Potomac River Recreational Advisory Partially Lifted After Sewage Leak

Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis announced on March 17, 2026 that the recreational advisory for most of the Potomac River along Montgomery County is lifted, effective immediately. An ongoing health advisory remains in place for land areas affected by the sewage overflow and portions of the river within 200 feet of Swainson Island and between Swainson Island and Lock 8, where elevated bacterial levels have been detected. The update follows water testing since a January 19 sanitary sewage overflow from the Potomac Interceptor collapse, with results outside the restricted zone now within EPA recreational safety limits.