A major regional sewer line that carries wastewater from Fairfax County is currently undergoing emergency repairs, and residents are being asked to help reduce strain on the system.
During recent maintenance work, wipes clogged several pumps along the line, reducing capacity and contributing to a wastewater overflow. Crews are working to restore full system capacity while repairs continue.
Unlike toilet paper, most wipes, including those labeled “flushable,” do not break down in the sewer system. Instead, they can accumulate and clog pumps and pipes. During infrastructure repairs, the system is more vulnerable to blockages that reduce capacity and increase the risk of overflows.
Wastewater from parts of Fairfax County travels through this regional sewer line to Washington, D.C. Because the system crosses jurisdictional boundaries, what is flushed locally can affect equipment and waterways downstream.
Residents can help protect the Potomac River and the regional wastewater system by following two simple rules:
- Flush only pee, poop and toilet paper.
- Throw all wipes in the trash.
We work closely with regional partners to manage shared wastewater infrastructure. Public cooperation during repair efforts helps keep the system operating safely and protects local waterways.
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