DC mayor declares Potomac spill emergency, asks Trump for help
The Hill
by Max RegoFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a local public emergency due to a significant sewage spill in the Potomac River on Wednesday and formally requested federal assistance from the Trump administration. In her declaration, Bowser activated mutual aid agreements within the District of Columbia to coordinate response efforts and address the environmental and public health concerns caused by the spill.
The spill began earlier this week when malfunctioning equipment at a pumping station led to an overflow of untreated sewage into the Potomac River. This has resulted in water quality issues affecting both recreational activities and local wildlife. The declaration of emergency allows city officials to marshal resources more effectively, including securing external help from federal agencies. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is monitoring the situation, Bowser’s direct appeal to President Trump highlights the severity of the issue and the need for coordinated action.
The Potomac River has faced challenges with sewage spills in the past, but this incident has drawn significant attention due to its timing and scale. The spill comes amid ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the region, raising questions about the effectiveness of local infrastructure and environmental policies. Mayor Bowser’s request for federal support underscores the complexity of addressing such crises, particularly when local resources may be stretched thin.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/19/2026