February 18, 2026 at 11:40AM
Potomac River E-coli levels skyrocket after 240 million gallons of sewage pour into waterway
A massive sewer pipe collapse north of Washington, D.C. released about 240 million gallons of sewage into the Potomac River, triggering a dramatic spike in E. coli levels. The EPA called it an ecological crisis of historic proportion as officials warn of potential public health risks and ongoing water quality concerns. Emergency response and containment efforts are underway.