Potomac River Recreational Water Advisory Update

VA Dept of Health Newsroom

Published February 20th, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has provided an update on the recreational water advisory for the Potomac River, originally issued by the Virginia Department of Health. The advisory continues, recommending avoidance of water activities in the river, with no end date specified. Testing for bacteria is underway, with results pending.

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What changed

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has issued an update regarding the ongoing recreational water advisory for the Potomac River, first announced by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on February 13, 2026. The advisory remains in effect, strongly advising against swimming, kayaking, and wading in the river due to potential contamination, with no specified end date. While Alexandria's drinking water remains safe, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is conducting bacterial testing, with results pending.

Regulated entities and the public are advised to continue avoiding recreational activities in the affected areas of the Potomac River. The AHD is coordinating with state officials and the National Park Service to post signage at water access points. While no direct compliance actions are mandated for entities beyond heeding the advisory, public health authorities should monitor testing results and communicate updates. No penalties are mentioned in relation to this advisory, but continued non-compliance with public health guidance could pose risks.

What to do next

Continue to advise residents to avoid water activities in the Potomac River.
Monitor results from bacterial testing conducted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Coordinate with state officials and the National Park Service regarding signage at water access points.

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Alexandria Shares Update on Potomac River Recreational Water Advisory

Page updated on February 20, 2026 at 8:41 AM

Health Department

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) would like to update our community on the recreational water advisory issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

What to Know:

There continues to be a recreational water advisory for the Potomac River, as shared last Friday, February 13 by the Virginia Department of Health.
People and pets should avoid activities like swimming, kayaking, and wading in the Potomac River.
- No end date has been shared.
- The full advisory includes details about the affected area. You can view it on the Virginia Department of Health website.
Alexandria’s drinking water is safe. The sources of our water were not affected by the spill.
Alexandria Health Department does not have a role in testing, but on February 19, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality shared they had taken some samples of the water to test for bacteria.
- Results are pending. As more details emerge about testing, AHD will share them with our community.

How Alexandria is Responding

Alexandria Health Department continues to advise residents to avoid water activities in the river. We will continue to communicate any updates or changes, and we continue to share questions and concerns we receive with state officials.

AHD is also working with the City of Alexandria to post signs around Alexandria’s water access points. Please note, some of the waterfront areas Alexandrians enjoy – like around Jones Point - fall under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS). AHD is sharing requests for signage in these spaces to the NPS.

Finally, AHD continues to monitor our local health data. As of this week, we have not seen any uptick in gastrointestinal illnesses commonly associated with contaminated water.

If you have any questions about what we’re doing, or would like guidance on water activities, please email alexehhealth@vdh.virginia.gov.

Questions About Water Safety

The situation may bring up questions about water safety. Here are some helpful resources for more information:

VDH’s Sewage Spill website has details about the work of VDH, DC Water, and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
DC Water’s website has updates on the sewage repair status.
SwimHealthyVA.com has information about what to do if you touch water in the advisory area. If you have questions about water and your health, contact a health care provider or contact AHD during normal business hours by calling 703.746.4988.