A massive sewer pipe collapse north of Washington, D.C., has spilled 243.5 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, creating what the EPA calls an ecological crisis of “historic proportion.”

Tests showed E. coli levels hundreds of times above safe limits, prompting DC Water to warn residents to avoid the river and take precautions if exposed.

Emergency crews are treating calls near the spill site as hazardous due to dangerous contamination, while temporary bypasses have rerouted wastewater and emergency repairs are underway.

Political disputes have erupted, with President Donald Trump criticizing Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. officials, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore said federal authorities bear responsibility for the pipe’s maintenance, NBC News has reported.

Long-term repairs are expected to take 9–10 months, but officials confirmed that the city’s drinking water remains safe.