Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has lifted its health advisory for the Potomac River following months of monitoring tied to the Potomac Interceptor collapse and sewage leak earlier this year.
In a statement released Monday, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis said ongoing water testing has shown bacterial levels have returned to acceptable Environmental Protection Agency safety limits. Officials said recreational activities such as kayaking and rowing may now resume, though residents are still being urged to avoid certain shoreline areas near the contamination site, including sediment and shoreline areas between Lock 11 and Minnie’s Island.
County officials emphasized that Montgomery County drinking water was never impacted during the incident. Residents are still advised to avoid disturbing shoreline soil or sediment in restricted areas, keep children and pets away from affected shorelines, wash thoroughly after any exposure, and use caution following heavy rainfall, which can temporarily increase bacteria levels in the river.
