D.C. Water is urging residents to avoid contact with parts of the Anacostia River after an unexpected sewer overflow released untreated wastewater into the waterway Saturday.

The utility said a main carrying sewage to the Anacostia Pumping Station experienced a failure, forcing excess flow into the river. Crews have since stabilized the system, but D.C. Water warns that bacteria levels could remain elevated for several days.

A release said sewer line failure was detected at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, and that the volume of the wastewater was estimated to be about 6,200 gallons.

Signs are being posted along the riverbanks in affected areas, advising people to stay out of the water and keep pets away. Officials caution against fishing, swimming, or boating in the Anacostia until testing

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