DC Water warns Potomac sewage spill may last another 4–6 weeks

Raw sewage is still flowing into the Potomac River, and D.C. Water now says repairs on a ruptured sewer line could take another 4 to 6 weeks. The break involves a 72-inch-diameter, roughly 60-year-old Potomac Interceptor sewer line near the American Legion Bridge. Crews are working to repair the line and contain the spill, but D.C. Water says the job has been complicated by the discovery of huge rocks in the area. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network says testing with the University of Maryland is finding fecal-related bacteria in the river, including E. coli and MRSA. River levels are also low due to drought conditions, which advocates say could make it harder for the river to “flush” the contamination. The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment is warning the public — and pets — to avoid contact with the water, while noting that D.C. drinking water remains safe.