Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is informing the community that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has partially lifted the recreational water advisory for the Potomac River.

A recreational advisory remains in place for a shortened area upstream, from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I‑495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge. The shortened advisory area does not include the City of Alexandria’s waterfront. 

Even with the partial lift, people should always exercise caution when swimming, wading, or participating in water sports in natural, untreated water.

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

About the Partial Lift

VDH issued the original advisory on February 13. There has been no impact to Virginia drinking water.

The decision to partially lift the advisory followed a review of water quality samples collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Samples taken on February 17, 25, 26, and 27 showed bacteria levels acceptable for recreational use.

The advisory will remain in place for the 4.7‑mile section of the Potomac River from the American Legion Memorial Bridge (I‑495) to the Route 120 Chain Bridge. Samples collected by the Washington DC Department of Energy and Environment and DC Water continue to show elevated E. coli levels near the spill site.

What Residents Should Do

Even with the partial lift, residents should continue to be careful around natural bodies of water. Germs in untreated water can cause illness, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Avoid swimming, wading, or water sports in the area where the advisory remains in place.

• If contact occurs, wash skin promptly with soap and water.
• Rinse or wash items that touched the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes, and paddles.
• Seek medical care and inform your provider about the water exposure if you develop symptoms afterward.

What’s Next

AHD remains committed to protecting our community’s health. For questions about water safety or health concerns, call your healthcare provider or contact AHD at 703.746.4988 during normal business hours. 

AHD will continue monitoring local health data for any increase in gastrointestinal illnesses related to contaminated water, and we will continue to share any health updates with our community. 

For updates on the repair status, visit DC Water’s website. For information about impacts in Virginia and links to Maryland and DC agencies responding to the incident, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/potomac-sewage-spill/.

If you have any questions about long-term plans and impacts in Alexandria, please submit them to Alex311. 

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.