Raw sewage pouring into the Potomac River in Maryland has left parts of the waterway contaminated with E. coli bacteria at levels nearly 12,000 times higher than what is considered safe for human contact, according to new testing released this week.
Environmental samples collected after the collapse of a major sewer line near Cabin John show what Potomac Riverkeeper Network officials called a “catastrophic” threat to water quality and public health following days of unchecked sewage flowing into the river.
Testing conducted on Friday, Jan. 23, found E. coli levels of 4,884,000 MPN near Lock 10 along the Potomac — a staggering figure that is 11,900 times higher than the 410 MPN limit used by Maryland and Virginia to determine whether water is safe for recreation…