Boaters and rowers return to Potomac River after sewage spill

DC lifts E. coli advisory, but concerns remain over lingering contamination

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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With DC's health department lifting its E. coli advisory, Washington boaters, rowers, and anglers are returning to the Potomac River, even after January's massive sewage spill. Residents and student athletes describe taking extra hygiene precautions while DC Water reviews new concerns about possible lingering fecal contamination feeding into the river.

Why it matters

The Potomac River is a vital recreational resource for the Washington, DC community, used by boaters, rowers, and anglers. The recent sewage spill raised concerns about water quality and public health, leading to an E. coli advisory that has now been lifted. However, lingering contamination issues remain a concern for residents and officials.

The details

In January, a massive sewage spill occurred in the Potomac River, prompting DC's health department to issue an E. coli advisory warning residents to avoid contact with the water. Despite the advisory being lifted, some boaters, rowers, and anglers are taking extra precautions like increased hygiene measures as they return to the river. DC Water is reviewing new data to assess whether any lingering fecal contamination may still be feeding into the Potomac.

  • In January, a massive sewage spill occurred in the Potomac River.
  • DC's health department issued an E. coli advisory warning residents to avoid contact with the water.
  • The E. coli advisory has now been lifted, allowing boaters, rowers, and anglers to return to the river.

The players

DC Water

The water utility company that is reviewing new data to assess any lingering contamination issues in the Potomac River.

DC's health department

The government agency that issued and has now lifted the E. coli advisory for the Potomac River.

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What’s next

DC Water is reviewing new data to determine if any lingering fecal contamination remains in the Potomac River following the January sewage spill.

The takeaway

The return of boaters, rowers, and anglers to the Potomac River highlights the importance of this recreational resource to the Washington, DC community, but also raises ongoing concerns about water quality and public health following the recent sewage spill incident.