Trump approves disaster assistance to DC to help with sewage spill into Potomac River - AP News
AP News
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump has approved disaster assistance for Washington, D.C., to address a significant sewage spill into the Potomac River. The spill, which occurred earlier this week, resulted from a malfunction at a pumping station, causing thousands of gallons of untreated wastewater to flow into the river. This decision by Trump will provide federal aid to help clean up the mess and mitigate the environmental impact.
The spill has raised concerns about public health and the safety of the water supply. officials have closed several sections of the river near the affected area, urging residents and visitors to avoid contact with the contaminated water. The cleanup efforts are expected to take weeks, with teams working around the clock to remove the waste and restore the river’s ecosystem.
This incident highlights the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the potential consequences of such failures on both the environment and public health. As the nation’s capital faces this challenge, residents are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift resolution. The approval of disaster assistance underscores the need for federal support in addressing unexpected crises that can have far-reaching implications.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/21/2026