No Elevated Bacteria Levels Found At Lake Accotink After Sewage Spill

SPRINGFIELD, VA —Testing for harmful bacteria conducted on the water in Lake Accotink following a sewage spill showed that bacteria levels were not elevated, according to Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

This indicates Fairfax County’s cleanup effort was conducted in time to prevent downstream contamination from reaching Lake Accotink, county officials said.

“As a result, there is no continued concern regarding human exposure to untreated sewage in the lake,” the county said Saturday. “The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services will remove caution signs about the sewage spill from around the lake.”

Last Friday, the Fairfax County Park Authority closed the marina at Lake Accotink due to the sewage spill reported upstream of the lake. Bacterial testing of the water was then conducted.

“Out of an abundance of caution, immediate closure of lake activities is recommended for activities involving contact with the lake, such as swimming and fishing, as the water may be contaminated,” county officials said at the time.

The sewage spill was detected about 1.5 miles upstream of Lake Accotink resulting from a blockage in a pipe carrying untreated sewage to a treatment plant. The spill was contained by 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Fairfax County recommended all residents avoid activities that would bring them in contact with the water at Lake Accotink and surrounding tributaries, pending the outcome of water quality tests.

The Department of Public Works said it will continue to monitor the water quality immediately downstream of the spill. “We will continue to monitor the water quality to ensure downstream waters remain clean. We will keep signs posted in the area with elevated bacteria levels,” the county said.

RELATED: Lake Accotink Marina Closed Due To Sewage Spill Upstream Of Lake