Alexandria health officials warn residents to avoid Potomac River after sewage spills

Advisory covers 72.5 miles of river; repairs expected to take four to six weeks

The Alexandria Health Department is warning residents and their pets to stay out of the Potomac River after the Virginia Department of Health issued a recreational water advisory Thursday due to sewage spills in the waterway.

VDH issued the advisory Feb. 13 out of an abundance of caution following a sewage spill that occurred in the Potomac River on Jan. 19 and a reported sewage discharge on Feb. 7. People should avoid swimming, wading, kayaking, tubing or canoeing in the river, officials said.

Alexandria’s drinking water is safe.

The advisory area extends 72.5 miles, 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. Repairs are expected to take four to six weeks.

The sewage spills had been on the city's radar. At a Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments meeting on Feb. 11, a D.C. councilmember raised the issue, citing 600,000 gallons of raw sewage, fish kills and elevated E. coli readings in the river.

The health department said it is working with the city to post warning signs at Alexandria’s water access points as soon as possible and will continue to communicate any updates or changes.

Residents who have had contact with the water and have health concerns should contact a health care provider or call the Alexandria Health Department during normal business hours at 703-746-4988.

Additional information is available at VDH’s sewage spill website, DC Water’s website for repair updates and SwimHealthyVA.com.