Virginia Health Department Warns Against Potomac River Contact

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a serious advisory regarding contact with the Potomac River. This warning comes in the wake of a significant sewage leak that dumped millions of gallons of untreated waste into the river.

Background on Sewage Incident

On January 19, a large sewer pipe ruptured near the Clara Barton Parkway. This incident led to a considerable overflow of sewage, which affected an area roughly four miles upstream from Arlington. Efforts to contain the spill encountered challenges, including clogged pumps reported in the following weeks.

Health Advisory Details

Due to the contamination, VDH has expanded its recreational water advisory. E. coli levels in the river are reportedly thousands of times higher than safe limits for human contact. The advisory area covers 72.5 miles of the Potomac River, stretching from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I-495) in Fairfax County to the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (Route 301) in King George County.

Recommendations for Residents

The Virginia Department of Health advises residents to refrain from various recreational activities in the river, including:

• Swimming
• Wading
• Tubing
• Canoeing
• Kayaking

This caution is emphasized especially where full-body submersion is likely. The anticipated timeline for the repairs to the sewage system is estimated at four to six weeks.

Protecting Public Health

VDH emphasizes the following safety measures to mitigate the risks of recreational water illnesses:

• Avoid contact with water in the advisory zone.
• Observe posted advisory signs at access points.
• Stay clear of water showing foul odors, dead fish, or discoloration.
• Immediately wash any skin that comes into contact with the water using soap and water.
• Clean items that touch the water, such as clothing and fishing gear.
• If experiencing adverse health effects after exposure, seek medical attention.

Fishing Precautions

For those harvesting fish or crabs, be sure to:

• Discard skin and organs.
• Cook the meat thoroughly to the appropriate temperature.
• Wash cutting boards and utensils with warm, soapy water.

VDH currently observes no impact on drinking water safety in the region. For updates on the repair status and additional information, residents can visit Filmogaz.com and the Virginia Health Department’s website.