US President Donald Trump has asked federal agencies to take control of a major sewage spill that has sent millions of gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. In a post on social media, Trump said the federal government must “immediately” step in to protect the river. He blamed local leaders for allowing the situation to become what he called a disaster. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will now lead the response.
The problem began in late January when part of a large sewer pipe in Maryland collapsed. The damaged pipe is known as the Potomac Interceptor and is managed by DC Water. Officials discovered a break in the line on 19 January. Since then, untreated wastewater has been flowing into the river. Public health experts say the incident could be one of the biggest sewage spills in US history.
The Potomac River starts in West Virginia and flows through Maryland and Washington, DC, before reaching the Chesapeake Bay. Local officials say the spill has not affected drinking water. However, they have warned people to avoid swimming, fishing, or having contact with the river for now.
Tests of the river water found high levels of bacteria, including E. coli and MRSA, which can cause serious illness. DC Water says workers are trying to control the leak, but fixing the damaged pipe could take several weeks. Permanent repairs may take months.
There is also a funding problem. FEMA’s budget is currently frozen because lawmakers in Congress have not agreed on new funding for DHS. Democrats and Republicans are arguing over immigration policies and changes to ICE. Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s office says the federal government is responsible for the sewer line. A spokesperson said the president is wrong and that federal officials have delayed action for weeks.
