Potomac River Declared Most Endangered Due to Sewage Spill and Data Center Strain
The Potomac River has been named the most endangered river in the United States, according to a report by American Rivers, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, and Nature Forward. This designation follows a significant sewage spill and the increasing strain from data centers in the region. In January, a pipeline collapse in Maryland led to the release of over 240 million gallons of untreated sewage into the river, which serves as a drinking water source for 5 million people in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. The spill resulted in high bacteria levels, and although emergency repairs were completed by March, cleanup efforts continue. Additionally, the rapid development of data centers, particularly in Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland, is exacerbating the situation. These centers require substantial water for cooling, often sourced from the Potomac, potentially altering water flows and harming wildlife. 
