Virginia health officials are urging residents to stay out of parts of the Potomac River after sewage discharges and an extended repair timeline prompted a new recreational water advisory stretching from Fairfax County to King George County.
The Virginia Department of Health issued the advisory Friday, February 13, 2026, advising people and pets to avoid recreational water activities where full-body submersion is more likely, including swimming, wading, tubing, and white-water canoeing or kayaking.
State officials said the advisory is being issued “out of an abundance of caution” following a sewage spill reported Jan. 19 and subsequent reports of a sewage discharge on Feb. 7. The estimated repair timeline is four to six weeks, which VDH said informed the decision to recommend avoiding contact with river water in the affected area.
The advisory covers about 72.5 miles of the Potomac River, extending 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.
According to VDH, there are no current signs of drinking water contamination. To get the latest information on repairs, the public can visit DC Water. The agency also offers information specific to Virginia, as well as links to Maryland and District agencies involved in the overall response.
Health officials urged residents to pay attention to advisory signage at water access points and to avoid any areas where water has a foul odor, appears discolored, or contains dead or dying fish.
If people cannot avoid contact with the river, VDH recommends washing their skin with soap and water. People should also wash their items that have come in contact with river water, such as clothing, fishing equipment, life vests, ropes, paddles, and other gear.
People who experience adverse health effects after contact with river water should seek medical care and tell a health care provider about the water exposure, VDH said.
People who are collecting fish or crabs should dispose of the skin and organs, cook the meat to a safe internal temperature, and wash their cutting boards and utensils with warm, soapy water, the agency recommends.
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