City Notice Roundup: Potomac Water Advisory and Major Infrastructure Work

Official Public Health Advisory: Potomac River Water Safety

The District of Columbia remains under a localized public health advisory following significant sewage discharge into the Potomac River. DC Water and DC Health are urging residents and visitors to avoid all direct contact with river water until further notice. This includes recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and wading. Pet owners are specifically advised to keep animals leashed and away from the shoreline to prevent ingestion or exposure to high levels of E. coli.

While the city's drinking water remains safe and unaffected, the recreational advisory is expected to stay in effect through mid-March 2026 while repairs to the Potomac Interceptor are completed. Officials are monitoring water quality at multiple drainage points and will provide updates as bacterial levels return to safe recreational thresholds.

Infrastructure Alert: Theodore Roosevelt Bridge Lane Reductions

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) reminds commuters that major rehabilitation work on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (I-66) has entered a high-impact phase. As of Saturday, February 21, 2026, the following traffic changes are active:

• Bridge capacity is reduced from three lanes to two lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions.
• The eastbound US Route 50 ramp from Arlington Boulevard is completely closed to traffic.
• A posted detour is in effect, directing motorists to use the George Washington Memorial Parkway to reach the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

These adjustments are necessary for critical structural repairs and the replacement of the bridge deck. Delays are expected to continue through early June 2026. Motorists are encouraged to use the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge or the Whitehurst Freeway as alternative routes.

Public Health Notice: Measles Exposure Monitoring

DC Health continues to monitor a measles exposure investigation linked to several high-traffic locations. Individuals who visited Children's National Hospital (Emergency Department or Orthopedic Clinic) on February 2, 2026, between 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms. The 21-day incubation period for potential exposures in early February remains active through next week. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and a signature rash. Residents who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they believe they were exposed.

Council of the District of Columbia: Oversight Hearing Schedule

The Council's Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Performance Oversight Hearings are ongoing. While no hearings are scheduled for Saturday, residents are invited to sign up for upcoming sessions. The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, covering the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the State Board of Education. Public witnesses may register to testify via the Council’s Hearing Management System.

Federal Operating Status

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has designated the operating status for federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area as "Open" for Saturday, February 21, 2026. Normal operating procedures are in effect for all essential personnel and scheduled weekend services.