Recreational Water Advisory Partially Lifted in Montgomery County

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March 17, 2026

Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]

Maryland health officials provide update on recreational water advisory for Montgomery County impacted by Potomac Interceptor spill
Advisory in Montgomery County lifted for recreational activity down river from site of sewage spill

Baltimore, MD - The Maryland Department of Health today announced that Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has partially lifted its recreational water advisory that went into effect in late January following the Potomac Interceptor spill. Recreational activities down river, beginning with Lock 8, may now resume. The advisory is still in effect for areas closest to the site of the spill.

Health officials based the decision on the ongoing results of Potomac River water samples taken by the Maryland Department of the Environment and other partners showing E.coli bacteria levels at acceptable levels for recreational water use down river beginning with Lock 8.

Montgomery County’s recreational water advisory remains in effect for the following areas and will remain in effect until testing confirms acceptable levels for recreational water use. The public should continue to avoid:

• the specific land areas impacted by the sewage overflow (currently designated in the initial phase DC Water Remediation Plan); and
• portions of the river within 200 feet of Swainson Island, and within 200 feet of the Montgomery County shoreline between Swainson Island and Lock 8. This part of the river, which is closest to the original and subsequent overflows, has shown higher levels of bacteria within recent weeks and is most likely to be affected by runoff from the land that is currently under remediation. “The Maryland Department of Health, in cooperation with local health departments and State partners, will continue to monitor health guidance for the public’s recreational use of the Potomac River based on continuous water quality sampling results,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “To date, there have been no reported illnesses in Maryland as a result of the spill, and our biosurveillance efforts are ongoing to protect the health and well-being of Marylanders and others impacted by this spill.”

The advisories for Prince George’s and Charles counties were previously lifted on March 5. There continues to be no advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. Public drinking water continues to be safe and not impacted by the spill.

General Health Guidance
Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some level of risk because the water is not disinfected. Children five years and younger, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems or open wounds are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.

To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to sewage spill events, people should:

• avoid contact with the water or shoreline of an impacted area;
• avoid consumption of any food or water from an impacted area;
• be cautious about entering the water if you have an open wound;
• keep pets away from an impacted area;
• avoid flushing wipes or grease down any pipes; and
• wash hands and skin should they come into contact with an impacted area. If individuals come into contact with an impacted area and experience vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, or skin irritation after exposure, they are advised to contact their health care provider immediately.

Shellfish Guidance
The Maryland Department of the Environment previously announced the results of water quality monitoring by the State that continue to show no evidence that shellfish harvesting waters of the Potomac River are affected by the Potomac Interceptor sewage spill.

The Maryland Department of Health, together with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Natural Resources oversee the safety and integrity of commercial shellfish production and use stringent national criteria under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program to evaluate the growing waters for commercial shellfish harvesting. Shellfish standards follow a more stringent process than water contact advisories for recreational activities.

The precautionary shellfish closure from Charles County to Nice Bridge was lifted by the Maryland Department of Environment on March 10. There are no active leases and no closures further downstream of the spill site.

Oysters on the market are harvested responsibly and in approved Chesapeake waterways. Oysters that come from the Chesapeake Bay meet National Shellfish Sanitation Program standards and are not coming from the closure area on the Potomac River. Each bushel of Maryland-harvested oysters currently being sold includes a tag indicating where they were harvested from and are tracked to ensure food safety standards are met.

Fishing and Boating Guidance
With the partial lifting of the Montgomery County, anglers and boaters can resume activities in these areas (down river starting at Lock 8) on the Potomac River. There continues to be no evidence that fish or shellfish populations in these areas were affected by the spill. Anglers should follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations regarding limits on catching and harvesting different species of fish.

Generally, it is safe to consume fish when following recommended fish consumption guidelines. Maryland seafood on the market is subject to strict food safety standards to ensure public health.

For more information:

MDE Potomac Interceptor Information

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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