A sewage spill has temporarily shut down a section of the Patapsco River in Linthicum Heights, with county health officials advising residents to stay away from the water. At the same time, they assess the extent of the contamination. The sanitary sewer overflow was reported Sunday afternoon, and crews say they fixed a temporary bypass and stopped the discharge later that same day. The closure is set to stay in place through Feb. 16. Officials say the affected stretch has been treated with lime, warning signs are up along the banks, and anyone who came in contact with the water should wash with soap and warm water and throw exposed clothing straight into the laundry. Boaters, anglers, and shoreline regulars are being told to act as if the advisory is still active until testing proves otherwise.
Official Notice And Timeline
According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the overflow started at 2:19 p.m. on Sunday and was brought under control by about 7:00 p.m. after repairs to a temporary bypass that had been installed to support upgrades and maintenance at a sewage pumping station. The closure covers the Patapsco between Holly Creek and the area near Thomas Avenue and is scheduled to remain in effect through Feb. 16 while officials continue monitoring water quality. The department notes that crews applied lime to the affected area and posted signs along the shoreline to warn the public.
Local Reporting And Service Impacts
Local TV coverage reported that public drinking water systems were not affected, a key piece of reassurance for residents, but the county Department of Public Works still asked people to cut back on nonessential water use while crews worked to prevent sewer backups and protect infrastructure, according to WMAR2-News. The station also relayed the county’s guidance that anyone who touches the river water should wash thoroughly with soap and warm water and launder any clothing that was exposed. County officials say the advisory will be lifted only after test results show the area is safe again for recreational use.
Why Residents Should Pay Attention
Environmental groups and regulators have been tracking large overflows in the Patapsco watershed, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation recently highlighted a major bypass and overflow event last summer that put a spotlight on how aging infrastructure can send pollution straight into local rivers. Local reporting has also noted that this latest discharge came from a privately owned pumping station in Linthicum Heights, raising renewed questions about maintenance and oversight, according to Eye On Annapolis and the CBF statement. Officials say sampling is ongoing and that they will update the public as new results come in.
How To Get Updates
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is directing residents to its recreational water page and a water quality hotline for the latest information. In its notice, the department lists AAHealth.org and the water quality phone line at 410-222-7999 as the best ways to check current advisories.
