U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged that the federal government will take immediate action to protect the Potomac River after a significant sewage leak occurred in January. The leak, which started on January 19, was caused by a collapsed sewage line in Montgomery County, Maryland, resulting in the discharge of approximately 900 million liters of untreated sewage into one of the region's primary waterways.

In his announcement, Trump emphasized the need for the federal agencies to provide thorough management and coordination efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of the sewage spill. The Potomac River is crucial not only for its ecological significance but also as a vital water supply for the capital city. The incident has raised alarms among local researchers, particularly at the University of Maryland, which has termed this incident one of the biggest sewage spills in U.S. history, highlighting severe public health risks due to elevated levels of harmful bacteria and pathogens found in the river water.

The sewage leak poses urgent concerns regarding both the environment and public health, necessitating swift federal intervention. As the situation develops, local authorities and federal agencies will need to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to restore the water quality and protect the natural resources affected by this substantial waste discharge. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of infrastructure maintenance in urban areas and the importance of effective governance in environmental protection efforts.