Potomac River Environmental Threats
The Potomac River was named the most endangered river in America on May 25, 2026, due to a major sewage spill and a jet fuel leak. As of May 25, 2026: DC Water has completed emergency repairs to the collapsed interceptor pipe, restoring full flow, and health advisories related to the sewage spill have been lifted in the District as E. coli levels returned to normal. However, a jet fuel leak from Joint Base Andrews introduced PFAS chemicals into a tributary, and long-term rehabilitation for the sewage pipe is ongoing. The EPA completed its remediation work, and Maryland and the EPA have filed lawsuits against DC Water for damages and remediation related to the January 19, 2026, spill of 240-300 million gallons of untreated wastewater.
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May 2026 — 9 developments
The Potomac River has been named the most endangered river in America due to a combination of a major sewage spill and a jet fuel leak.
The Potomac River has been named the most endangered river in America due to a combination of a major sewage spill and a jet fuel leak. DC Water has completed emergency repairs to the collapsed interceptor pipe, restoring full flow by March 14, 2026, though permanent repairs will take longer. Health advisories related to the sewage spill have been lifted in the District as E. coli levels return to normal.
A separate jet fuel leak from Joint Base Andrews has introduced PFAS chemicals into a Potomac tribut…
A separate jet fuel leak from Joint Base Andrews has introduced PFAS chemicals into a Potomac tributary, adding to the environmental concerns in the river alongside the ongoing sewage spill cleanup. Emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor pipe are complete, with full flow restored, though long-term rehabilitation is expected to continue for several more months.
Montgomery County officials lifted the health advisory for the Potomac River on May 19, 2026, allowing most recreational activities to resume four months after a major sewage spill.
Montgomery County officials lifted the health advisory for the Potomac River on May 19, 2026, allowing most recreational activities to resume four months after a major sewage spill. While E. coli levels have returned to acceptable ranges in most areas, officials advise avoiding certain shoreline areas near the spill site due to potentially contaminated sediment.
DC Water has submitted its environmental cleanup and monitoring plan for the Potomac River to the Ma…
DC Water has submitted its environmental cleanup and monitoring plan for the Potomac River to the Maryland Department of the Environment, with daily water quality testing continuing through July 5. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network reported E. coli levels nearly 12,000 times above safe limits following the January spill. Maryland and the EPA have filed lawsuits against DC Water seeking damages and remediation.
Virginia has announced a new water quality monitoring program in response to the major sewage spill into the Potomac River on January 19, 2026.
Virginia has announced a new water quality monitoring program in response to the major sewage spill into the Potomac River on January 19, 2026. The spill, caused by a DC Water pipe rupture, released an estimated 240 million gallons of untreated sewage. While emergency repairs have been completed and bacteria levels have largely returned to normal, the new program aims to enhance ongoing oversight.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the completion of its remediation work for t…
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the completion of its remediation work for the Potomac River sewage spill, stating that water quality has returned to pre-spill conditions. Recreational advisories have been partially or fully lifted in various areas, though caution is still advised near the spill site. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has requested federal assistance for watermen impacted by the spill, which caused a significant dip in oyster prices.
DC Water has detailed its strategy for environmental cleanup and ongoing water quality monitoring in the Potomac River following a significant sewage spill.
DC Water has detailed its strategy for environmental cleanup and ongoing water quality monitoring in the Potomac River following a significant sewage spill. The first phase of restoration efforts is expected to be completed by late summer, with a second phase scheduled for the fall. A community meeting is scheduled for May 18 to discuss the remediation and restoration plans.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded its remediation efforts for the January…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded its remediation efforts for the January 19 sewage spill into the Potomac River, completing cleanup operations ahead of schedule. DC Water is continuing targeted soil remediation in the C&O Canal, expected by the end of May. Water quality monitoring indicates improving E. coli levels, with levels within the typical range for recreation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its remediation efforts for the Potomac…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its remediation efforts for the Potomac River sewage spill ahead of schedule. Emergency repairs to the burst sewer pipe were finalized in mid-March 2026, restoring full flow to the Potomac Interceptor. Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding long-term environmental damage.
April 2026 — 12 developments
Maryland filed its own lawsuit against DC Water on April 20, 2026, alleging negligence and violations of state water pollution laws due to the sewage spill.
Maryland filed its own lawsuit against DC Water on April 20, 2026, alleging negligence and violations of state water pollution laws due to the sewage spill. This follows the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit filed on the same day for Clean Water Act violations. The spill, which occurred on January 19, 2026, released an estimated 240-300 million gallons of untreated wastewater into the Potomac River.
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia over the Potomac River s…
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia over the Potomac River sewage spill, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act due to the city's failure to maintain its aging sewage system. The lawsuit cites severe corrosion in a major sanitary sewage pipe and its subsequent collapse.
DC Water has completed emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor pipe, restoring full flow, with permanent repairs planned for the fall.
DC Water has completed emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor pipe, restoring full flow, with permanent repairs planned for the fall. Daily water quality testing shows E. coli levels returning to normal, leading to the lifting of many recreational advisories. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against DC Water, and the company is developing an ecological restoration plan.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading cleanup efforts for the massive sewage spill into the Po…
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading cleanup efforts for the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, which is expected to continue for months and may require federal funding for five to ten years to address long-term damage. While recreational advisories have been lifted for most areas, caution is still advised for swimming.
DC Water has initiated an expanded, three-week water quality testing program at popular Potomac River recreational spots, featuring hourly E.
DC Water has initiated an expanded, three-week water quality testing program at popular Potomac River recreational spots, featuring hourly E. coli sampling on Saturdays. The initiative complements ongoing daily sampling, and initial results have mirrored previous findings, indicating normal ranges at all tested locations.
The Potomac River has been designated the most endangered river in North America for 2026 by American Rivers.
The Potomac River has been designated the most endangered river in North America for 2026 by American Rivers. This recognition highlights the need for infrastructure upgrades and sustainable development following a major sewage spill in January 2026.
Elevated levels of E.
Elevated levels of E. coli were detected in the Potomac River as of April 5, 2026, leading to advisories against swimming and water contact. Health officials are urging the public to avoid direct contact with the river water due to potential gastrointestinal illnesses. Testing is ongoing to determine the full extent of the contamination.
As of early March 2026, some health advisories for recreational use of the Potomac River have been lifted in Washington D.
As of early March 2026, some health advisories for recreational use of the Potomac River have been lifted in Washington D.C., though others persist in Maryland and Virginia. Private well owners near the river basin are advised to test their water due to potential contamination risks following the January sewage spill.
DC Water has completed emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor pipe, restoring full flow on Mar…
DC Water has completed emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor pipe, restoring full flow on March 14, 2026, and contaminated soil removal in the C&O Canal is nearing completion. A Washington Post investigation revealed that years of delays in environmental reviews contributed to the pipe's failure.
Officials announced that sediment testing is underway to assess particle safety levels impacted by the January raw sewage spill.
Officials announced that sediment testing is underway to assess particle safety levels impacted by the January raw sewage spill. Montgomery County's health department is collaborating with DC Water, the Maryland Department of Environment, and Virginia counterparts on this testing, while E. coli water testing continues.
DC Water is continuing sludge removal in the C&O Canal between locks 11 and 13, with permanent repai…
DC Water is continuing sludge removal in the C&O Canal between locks 11 and 13, with permanent repairs to the Potomac Interceptor pipeline now estimated for completion in the fall of 2026. E. coli levels remain elevated near the spill site, and Staphylococcus aureus has been detected.
DC Water has begun soil removal in the C&O Canal, which served as a temporary bypass during the repair of the Potomac Interceptor pipe.
DC Water has begun soil removal in the C&O Canal, which served as a temporary bypass during the repair of the Potomac Interceptor pipe. This cleanup is part of the ongoing restoration efforts following the January 19, 2026, sewage spill, with permanent repairs and full environmental rehabilitation anticipated by the end of 2026.
March 2026 — 10 developments
DC Water is conducting soil removal in areas impacted by the January 19, 2026, sewage spill and is evaluating soil samples.
DC Water is conducting soil removal in areas impacted by the January 19, 2026, sewage spill and is evaluating soil samples. The spill released an estimated 240 to 300 million gallons of untreated wastewater, leading to dangerously high levels of E. coli and the detection of MRSA in the Potomac River.
DC Water has begun drone inspections of the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor sewer line to identify potential issues, following a January rupture that caused a significant sewage spill.
DC Water has begun drone inspections of the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor sewer line to identify potential issues, following a January rupture that caused a significant sewage spill. This aerial surveillance is part of an ongoing project to repair and upgrade the aging infrastructure, with emergency repairs to the main pipe completed in mid-March.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing following the Potomac River sewage spill, with beautification and revegetation projects planned for affected zones.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing following the Potomac River sewage spill, with beautification and revegetation projects planned for affected zones. Health advisories are being lifted in stages as water quality improves, though caution remains near the spill site. Permanent repairs and investigations into the pipe's failure are expected to continue throughout the year.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against DC Water following a January sewer line collapse that released approximately 243 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against DC Water following a January sewer line collapse that released approximately 243 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. The suit alleges negligence by DC Water, citing concerns about potential long-term environmental damage, including algae blooms and fish kills. Emergency repairs to the sewer line have been completed, with permanent repairs expected to take several months.
Montgomery County has lifted most health advisories for the Potomac River following a January sewage spill that released an estimated 240-300 million gallons of raw sewage.
Montgomery County has lifted most health advisories for the Potomac River following a January sewage spill that released an estimated 240-300 million gallons of raw sewage. Researchers detected dangerous bacteria, including MRSA, in the river, though drinking water remained unaffected. Emergency repairs to the collapsed pipe are complete, and flow has been restored.
DC Water has announced the restoration of flow through the Potomac Interceptor pipe, nearly two mont…
DC Water has announced the restoration of flow through the Potomac Interceptor pipe, nearly two months after a major sewage spill released approximately 250 million gallons into the Potomac River. The collapse of the aging sewer line on January 19th caused one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history, with E. coli levels at the spill site measured at 12,000 times above safe limits. Advisories against recreation remain in place in some areas.
DC Water announced the completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor pipe on March 14, 2026, following a massive sewage spill.
DC Water announced the completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor pipe on March 14, 2026, following a massive sewage spill. Despite the repairs, ongoing fecal contamination and elevated E. coli levels have been reported in a tributary, leading to new recreational advisories in parts of Maryland and Virginia. The cleanup is estimated to cost $20 million.
DC Water announced the completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewage pipe that ruptured on January 19, 2026.
DC Water announced the completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewage pipe that ruptured on January 19, 2026. Crews worked for 55 days on round-the-clock repairs after the spill, which released approximately 250 million gallons of raw sewage. Longer-term rehabilitation and environmental cleanup are ongoing.
D.C. Health has lifted the recreational advisory for the Potomac River, six weeks after a major sewe…
D.C. Health has lifted the recreational advisory for the Potomac River, six weeks after a major sewer line collapse released untreated wastewater. Dr. Ayanna Bennett stated that E. coli levels have been within EPA standards for at least 21 consecutive days, indicating conditions no longer pose an elevated public health risk for recreational contact. Emergency repairs to the pipeline are expected to be completed by mid-March.
DC Water officials have initiated the remediation process along the Potomac River following the Jan.
DC Water officials have initiated the remediation process along the Potomac River following the Jan. 19 pipeline collapse, with emergency repairs expected to be completed by mid-March. The remediation is estimated to cost $10 million, and DC Health has lifted its advisory over the river, indicating a step towards resolution.
February 2026 — 26 developments
Washington D.
Washington D.C. is increasing E. coli testing along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers from weekly to daily, starting Monday, February 27, 2026. Officials are planning to announce that it is safe to fish and touch the water again, indicating a potential resolution to the contamination concerns.
University of Maryland researchers continue to detect high levels of E.
University of Maryland researchers continue to detect high levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the Potomac River, stating that levels remain unsafe for people and animals one month after the sewage pipe break. In response, DC is increasing E. coli testing along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers from weekly to daily, starting Monday.
DC Water is conducting daily water quality sampling for E.
DC Water is conducting daily water quality sampling for E. coli, with results generally showing decreasing trends following the January 19 collapse of the Potomac Interceptor. The utility has implemented a bypass system to reroute wastewater, and no overflows have occurred since February 8, 2026. The collapse of a 72-inch diameter section resulted in an overflow of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater.
The estimated cost to repair the Potomac River sewage spill has risen to $20 million, with ongoing efforts to clear the damaged section hampered by weather and site issues.
The estimated cost to repair the Potomac River sewage spill has risen to $20 million, with ongoing efforts to clear the damaged section hampered by weather and site issues. The Virginia Department of Health issued a recreational advisory on February 13 for Virginia residents, warning against contact with the river water for 72.5 miles downstream from the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
Researchers have detected nearly 300 million tons of sewage, including E.
Researchers have detected nearly 300 million tons of sewage, including E. coli and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in the Potomac River following a pipe collapse. Officials are advising the public to avoid the river due to high pathogen levels, with private wells near the river basin also considered at risk and recommended for testing.
A permanent fix for the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River is anticipated within nine months, following emergency repairs expected by mid- to late March.
A permanent fix for the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River is anticipated within nine months, following emergency repairs expected by mid- to late March. The spill, caused by the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor on January 19, has released hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage.
Regional officials were briefed on the ongoing response to the Potomac River sewage spill, with DC W…
Regional officials were briefed on the ongoing response to the Potomac River sewage spill, with DC Water reporting that the overflow stopped as of February 9 and repairs are anticipated by mid-March. Testing on February 22 showed E. coli levels still above EPA-recommended limits, and researchers continue to find high levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus one month after the spill.
President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration on February 21, 2026, authorizing FEMA to a…
President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration on February 21, 2026, authorizing FEMA to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts for the Potomac River sewage spill, with the EPA now serving as the lead federal agency for disaster response. Permanent repairs are still anticipated within nine months, with contractors facing challenges such as debris blockages and the impact of non-disposable wipes clogging pumps. E. coli levels remain significantly above EPA safety thresholds, and an advisory urging the public to avoid contact with the river is still in place.
President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for the Potomac River sewage spill, authori…
President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for the Potomac River sewage spill, authorizing FEMA to provide resources for cleanup and repair efforts, with FEMA covering 75% of the costs. Researchers continue to find persistently high levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant MRSA, one month after the spill, with E. coli levels remaining 100 to 200 times above EPA standards as of February 17.
Melting ice may be releasing additional bacteria, including E.
Melting ice may be releasing additional bacteria, including E. coli and Staph aureus, into the Potomac River following the January sewage spill. E. coli levels worsened at the spill site by February 17, reaching up to 197 times the safe limit, and remain elevated up to seven miles downstream. DC Water has completed a bypass to reroute wastewater, but additional overflows occurred in early February, and sustainable repairs are estimated to take four to six weeks.
President Trump has approved a federal emergency declaration for the Potomac River sewage spill, enabling FEMA to support cleanup and recovery efforts.
President Trump has approved a federal emergency declaration for the Potomac River sewage spill, enabling FEMA to support cleanup and recovery efforts. While E. coli levels at the leak site have decreased, downstream locations like Georgetown Waterfront and Fletcher's Boathouse, which previously had high counts, are now within EPA limits for swimming, though environmentalists continue to monitor bacterial risks.
Alexandria's waterfront data from February 17 showed E.
Alexandria's waterfront data from February 17 showed E. coli levels at Jones Point Park and the City of Alexandria Marina at 31 MPN/100 mL, while Belle Haven Marina was 158 MPN/100 mL. Additionally, warming temperatures are causing concerns that melting ice may be releasing more bacteria into the Potomac River following the January sewage spill.
As of February 20, 2026, E.
As of February 20, 2026, E. coli levels in the Potomac River have fallen below the standard for contact recreation. This update follows a sewer line collapse on January 19, 2026, that released millions of gallons of untreated sewage. While downstream levels are improving, elevated levels were found in the Anacostia River.
DC Water officials have stated that the pipeline responsible for the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River had been identified for repairs this summer.
DC Water officials have stated that the pipeline responsible for the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River had been identified for repairs this summer. The agency now expects emergency repairs to be completed by mid-March, adding specific timelines to the ongoing cleanup efforts.
President Trump has directed federal authorities, including FEMA, to assist in the cleanup of the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River.
President Trump has directed federal authorities, including FEMA, to assist in the cleanup of the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River. He has blamed local officials for the delay in response to the incident, which began in mid-January and released nearly 250 million gallons of sewage.
President Donald Trump has blamed Maryland Governor Wes Moore for the massive sewage spill into the …
President Donald Trump has blamed Maryland Governor Wes Moore for the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, calling it a "massive ecological disaster" and stating that FEMA will play a key role in the cleanup efforts. Separately, testing by the Potomac Riverkeepers revealed that E. coli levels at the spill site were 12,000 times above the safe limit.
Repair efforts for the Potomac River sewage spill are facing new complications, including snowmelt a…
Repair efforts for the Potomac River sewage spill are facing new complications, including snowmelt and flow debris, and the discovery of a large rock dam blockage within the collapsed sewer line, which is extending the repair timeline. The spill is now considered one of the largest in U.S. history, with estimates of overflow ranging up to 300 million gallons. Health officials are also warning of potential hazards as rising temperatures cause ice to melt, potentially releasing trapped bacteria.
An estimated 300 million gallons of raw sewage have entered the Potomac River following a pipe burst, with E.
An estimated 300 million gallons of raw sewage have entered the Potomac River following a pipe burst, with E. coli levels found to be 10,000 times over the recreational water quality limit. Montgomery County authorities have warned against touching the water or shorelines in impacted areas, and DC Water has begun installing pumps to divert sewage around the rupture. Cleanup of environmental damage could take months.
DC Water CEO David Gadis has acknowledged the catastrophic nature of the recent sewage spill into the Potomac River, which has contaminated the water with E.
DC Water CEO David Gadis has acknowledged the catastrophic nature of the recent sewage spill into the Potomac River, which has contaminated the water with E. coli levels exceeding safe limits by over 10,000 times. The spill, caused by a collapse in the Potomac Interceptor sewer line on January 19, has led to significant environmental concerns.
DC Water has released updated findings on the Potomac River sewage spill, stating that approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater were released.
DC Water has released updated findings on the Potomac River sewage spill, stating that approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater were released. While clean water advocates express concerns, DC Water reports that E. coli concentrations downstream have been within EPA acceptable ranges since February 1, 2026.
University of Maryland researchers confirmed the detection of high levels of E.
University of Maryland researchers confirmed the detection of high levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the Potomac River following the sewage spill, emphasizing urgent public health concerns and the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure. They noted that bacteria can survive in cold temperatures and become active again as temperatures rise.
DC Water has identified a significant rock blockage, approximately 30 feet long, inside the collapsed sewer line of the Potomac Interceptor.
DC Water has identified a significant rock blockage, approximately 30 feet long, inside the collapsed sewer line of the Potomac Interceptor. This discovery is expected to delay repairs by an additional 4-6 weeks, requiring larger bypass pumps and impacting the overall timeline for cleaning and restoration efforts.
PRKN and UMD researchers released findings showing persistently high levels of fecal bacteria and pa…
PRKN and UMD researchers released findings showing persistently high levels of fecal bacteria and pathogens in the Potomac River, urging authorities to issue a public health warning for recreational use. They reported E. coli levels at 2,731 times the safe limit at the Lock 10 sewage effluent and still elevated downstream. Preliminary modeling suggested contamination could impact water quality over 30 miles downriver.
DC Water acknowledged that 'overflow risks remain,' noting slight increases in coliform levels near Lock 10.
DC Water acknowledged that 'overflow risks remain,' noting slight increases in coliform levels near Lock 10. This statement contrasted with earlier claims of full containment and was met with skepticism by PRKN, who highlighted their recent data showing significantly elevated E. coli levels.
New sampling data collected by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) and University of Maryland researchers indicated that sewage contamination was still leaking into the Potomac.
New sampling data collected by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) and University of Maryland researchers indicated that sewage contamination was still leaking into the Potomac. E. coli bacteria levels were found to be 4,227 times above the safety limit, a higher concentration than recorded in previous tests.
DC Water reported progress in managing the spill, stating that overflows from the breach appeared to have ended.
DC Water reported progress in managing the spill, stating that overflows from the breach appeared to have ended. The agency's focus shifted to stabilizing excavations around the collapse site and clearing debris from the damaged pipe to begin repairs. The estimated cost for cleanup and repairs was reported to be up to $10 million.
January 2026 — 6 developments
DC Water announced that the sewage spill was largely contained, with Thursday marking the first day …
DC Water announced that the sewage spill was largely contained, with Thursday marking the first day that no sewer overflow journeyed out of the broken pipe segment into the waterways. However, public health risks associated with the contamination were still a concern.
Raw sewage, estimated to be more than 300 million gallons, has flowed into the Potomac River near Swainson Island.
Raw sewage, estimated to be more than 300 million gallons, has flowed into the Potomac River near Swainson Island. Crews are working to redirect the flow into a dry portion of the C&D Canal.
Follow-up water samples were taken by researchers.
Follow-up water samples were taken by researchers. At the spill site, E. coli levels, while lower than the initial samples, were still over 2,500 times above safe limits. At a site more than 10 miles downstream, E. coli levels were found to be 1.5 times higher than EPA standards. Staphylococcus aureus was also detected at multiple locations, including one nine miles away from the overflow site.
DC Water crews and contractors successfully completed and activated a bypass system to contain the sewage overflow.
DC Water crews and contractors successfully completed and activated a bypass system to contain the sewage overflow. This system utilized powerful pumps and the C&O Canal to reroute wastewater around the collapsed section of the pipe and back into the sewer system, aiming to stop further raw sewage from entering the river.
University of Maryland researchers collected initial water samples at the spill site.
University of Maryland researchers collected initial water samples at the spill site. These samples revealed E. coli bacteria levels exceeding EPA recreational water quality standards by more than 10,000 times. Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that causes staph infections, was also detected at the spill site.
A 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor pipe, a vital wastewater line carrying sewage from part…
A 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor pipe, a vital wastewater line carrying sewage from parts of Virginia and Maryland to the Blue Plains Advanced Water Treatment Plant, collapsed. This rupture, located near the C&O Canal, resulted in a massive overflow of raw sewage directly into the Potomac River, with initial estimates suggesting up to 40 million gallons per day were released. The cause of the collapse has not been publicly disclosed, but the pipe itself dates back to the early 1960s and showed signs of corrosion in previous inspections.
March 2024 — 3 developments
The Maryland Department of the Environment has lifted its shellfish harvesting closure in the Potomac River as water quality tests from March 8 indicated safe conditions.
The Maryland Department of the Environment has lifted its shellfish harvesting closure in the Potomac River as water quality tests from March 8 indicated safe conditions. However, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network reports potential ongoing sewage leaks from the C&O Canal, with elevated E. coli levels found in a nearby stream.
DC Water is nearing completion of emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor pipe, with flow restoration expected by mid-March.
DC Water is nearing completion of emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor pipe, with flow restoration expected by mid-March. However, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network reported ongoing sewage leaks into the river from the C&O Canal, and Montgomery County and Virginia continue to advise against recreational activities near the spill site.
As of early March, E.
As of early March, E. coli levels in the Potomac River remained over 250 times recreational limits, despite DC Health lifting its advisory on March 2nd, citing 21 consecutive days of safe levels. Concerns have also been raised about elevated bacteria in a Montgomery County stream, potentially due to ongoing sewage leaks from wastewater diversion into a creek feeding the Potomac. Initial tests after the January 19th spill showed E. coli levels exceeding safe limits by over 11,000 times.