The Potomac River is currently grappling with more than just turbulent waters. A recent sewage spill in the vicinity of Lockhouse 10 has sent E. coli levels skyrocketing, reaching figures vastly exceeding safe thresholds for human interaction in Washington, D.C. New testing has uncovered contamination levels that are thousands of times above what’s deemed safe.

Situated along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, Lockhouse 10 once played a crucial role in managing boat traffic during the 19th century. Today, it stands preserved as a tranquil historical site, approximately five miles from the bustling center of Washington, D.C.

In light of recent events, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) has released alarming test results concerning the water quality along the Potomac River. PRKN President Betsy Nicholas highlighted that the current situation is far graver than initially suspected.

The tests revealed significantly heightened levels of E. coli, a bacterium commonly residing in the intestines of humans and animals. While generally harmless, certain toxin-producing strains can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to Nicholas, “These measurements of E. coli bacteria indicate contamination levels nearly 12,000 times over the safety limits set for human contact.” She further elaborated, “To date, around 300 million gallons have been discharged into the Potomac River, and the long-term consequences are profound.” The testing was conducted in accordance with standards set by Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and Maryland’s Department of the Environment.

“These measurements of E. coli bacteria show contamination which is nearly 12,000 times what authorities limit for human contact,” Nicholas said. “So far, almost 300 million gallons have entered the Potomac River, and the long-term impact cannot be overstated. We measured against standards established by Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and Maryland’s Department of the Environment.

“We were able to get this information thanks to real-time testing conducted Friday by Dean Naujoks, Potomac Riverkeeper, and Evan Quinter, PRKN volunteer coordinator,” she added.

E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. It is usually harmless but can cause diarrhea and more serious gastrointestinal illness when certain toxin-producing strains contaminate food or water, according to the CDC. (iStock)

Beyond the initial findings, additional testing conducted along the Potomac River shows how far the contamination spread and how dramatically bacteria levels varied depending on location.

Naujoks said the sampling locations were chosen to show contamination at the source of the spill, at popular public recreation areas and miles downstream in Washington, D.C.

“We sampled the sewage discharging from the broken interceptor pipe to the Potomac River near Lock 10 and the result was 4,884,000 MPN – Most Probable Number for E. coli – which is 11,900 times higher than the 410 MPN limit for safe human contact,” he said. “Very nearby, samples collected from the river at the Lock House 10 public river access where people recreate showed values were 7,000 times above the 410 limit. 

Testing shows a sewage spill near Lockhouse 10 sent E. coli levels nearly 12,000 times above safe limits, contaminating the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. waters. (iStock)

“We also sampled roughly four miles downstream in D.C. waters at Fletchers Cove, where testing data revealed E. coli levels were 60 times higher than the 410 standard,” he added.

Naujoks said the spill was the result of infrastructure failures that he argues could have been prevented with better maintenance and planning.

“Infrastructure failure is at the root of this disaster – the six-foot-diameter sewage interceptor pipe located this close to the river should have been better maintained to avoid this catastrophe,” Naujoks said. “DC Water needs to come up with a better plan than using a 100-year-old dry canal ditch to capture and contain future sewage releases instead of discharging hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage to the river. One of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history could have been avoided.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to DC Water for comment on the matter.