You may have heard about or been impacted by recent spills in the Potomac and James rivers. More information about these spills and the response to the spills is available on the websites for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH; Potomac: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/) and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ; Potomac and James: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/). The summary information provided below was obtained from these websites.
Potomac River — On January 19, 2026, a sewer line in Maryland collapsed, resulting in the release of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. Additional sewage overflows into the Potomac were reported in early February. On January 25, 2026, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issued a shellfish closure of Maryland shellfish growing areas from the spill location to the Route 301 bridge. This closure includes the Potomac River from Charles County and bordering Virginia areas, extending from the Port Tobacco River region down to the Route 301 bridge. Shellfish harvesting waters under Virginia’s jurisdiction begin at the Route 301 bridge and are limited to tributary creeks located on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. According to the VDH website, “Virginia shellfish growing areas are not impacted by the sewage spill.” On February 13, 2026, VDH issued a recreational advisory that is to remain in place until sustainable repairs can be completed (likely 4–6 weeks). People and pets are advised to avoid contact recreational activities in and on the Potomac River within the advisory area. This region extends 72.5 miles from the I-495 bridge in Fairfax County to the Route 301 bridge in King George County. Additional guidance is provided on VDH’s website in the event that people, pets, or their items contact water in the advisory area.
James River — On Feb. 13, 2026, jet fuel spilled into the James River in Newport News during a fuel transfer to a pre-commissioned aircraft carrier. According to the DEQ website, there has been a coordinated investigation by various federal, state, and local agencies. The cause of the spill remains under investigation. As of February 20, 2026, more than 1,900 gallons of fuel were recovered. The fuel spill was not found to impact drinking water sources or shellfish growing areas, but the death of a red-throated loon was attributed to the spill. An assessment team issued a final update on the situation on February 24, 2026, reporting no sheen or odor observed in the James River within the impacted area.
