Linda Foley

That's how Maryland State Delegate Linda Foley describes this sewer line collapse.

The disaster started January 19th, upriver from D.C.

in Montgomery County, Maryland, sending hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the river, along with chemicals, viruses, and bacteria like E. coli.

Not only polluting the Potomac, but it is also threatening the Chesapeake Bay and environs.

Friday, the D.C.

government advised avoiding all unnecessary contact with the river.

Adding drinking water is separate and safe.

Repairs have been complicated by severe weather, pumps clogged by wipes, rock blockages, and as DC Water describes it, outdated infrastructure.

The utility says it will take a few weeks to stop small overflows and up to nine months or more for full repairs.

Amy Held, NPR News, Washington.