Unknown Substance Seen in the Potomac River

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Water agencies are monitoring a plume of an unidentified substance that is floating down the Potomac River.

WSSC's Potomac Water Filtration Plant has an intake along the river's shoreline where it draws in raw water for treatment.

At this point, WSSC does not expect the substance to effect drinking water.

In an abundance of caution, WSSC has placed a boom in the river to divert as much of the water flow away from the intake as possible. WSSC closed the plant's Potomac River intake Monday night and re-opened it Tuesday afternoon. In order to maintain water service, WSSC has filled the entire system to full capacity and has halted any maintenance activities that require flushing of pipes.

WSSC is working with multiple federal, regional, state and local agencies to monitor the situation and to provide a coordinated response. At this time the origin of the plume is unknown, as is the exact nature of the substance. Early testing indicates it could be something similar to a hydraulic fluid or lubricant. The plume was first noticed near Point of Rocks, MD on Sunday.

The Potomac Water Filtration Plant produces about 70 percent of WSSC's treated water each day for customers across Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

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