies, particularly FEMA, to take control of managing the crisis, criticizing local Democratic leaders for mismanagement. However, FEMA's response capability is hampered because the Department of Homeland Security has exhausted its funding, with Congress deadlocked over approving new spending.

Who is affected

Residents of Washington DC, Maryland, and areas along the Potomac River
DC Water and Sewer Authority (infrastructure manager)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
President Donald Trump
Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Congress
Communities downstream to the Chesapeake Bay

What action is being taken

Crews are working around the clock to contain the wastewater overflow
Federal authorities are being directed to provide management, direction, and coordination to protect the Potomac
FEMA is leading the federal response
Local researchers are conducting water sampling of the river
Officials are advising residents to stay away from the Potomac River

Why it matters

This represents one of the largest sewage spills in US history, posing serious public health risks due to dangerous bacteria concentrations including E. coli and MRSA in a major waterway that flows through the nation's capital. The crisis has become a political flashpoint, exposing tensions between federal and state authorities while also highlighting broader governmental dysfunction, as the primary responding agency (FEMA) lacks funding due to congressional gridlock over immigration policy disputes. The spill threatens the ecological health of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watershed, affecting drinking water systems and recreational areas used by millions of people.

What's next

The rupture could take several weeks to fix
Permanent repairs to the collapsed line could take months
Congress is not expected to approve a new DHS spending bill until the end of the month, at the earliest

Read full article from source: BBC