Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia is facing pushback on social media following his post on a sewage leak in the Potomac River, about a month after a wastewater pipeline burst.
Newsweek reached out to Warner’s office via email on Wednesday night for comment.
Why It Matters
The spill began after a January 19 collapse of a 72-inch sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland, known as the Potomac Interceptor, sending hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac and triggering heightened bacteria levels and multiagency monitoring, The New York Times reports.
DC Water reported overall bacteria levels have mostly decreased since initial testing and said drinking-water systems remain separate from wastewater infrastructure.
What To Know
DC Water said a bypass rerouted sewage flow away from the failed pipe section by January 24.
Taking to X on Wednesday, Warner said, “I’m deeply disturbed by the sewage leak impacting the Potomac, but Virginians can be assured that their drinking water is not impacted by the leak. We’ve made huge strides cleaning up this river, and this is a devastating step back that could impact so many small businesses and residents near the Potomac. Virginians deserve better, and I will fiercely advocate on behalf of Virginia’s impacted communities as cleanup continues.”
Warner’s post sparked numerous responses across social media.
Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters, on X said, “Literally a month late, my dude”
Former Ted Cruz spokesperson Steve Guest also reacted on X, saying, “It took Mark Warner one month to write this tweet. Now the Potomac River is the Poo-tomac River.”
What People Are Saying
Gabriella Hoffman, director of the Center for Energy & Conservation at the Independent Women’s Forum, on X Wednesday: “Nearly a month later, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) finally comments on the January 19th Potomac Interceptor spill that’s plaguing our river.”
Election Wizard account on X, which has over 580,000 followers: “Only a month late, and where’s the new VA Governor???”
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social Monday: “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland. A sewer line breach in Maryland has caused millions of gallons of raw sewage to be dumped directly into the Potomac River, a result of incompetent Local and State Management of Essential Waste Management Systems. This is the same Governor who cannot rebuild a Bridge.
“It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity. Therefore, I am directing Federal Authorities to immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination to protect the Potomac, the Water Supply in the Capital Region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation’s Capital City. While State and Local Authorities have failed to request needed Emergency Help, I cannot allow incompetent Local ‘Leadership’ to turn the River in the Heart of Washington into a Disaster Zone. As we saw in the Palisades, the Democrat War on Merit has real consequences. The Federal Government has no choice, but to step in. FEMA, which is currently being defunded by the Democrats, will play a key role in coordinating the response. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”
Moore, on X Wednesday: “The President is lying to the public: 1) For the past century, the federal government has been responsible for the Potomac Interceptor – not Maryland. The sewage pipe is on federal land. 2) Maryland agencies and DC Water presented updates on the cleanup during a two-hour legislative hearing. Trump’s EPA was invited. They refused to attend. 3) Maryland officials were onsite within hours of the leak to help coordinate the response and protect the public. We will continue to partner with regional leaders.”
What Happens Next
DC Water said repairs to the Potomac Interceptor will take anywhere from four to six weeks.
