The Reservoir Center for Water Solutions and Anacostia Riverkeeper have launched a pilot project to test real-time E. coli monitoring technology at three sites along the Anacostia River.

The project uses Lume sensors developed by Virridy to provide continuous estimates of E. coli contamination risk. Unlike conventional culture-based testing, which requires water samples to be collected and processed in a laboratory, the sensors analyze a natural fluorescent marker associated with fecal contamination and transmit risk estimates to a public dashboard within minutes.

The technology is expected to provide nearly 100 readings per day, allowing researchers to examine how water quality changes in response to conditions such as heavy rainfall. Fecal contamination can enter the Anacostia through combined sewer overflows and stormwater runoff carrying pet and wildlife waste.

During the pilot, partners will compare sensor estimates with traditional E. coli testing to evaluate the technology and identify patterns in contamination. The effort is intended to supplement rather than replace established laboratory monitoring.

The E. coli data will eventually be incorporated into the Reservoir Center’s Water Quality Monitoring Program dashboard, which tracks additional indicators including dissolved oxygen, salt contamination and algal blooms. Swimming remains prohibited in District waterways.