Sewage Spill in the Potomac River

3 days ago

A sewer line collapse in Montgomery County, Maryland, caused over 200 million gallons of wastewater to overflow into the Potomac River on January 19.
DC Water completed a bypass on January 24 to reroute wastewater, but additional overflows occurred in early February.
Maryland has regulatory authority over the Potomac River for shellfish closures, recreational advisories, and water quality monitoring.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a recreational advisory on February 13, advising against water activities until repairs are completed.
Fairfax Water's intake is upstream of the spill and not affected; DC Water's drinking water is also unaffected.
Virginia shellfish growing areas are not impacted by the spill, with recent tests showing no elevated fecal coliform bacteria.
Maryland issued a shellfish closure from the spill location to the Harry W. Nice Bridge on January 25.
VDH advises avoiding recreational activities in the Potomac River due to the sewage spill, with the advisory area spanning 72.5 miles.
Preventative measures include avoiding contact with affected water, washing skin and items exposed to the water, and proper food handling when harvesting fish or crabs.

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