Alexandria Health Department Shares Recreational Water Advisory Issued for the Potomac River

Page updated on February 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM
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Alexandria Health Department Shares Recreational Water Advisory Issued for the Potomac River

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is advising our community about a recreational water advisory issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). People and pets should avoid activities like swimming, kayaking, and wading in the Potomac River.  

Full details are included in the news release, “VDH Issues Recreational Water Advisory for the Potomac River.”

What to Know 

VDH issued the advisory on February 13 out of an abundance of caution. It was released because of a sewage spill that occurred in the Potomac River on January 19, and reports of a sewage discharge February 7. 

People should avoid activities like swimming, wading, kayaking, tubing, or canoeing in the Potomac River. Alexandria’s drinking water is safe.

The advisory area extends for 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. 

How Alexandria is Responding

AHD is sharing this advisory and asking residents to avoid water activities in the river. We will continue to communicate any updates or changes. 

AHD is also working with the City of Alexandria to post signs around Alexandria’s water access points as soon as possible. 

Questions About Water Safety

The situation may bring up questions about water safety. Here are some helpful resources for more information: 

  • VDH’s Sewage Spill website has details about the situation and the work of VDH, DC Water, and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
  • DC Water’s website has updates on the sewage repair status.
  • SwimHealthyVA.com has information about water safety and what to do if you touch water in the advisory area. 

If you have questions about water and your health, contact a health care provider or contact AHD during normal business hours by calling 703.746.4988.

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If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960. 

For media inquiries only, please contact Brookie Crawford at brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov.