High E. coli readings in Soapstone also upstream from sewer leak

One more update on the Soapstone Valley sewer leak before we sign off for a week:

The leak in the sewage pipe in Soapstone Valley has been contained and is in the process of being repaired. This leak is between the two manholes that border Soapstone Trail, the part that picks up at the dead end of Audubon Terrace. So why the warning signs about water contamination from E. coli farther upstream, at the Albemarle Street trailhead?

DC Water spokesman John Lisle explained in an email: “The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) had recorded elevated E. coli counts for locations further upstream (i.e. West toward Albemarle). Even though the E. coli source for these earlier tests has not been definitively identified as ‘sewer’ and investigations are ongoing, DC Water has proactively decided to place warning signs to alert the public.”

Lisle says wildlife and pet waste is a potential source of elevated E. coli readings. We can’t do much about where the birds and the deer do their business. But we can especially conscientious about scooping our dogs’ poop.