"Millions of gallons of raw sewage have been pouring into the water through a ruptured pipe since last month"

Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration Saturday related to a sewer main break north of Washington DC that threatens to put a stink on the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations in the US capital this summer.

“The president’s action authorizes Fema to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen the threat of catastrophe,” a release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.

Millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage have been pouring into the Potomac River following a rupture in the 72in Potomac Interceptor pipe last month. The Washington Post said: “Raw sewage flowed toward the capital city in what is now one of the largest sewage spills in US history.”"

Edward Helmore reports for the Guardian February 21, 2026. [2]