Montgomery County warns residents after two Potomac River drownings; issues PFAS water-contact advisory

Montgomery County officials urged caution after two recent drownings in the Potomac River and announced a water-contact advisory for parts of the county after elevated PFAS were found in a stormwater pond and small stream near Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenues.

"There have already been 2 deaths in the Potomac River. Over the holiday weekend, the 16 year old drowned near Great Falls Park," County Executive Mark Eldridge said, reminding residents that swimming in the Potomac is both illegal and dangerous.

Eldridge said out-of-caution guidance and testing will remain in place for sites where PFAS — a class of persistent chemicals used historically in firefighting foam and certain consumer products — were detected. "These areas will remain a water contact advisory. That means no swimming, no fishing, no allowing kids or pets to play in the water for the foreseeable future," he said.

Officials attributed elevated PFAS near the former public safety training academy, where PFAS-containing firefighting foam was used for many years, and said the county and the Maryland Department of the Environment will continue testing water, soil and groundwater. The county asked private well owners in the area to take part in testing and directed residents to the county PFAS information page at montgomerycountymd.gov/pfas and to call 311 with questions.

Public-safety officials also reminded residents that local pools and supervised swimming facilities are safer alternatives to open water; Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service warned of strong currents, sudden drops and other hazards in the Potomac and nearby ponds. Officials said enforcement of the swimming ban is typically handled by the Montgomery County Police Department and that fines for violations are posted online (about $200). The county said it will coordinate with federal partners such as the U.S. Park Police on river-safety measures.