D.C. Water faces legal action after 240 million gallon sewage spill contaminated the Potomac River. Public health officials declared the emergency over, but scientists warn the ecosystem remains compromised. Bacteria levels have declined, but raw human waste persists near the Montgomery County site, threatening the region's $4 billion recreation economy.

The utility now confronts multiple lawsuits from the EPA and Maryland Department of the Environment seeking cleanup responsibility. American Rivers declared the Potomac the country's most endangered waterway, potentially increasing regulatory burdens and compliance costs. D.C. Water defends containment efforts but acknowledges residual contamination risks.

Aging infrastructure represents growing liability for businesses along the river corridor. The Potomac's connection to the Chesapeake Bay creates cascading economic impacts for fisheries and tourism industries. Researchers continue monitoring while warning more spills are inevitable without substantial infrastructure investment.