Statement
Statement from Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis on Health Guidance for Areas Affected by the Potomac Interceptor Collapse and Sewage Leak
For Immediate Release: Tuesday 17 March
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is lifting its recreational advisory for much of the Potomac River running along Montgomery County, MD, effective immediately. As a reminder, throughout this incident, Montgomery County’s drinking water has not been affected.
An ongoing health advisory to avoid the following areas is still in effect:
- The specific land areas impacted by the sewage overflow (currently designated in the initial phase of the 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, closest to the original and subsequent overflows, has shown elevated bacterial levels in recent weeks and is most likely affected by runoff from the impacted land currently undergoing remediation.
This updated guidance follows the close monitoring of water testing of the Potomac River since the original January 19 sanitary sewage overflow. Testing results outside the area around Swainson Island have shown levels within the EPA-established recreational safety limits. With sewage flow now returned to the Potomac Interceptor pipe and drainage and ongoing rehabilitation of the C & O Canal underway, the risk of additional bacterial contamination has been greatly reduced.
Individuals who recreate on the Potomac should be aware that river bacteria levels typically fluctuate in response to other environmental conditions. In particular, E. coli and other bacterial levels are often significantly elevated for up to 72 hours after significant rainfall.
In areas where we have an ongoing health advisory, we continue to recommend that residents and visitors take the following steps to minimize health risks associated with sanitary sewage overflow from the Potomac Interceptor Collapse.
- Avoid Contact: Do not come into contact with the water or shoreline in the impacted areas. Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge and ensure pets do not drink from the river. The two greatest risks of illness from contaminated water are accidental swallowing and contact with an open wound or sore.
- Hygiene and Exposure: If exposure occurs, wash skin and hands immediately with soap and clean water. Pet owners should thoroughly rinse their pet’s paws and fur.
- Medical and Veterinary Care: Anyone experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, or skin irritation after exposure should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if their pet becomes ill after exposure.
General Health Guidance
Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some level of risk. Children five years and younger, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.
Please report any exposure to DC Water at 202-612-3400. Montgomery County residents or visitors may also report an exposure involving symptoms to DHHS’ Disease Control Office at 240-777-1755.
For additional information, please see the Montgomery County Potomac Interceptor webpage.
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Media Contact: Peter Sinclair, 301-309-7550 or [email protected]
Release ID: 26-011