Historic Sewage Spill in the Potomac River
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On January 19, 2026, a 6-foot wide interceptor pipe owned and operated by DC Water collapsed. Located on National Park land in Montgomery County, Maryland, it released an estimated 243 million gallons of untreated sewage directly into the Potomac River.
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Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) jumped into immediate action to document the disaster and to monitor the bacteria levels in the river. This sewage spill, called the worst in U.S. history, is an on-going public health and environmental emergency. PRKN will continue to conduct independent water quality monitoring, provide transparent public updates, and call for a science-driven investigation that will lead to enforceable safeguards that prevent this from happening again.
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Our Waterkeepers’ bacteria water quality monitoring programs provide a vital public service, especially when they are called into action in response to sewage leaks and overflows. The magnitude of this sewage contamination illustrates the need for more funding for and an expansion of public monitoring programs. It is also a stark example of how delayed maintenance of our aging water and sewage infrastructure threatens cities and towns – big and small – throughout the region.
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The Rappahannock Tribe Calls for Action to Save the Rappahannock River
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In late 2025, Caroline County quietly approved a water permit allowing the withdrawal of 9 million gallons of water per day out of the Rappahannock River and transferring the treated water into the Mattaponi River. The Rappahannock Tribe was not consulted even though they had voiced strong opposition to the plan. Their tribal sovereignty and treaty rights were ignored. The Rappahannock Tribe immediately filed an appeal with pro bono legal representation from Chesapeake Legal Alliance. The Tribe is actively restoring ancestral lands at Fones Cliffs and reconnecting their Tribal Citizens to the river. Working with neighboring jurisdictions and scientists, they have created The Return to the River restoration plan to restore land enjoyed by Tribal Citizens and the broader community. The planned water withdrawal and the possible data center development that could follow threaten all of this. To learn more and support their efforts, visit https://www.rappahannocktribe.org.
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Clean Water Bills in Maryland & Virginia
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On February 26th, Maryland Waterkeepers visited over 30 lawmakers’ offices to discuss their top legislative priorities. In both Maryland and Virginia, a top priority is to pass legislation to address the urgent public health crisis caused by PFAS, the forever chemicals. Waterkeepers are working to stop PFAS at its source – both industrial and in consumer products – and halt the spread on our lands and in our waterways.
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Grab your kayak or SUP and head out for some on-the-water advocacy at BayPaddle on Saturday, July 25th! Once again, all registration fees will be donated to Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Oyster Recovery Partnership and Chesapeake Conservancy. Come out to Kent Island for a day of celebrating the Chesapeake Bay!
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- Potomac Riverkeeper Network has garnered a lot of local, regional and national media attention on the Potomac sewage spill, including a clip on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Head over to their social media channels for more links to press on the sewage disaster.
- Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper responded to an exploding scrapyard last week. Ted is currently in litigation against the scrapyard for violations to the Clean Water Act and RCRA.
- James Riverkeeper responded to a jet fuel spill a couple of weeks ago.
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We’re hiring! Are you an enthusiastic convener and self-starter? Do you love the environment and advocacy? If so, you could be our next Director. The Director convenes the member Waterkeepers to collaborate on shared advocacy priorities and to leverage their expertise and talents. We seek a candidate who values environmental protection, demonstrates and values collaboration, and brings the skills and enthusiasm needed to support our Waterkeepers and amplify their collective impact. Job notice ➡ https://waterkeeperschesapeake.org/director/
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Around the Watershed
Waterkeepers host events all year long — from paddling trips and river clean ups to webinars and rallies. We invite you to check out the calendar of events to sign up for something near you!
Hybank River Supply Company has created a series of limited-edition prints featuring locally known and loved landmarks throughout the Bay inspired by travel posters of the ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds from your purchase of these beautiful posters will support us! Shop today!
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©Copyright 2026 WATERKEEPERS® Chesapeake
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