[Archived] Alexandria Advises Residents to Avoid Contact with Water in Four Mile Run Stream

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2009

The City of Alexandria advises residents to avoid the water in Four Mile Run. The potentially contaminated water runs downstream from the bridge at West Glebe Road (City line) to the Potomac River. The advisory is a precautionary measure following the discovery of E. coli at Arlington County’s Water Pollution Control Plant that exceeded permitted levels.

Recreational use of Four Mile Run should be avoided until further notice. Arlington is working aggressively to determine the source of E. coli, with test results expected to available later this week.

Residents are advised to stay away from the affected waters and to keep their pets away until further notice to eliminate the risk of potential exposure. Residents should not fish in the streams or have contact with the waters – including wading or swimming – until being given further notice. As always, people are reminded that water in streams, regardless of location, may contain microorganisms that can make people sick.

This advisory is completely unrelated to the City's drinking water and water for household use. Alexandria’s drinking water is supplied by Virginia American Water, which follows every rule and regulation set forth by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.