On April 14, 2026, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a fish consumption advisory for the Occoquan watershed due to unsafe levels of PFOS, a type of "forever chemical," found in largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish. The advisory covers the Occoquan River, the Occoquan Reservoir, Broad Run, Bull Run, Cub Run, and South Run.
This is a fish consumption advisory only, not a drinking water advisory. The treated drinking water supply remains safe, and recreational water activities such as boating on the Occoquan Reservoir are not affected.
UOSA's final effluent reservoir is not included in this advisory. Out of an abundance of caution, catch and release is now in effect.
For full details on the advisory, including which fish species are affected and consumption limits, please visit the resources below.