Potomac River Contaminated with E. Coli After Sewage Spill

University of Maryland researchers detect high levels of fecal bacteria and pathogens, raising public health concerns

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Following a major sewage spill into the Potomac River, researchers from the University of Maryland have detected high levels of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and an antibiotic-resistant strain of S. aureus (MRSA) in water samples taken from the river. The contamination poses serious public health risks, and people are advised to avoid contact with the impacted water and land until bacteria levels return to safe levels.

Why it matters

This sewage spill highlights the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure across the U.S., with up to 75,000 such incidents occurring annually. The contamination disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, contributing to stigma and feelings of disenfranchisement. Significant and ongoing investment is needed to upgrade and maintain water infrastructure to prevent future spills.

The details

Water sample results show E. coli levels over 10,000 times above EPA standards at the spill site on January 21, and over 2,500 times above standards a week later. Downstream, E. coli was still 1.5 times the standard. Staphylococcus aureus, including the antibiotic-resistant MRSA strain, was also detected at the spill site and 9 miles downstream. People who come into contact with the contaminated water or soil are at risk of serious bacterial infections.

  • The sewage spill occurred on January 19, 2026.
  • Water samples were collected on January 21 and January 28, 2026.

The players

Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein

Microbiologist and assistant professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health.

Dr. Marccus D. Hendricks

Associate professor of Urban Studies and (Environmental) Planning at the University of Maryland, co-leading the Water Emergency Team (WET) project.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN)

A non-profit organization working to protect the right to clean water in the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds.

University of Maryland Water Emergency Team (WET)

A community-driven rapid-response project to sewer overflows and backups in underserved African American communities in Baltimore and the surrounding region.

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What they’re saying

“People coming into contact with the impacted water or land are at risk of becoming infected with these bacteria, which can lead to serious health conditions.”

— Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein, Microbiologist and assistant professor (Mirage News)

“Investment, maintenance and rehabilitation of drainage and other water resources infrastructure have been slow and the effects of this are clear in this Potomac sewage spill.”

— Dr. Marccus D. Hendricks, Associate professor of Urban Studies and (Environmental) Planning (Mirage News)

What’s next

The WOW Lab team and Potomac Riverkeeper Network continue to take water and soil samples in the area to monitor the contamination levels.

The takeaway

This sewage spill underscores the urgent need for significant and ongoing investment in upgrading and maintaining the nation's aging water infrastructure to prevent future public health crises, especially in marginalized communities that are disproportionately impacted.