VDH Lifts Potomac River Recreational Water Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 17, 2026
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – Effective immediately, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the remaining recreational water advisory for the Potomac River from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I-495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge.

An initial advisory was issued February 13, out of an abundance of caution due to a sewage spill in the Potomac River that occurred January 19, and subsequent reports of a sewage discharges in early February.

On March 14, DC Water successfully completed emergency repairs and returned the sewage flow to the Potomac Interceptor. Water quality sampling results collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Maryland, and Washington DC partners indicate bacteria concentrations in the Potomac River outside of the immediate spill site are at levels acceptable for all recreational water use. Virginia residents are advised that Montgomery County, Maryland, is maintaining an advisory for the land areas impacted by the sewage overflow and portions of the river within 200 feet of the Maryland shoreline between Swainson Island and Lock 8.  This area closest to the spill site is most likely to be affected by runoff, especially after storm events until all remediation efforts are complete. The Virginia Department of Health will continue to monitor sampling data as available.

Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some health risk because the water is not disinfected. Children under the age of five years, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water. VDH recommends the following safety tips for people planning to swim, wade, kayak, canoe or go rafting in Virginia natural waters:

• Avoid getting water in your mouth. Never swallow water from an untreated water source.

• Don’t swim if you have broken skin. Bacteria, viruses and other organisms can infect wounds causing more serious illness.

• Shower with soap and water after recreating in natural waters.

• Don’t swim when you are ill.

• Avoid swimming if dead fish are present.

• Following heavy rain events use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary risks if you encounter covered roads or fast-moving waters. The water may be deeper and moving faster than you think.
  For more information on water safety, please visit SwimHealthyVA.com.

For updates on the repair status, visit DC Water. For information pertaining to sampling efforts across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC please visit https://potomacinterceptor.dc.gov.

Last Updated: March 17, 2026