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.