WASHINGTON – Don’t wade in it, fish in it, or let your dog play in it.
The advisory for a stretch of Four Mile Run in Arlington and Alexandria comes after a Sunday morning car wreck involving a sewage truck that dumped up to 1,800 gallons of sewage. Officials say the sewage likely flowed into area storm drains and eventually into Four Mile Run.
The sewage spill affects the waterway south of Interstate 395 along South Glebe Road, officials say.
“It is advised that all citizens avoid wading, eating fish from the creek, and avoid letting your dog wade and drink from the creek,” says Arlington Chief Fire Marshal Dan Fitch.
Fitch says the dog park between Walter Reed Drive and Shirlington Road will not be affected.
The City of Alexandria is also advising the public to avoid the waters of Four Mile Run. That advisory remains in effect until Wednesday, May 29.
Water quality in Four Mile Run, referred to as an “urban stream” in Arlington County Department of Environment press releases, is routinely monitored for bacteria contamination.
Arlington County also provides tips to help pet owners determine whether it’s safe to let their pets play in the water.
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WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow @kateryanWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.