Stay Safe: Sewage Spill Impacting Our River
I want to give you an update on a major environmental and public health emergency unfolding right in our backyard.
On January 19, a major sewer main collapsed near Lock 10 in Montgomery County, releasing an estimated 200–300 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. Crews have been working to contain the spill, but now, more than two weeks later, repairs are expected to take another four to six weeks after a massive underground “rock dam” blocking the damaged pipe was discovered.
University of Maryland researchers have detected dangerous levels of E. coli and other harmful bacteria as far as 10 miles downstream. The current winter cold front is not helping, as cold water temperatures are allowing these pathogens to survive longer, increasing the risk of infection and illness for anyone who comes into contact with the river, and threatening the health of downstream communities and ecosystems.
While local officials say the area’s drinking water is safe, they warn residents to stay out of the river and get tested if they’ve had any contact with the water.
This spill, one of the largest sewer spills in U.S. history, is a stark reminder of what happens when critical water infrastructure is allowed to age without sufficient investment.
Solving this crisis makes it clear that we can't fix this break and say we are done. It requires serious, ongoing commitment to modernizing our water systems, prioritizing resilience, and ensuring that no community bears a disproportionate burden of failure.
The Potomac is a shared regional resource. Protecting it demands transparency, coordinated leadership, and the political will to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our families safe.
As a candidate for Delegate, I will prioritize strong environmental preservation policies and fight for sustained infrastructure investment because our communities deserve safe water, environmental justice, and resilient public systems.
If you have thoughts or questions on this or other issues, you can reach me at tazeen@tazeenformaryland.com. Thank you for staying informed and engaged.
Finally, we have several upcoming opportunities for you to get involved and support our campaign. I hope you will join us for one of our upcoming meet and greets, fundraisers, or sign up to volunteer with the campaign.
If you’re able, please consider making a financial contribution HERE. We can’t do this without you.
With heart and purpose,
Tazeen Ahmad
Candidate for Delegate
Leading with Heart, Delivering with Purpose