WASHINGTON — Nearly 1 million gallons of diluted wastewater overflowed from a pumping station into Broad Creek in Fort Washington, Maryland, as record rain dumped on the region Saturday.
The Broad Creek Wastewater Pumping Station began overflowing at around 9 p.m. Saturday and did not stop until almost 2 a.m. Sunday.
WSSC estimates that 983,000 gallons spilled into Broad Creek.
Drinking water in the area was not affected, since the water system is separate from the wastewater system.
“Sometimes when you get several inches of rain in a short period of time, the pumping capacity at a wastewater pumping stations can simply become overwhelmed,” said WSSC spokesperson Lyn Riggins.
WSSC immediately put 16 signs around the area to keep people from using the creek recreationally. Crews are clearing debris and cleaning around the station.
With more rain expected throughout the week, WSSC will continue to closely monitor conditions and staff up as necessary.
“We monitor the weather 24/7, summer, winter, spring, fall, because there’s always some type of an impact that we’re trying to get ahead of and be prepared for,” Riggins said.
