Collapse in Maryland spills three hundred sixty pools of sewage into the Potomac

A failure in a sewer pipe in Maryland has released more than 360 Olympic swimming pools' worth of wastewater into the Potomac River. This spill exemplifies fecal contamination, the main cause of diseases in natural waters. Swimmers in lakes, rivers, and seas are exposed to pathogens that affect the digestive system, eyes, ears, and skin.

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Bacterial cultures: the technical standard with limitations 🧫

In the United States, water quality is measured using cultures of indicator bacteria: Escherichia coli in freshwater and Enterococcus in saltwater. However, this method has notable flaws. Results take up to 24 hours, during which time contamination can change. Additionally, it does not detect viruses or parasites, only bacteria. This leaves a margin of error that can put recreational water users at risk.

The Potomac: now with more protein and less filter 🏊‍♂️

If you were planning a dip in the Potomac, you might want to reconsider. The river now offers a special mix of water and waste that no spa includes in its catalog. Swimmers could emerge with a renewed digestive system, though not in the desired sense. At least the E. coli cultures will have plenty of material for their next analyses.