Potomac Spill: Photo by Jenn Loving @PotomacConservancy
Major Potomac River Spill Brought National Attention to Region’s Wastewater Shortfalls, But Many Maryland Communities Endure Pollution Threats Daily
Maryland 2026 - Multiple Maryland communities have experienced harmful wastewater overflows in recent weeks, right on the tail of a historic sewage spill in the Potomac River that made national headlines.
In February, wastewater and stormwater overflows affected the Patapsco River in Linthicum Heights and the Choptank River in Cambridge. While smaller in scale, many of these spills are chronic incidents that occur regularly due to aging infrastructure, which can be exacerbated by heavier rainfall from climate change. These spills lead to pollution, algal blooms, and fish kills in the Chesapeake Bay. They also pose a major health risk to people, particularly in communities that rely on local fish for food.
Since the Bay’s Clean Water Blueprint was implemented in 2009, Maryland has made major improvements to reduce pollution from wastewater treatment plants. Those initial improvements have contributed more than 50% to Maryland’s overall pollution reduction to date. But the pipes that carry sewage to the plants remain vulnerable.
Recurring overflows undermine the progress that’s been made. Without sustained investment in pipes, maintenance, and workforce training, Maryland risks losing ground.
Maryland legislators are currently working hard to develop next year’s state budget. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation urges lawmakers to support wastewater infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, not just this year but for the long haul. For example, the Bay Restoration Fund, which has paid for many initial wastewater treatment upgrades, is set to see major rollbacks in 2030. Maryland cannot adequately protect its people and clean water if these programs are not fully funded.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement:
“Sewage spills have become commonplace and it’s unacceptable. Maryland needs a long-term solution to this problem, and the funding to back it up.
“We recognize Maryland legislators are battling federal uncertainty and a looming $1.4 billion budget deficit. But the longer Maryland waits to upgrade this infrastructure, the higher constructions costs will become, and the higher the risks for communities will be.”
