health
February 11, 2026
DC Water says E. coli rate from Potomac spill 100 times higher than reported
Washington, D.C.'s Water and Sewer Authority significantly miscalculated the level of E. coli coming from a sewer line channel on Friday after a late January pipe collapse caused increased levels of the bacteria in the Potomac River.
TL;DR
- DC Water miscalculated E. coli levels from a sewer line channel, reporting actual levels 9,900% higher than initially stated.
- The miscalculation is linked to a Jan. 19 collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.
- A bypass to contain the overflow from the pipe collapse was completed on Jan. 24.
- Remediation plans for the affected areas are in the early stages.
- A further overflow occurred on Feb. 8 due to multiple pumps being out of service because they were clogged by non-disposable wipes.
- Preliminary estimates indicate several hundred thousand gallons of wastewater overflowed during the Feb. 8 event.
- Swimming is not recommended in waters with E. coli levels of 410 MPN/100mL or above.
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