200 million gallons of wastewater overflowed into the Potomac River after a Maryland sewer line collapse on January 19th. DC Water completed a bypass on January 24th to reroute wastewater, but further overflows occurred in early February. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a recreational water advisory on February 13th, warning residents to avoid activities like swimming and kayaking in the affected 72.5-mile stretch from Fairfax to King George County until repairs are complete, estimated to take four to six weeks. Virginia shellfish growing areas remain unaffected, as VDH sampling found no elevated fecal coliform levels.

Maryland, however, closed shellfish harvesting areas from January 25th. VDH continues water quality testing and advises immediate washing after contact.