Virginia Issues Potomac River Recreational Advisory After Sewage Spill

The Virginia Department of Health issued a recreational water advisory for the Potomac River after a sewage pipe ruptured January 19 and a subsequent discharge was reported February 7, with E. coli levels thousands of times higher than safe. The advisory covers a 72.5‑mile stretch from the American Legion Memorial Bridge to the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge, urging Virginia residents and pets to avoid water activities like swimming, wading, tubing or kayaking. Repairs are expected to take four to six weeks; drinking water supplies have not shown impacts. For updates, visit the DC Water and Virginia Department of Health sites.