health
March 3, 2026
DC lifts recreational advisory for Potomac River after sewage spill
The health department in Washington, D.C., lifted its recreational advisory for the Potomac River on Monday, after millions of gallons of raw sewage contaminated it in January.
TL;DR
- The DC health department has lifted the recreational advisory for the Potomac River.
- The advisory was put in place in January due to a sewage spill contaminating the river.
- Residents can now engage in activities like fishing, as bacterial levels are safe.
- Swimming in the river remains prohibited without a special permit.
- The spill occurred when the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Maryland collapsed, releasing over 240 million gallons of untreated sewage.
- Drinking water was not affected by the spill.
- The incident caused a dispute between President Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore regarding responsibility.
- The EPA and FEMA collaborated with state and local partners on the cleanup.
- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser requested and received federal emergency assistance.
- Repairs to the sewer line are expected to be completed this month.
- DC Water stated that their last inspection in October 2024 did not indicate an imminent threat of collapse for the sewage pipe.
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