Water quality in the Potomac’s nontidal streams and creeks logged a slight improvement, with about half considered healthy. Clean water advocates are planning to sue a West Virginia coal company for pollution in the Potomac River. --Water-stage recorder, crest-stage gage, and concrete control. You’ll receive our next monthly edition of River Update in your email inbox with local clean water news, wildlife stories, and fun - usually free - outdoor events. The water suppliers share the Potomac River as the major regional water resource, and so 35 years ago and came together to form the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) and a cooperative agreement (Co-Op) of funding and using the water resources available regionally. If algae blooms are present in the raw water withdrawn from the river, it is treated with potassium permanganate. ©2020 Potomac Conservancy. 2020 POTOMAC RIVER REPORT CARD. Thank you! --Water-stage recorder, crest-stage gage, and concrete control. Available data for this site Stream Site. Rapid deforestation and sprawl are stripping the land’s ability to absorb rainwater as streets, parking lots, and rooftops replace natural ground cover. We canceled our 2020 in-person volunteer water quality monitoring training sessions and developed … Tidal grasses are great indicators of river health because they are sensitive to pollution but can quickly recover with water quality improvements. Our volunteers routinely test multiple sites for E. coli levels. One of the requirements of the agreement is that every five years a study be conducted to evaluate whether … Water from the Potomac River is pumped through a screen to remove large debris such as sticks, leaves and rocks. Prior to June 7, 1930, nonrecording gage, and June 7, 1930 to Jan. 22, 1965, water-stage recorder at site 1 mi upstream on right bank at same gage datum. © 2021, Potomac Conservancy, Silver Spring, MD. And our climate crisis is only making rains and storms more intense and harder to manage. What’s good for the Potomac is good for us. Our community’s health depends on a thriving and clean Potomac River. As part of the federally-mandated Clean Rivers Project, DC Water is undertaking a large-scale, multi-stage tunnel project to capture and treat stormwater to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) – incidents when sewer systems divert diluted sewage into local tributaries during or directly after heavy rainfalls. Polluted runoff, rapid deforestation, and new attacks on water protections could derail progress, the report warns. Polluted stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas continues to climb and is the fastest growing source of pollution to the Potomac River. Thank you! Photo by Peggy McEwan By Peggy McEwan/Potomac Almanac. There’s a storm fast approaching that could wreck all of our progress if we don’t act. Using an established baseline and set of benchmarks, the Conservancy measures restoration progress and assigns the Potomac River a grade. The region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. Based on data from 2018 and 2019, heavier-than-average rainfall likely played an outsized role in the outcome, too. INVEST in clean water and the environment as public health priorities, PROTECT healthy forests and the river’s cleanest tributaries, PLANT streamside trees to capture and filter polluted runoff, DEFEND AND STRENGTHEN laws that protect our waterways at the local, state, and federal levels, PLAN river-friendly communities that safeguard streams, forests, and drinking water sources, pollution-free streams and drinking water sources, Use your voice to help pass strong water protection laws in your community, Become a clean water champion and lead fun (and safe!) States in our region are failing to meet their tree restoration goals. The award recognizes the … At our water treatment plant on the Potomac River, we actively monitor water quality parameters to ensure protective levels of chlorine and corrosion control, which prevents lead and copper in distribution pipes from leaching into drinking water. #potomacreportcard. Boating, swimming in the Potomac River: How safe is it? For non-tidal water quality, the report found that 50 percent of small creeks and streams feeding into the Potomac are healthy, garnering a grade of B. The Potomac River Tunnel is part of DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by the NPS Acting Director, Region 1 - National Capital Area on March 30, 2020, selecting the construction of the Potomac River Tunnel as the preferred alternative and concluding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. These threats include, but are not limited to, harmful algal blooms, warming waters, endocrine disrupting compounds, PCBs, aquatic diseases, and others. This type of bacteria serves as a water quality parameter for human health in recreational waters. August 27, 2020 DC Water has submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Practicability Assessment for the Potomac River Green Infrastructure (GI) project as required under the terms of the 2016 Amended Consent Decree. Caitlin Wall: co-Project Manager COVID-19 Information. Deluges eroded stream banks and increased sediment pollution, Lower tidal water clarity harmed underwater habitat, Juvenile fish rates for smallmouth bass plummeted, Overwhelmed stormwater systems sent diluted sewage into streams, Urban runoff polluted waterways with excess nutrients, fertilizers, and debris. We all rely on the river for the water we drink, the food that’s grown on its lands, the well-being and peace provided by its natural spaces, and the joys of exploring our region’s plants, animals, and other wild wonders. Skip to: 2018 ǀ 2017 ǀ 2016 ǀ 2015 ǀ 2014 ǀ 2013 ǀ 2012 ǀ 2011 ǀ 2010 ǀ 2009 ǀ 2008 ǀ 2007 ǀ 2006 ǀ 2005 ǀ 2004. This is the sixth consecutive year the city received the Directors Award for its voluntary participation in the Partnership for Safe Water. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources launched a new water quality-monitoring buoy last week, and it’s now offering real-time data to the public and to scientists online. That’s according to the latest letter grade — a B-minus this year compared with a straight Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s AWQM sampling stations. Data sets for some indicators takes time to become publicly available, so we have aggregated and assessed data through 2018. Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership. Join our growing movement for clean water at potomac.org, For press inquiries, contact Willis Kliefoth at kliefoth@potomac.org, Melissa Diemand: co-Project Manager & Publication Editor Join PRKN Vice President Phillip Musegaas, on Wednesday December 2nd at 12PM, for a recap of the historic results of the 2020 election, and our thoughts on how a Biden Administration will address clean water, climate, energy and other issues central to our work to protect and restore the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. ). FOR MORE INFORMATION visit potomacreportcard.org. From Headwaters to Coast: Influence of Human Activities on Water Quality of the Potomac River Estuary. Location Metadata Metadata Element Location Metadata Metadata Code; Agency U.S. Geological Survey USGS: Site identification number 01646500 n/a: Site name … Dedicated local fees that support the implementation of green infrastructure are an encouraging step by localities to mitigate the polluted runoff. The greatest legacy we can leave for our children is access to clean water. Using an established baseline and set of benchmarks, the Conservancy measures restoration progress and assigns the Potomac River a grade. We all rely on the river for the water we drink, the food that’s grown on its lands, the restaurants and businesses along its shores, and the joys of exploring its streams, trails, and parks. Urban polluted runoff continues to increase and is the fastest growing source of pollution in the river, Deluges eroded stream banks and increased sediment pollution, Lower tidal water clarity harmed underwater habitat, Juvenile fish rates for smallmouth bass plummeted, Invasive and predatory blue catfish are quickly invading local waters, threatening native fish, States within the watershed are failing to plant sufficient trees along vulnerable streams and creeks. Sign up to receive our monthly River Update email. 100% Private. Potomac Conservancy is the region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. Agricultural pollution remains the single largest source of pollution to the Potomac, but improvements in agricultural land practices have supported its steady decline. We’ll keep you updated on local river news, wildlife, and fun outdoor events. : Design and Layout Nutrient pollution from industrial and agricultural sources continue their long-term decline, American shad, bald eagles, and other native wildlife are returning to local waters, More forest and farmland (over 3.5 million acres of total land) is being protected in the region. We have had to make adjustments for our water quality monitoring program due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but only so that the important bacteria monitoring we do can safely get done. The proposed project, primarily on NPS land in northwest D.C., will improve water quality and reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Potomac River. The monitoring program will focus on bacterial contamination in the water, which is important to human health. ICPRB actively collects water quality and habitat data in several Potomac River basin watersheds. Our hometown river is in the middle of a comeback and is cleaner than in decades past, but it remains too polluted for safe swimming or fishing. Data are any kind of systematic measurements or information. The construction of the Anacostia River tunnel was completed in 2016 to prevent 96 percent of CSOs in the area from occurring. The Potomac River tunnel is the next major phase of the project. We can’t afford to lose momentum in the fight for clean water. These threats include, but are not limited to, harmful algal blooms, warming waters, endocrine disrupting compounds, PCBs, aquatic diseases, and others. Potomac Conservancy is the region's leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and vibrant communities. Tidal grass abundance is variable. INVEST in clean water and the environment as public health priorities, PROTECT healthy forests and the river’s cleanest tributaries, PLANT streamside trees to capture and filter polluted runoff, DEFEND AND STRENGTHEN laws that protect our waterways at the local, state, and federal levels, PLAN river-friendly communities that safeguard streams, forests, and drinking water sources. During the summer months, staff at ICPRB field frequent calls from people wanting to know if a favorite spot on their local river or stream is “safe.” With few exceptions, we are unable to … Thanks to decades of hard work following the Clean Water Act of 1972, many indicators of the Potomac’s health are trending in the right direction. We don’t spam or share your information. More details here. In this critical moment, we must prevent threats from destroying progress by passing stronger water protection laws and investing in natural defenses that will make our communities better prepared for our changing climate. You will receive our next monthly River Update e-newsletter. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Environmental Integrity Project and Appalachian Mountains Advocate sent a joint letter of intent to sue to D&L Coal Company, Inc. on Thursday, claiming that the coal facility has been allowing stormwater runoff contaminated with coal waste to flow into … 2020 Events. Testing sites on the Anacostia passed water quality standards 41% of the time in 2020, up from 34% in 2019, while sites on Rock Creek passed 4% of the time in 2020, up from.08%. Despite this recent setback, long-term water quality trends confirm the Potomac River is in recovery. For the first time in a decade, the Potomac River’s health grade has declined – slipping from a B to a B- in Potomac Conservancy’s 2020 Potomac River Report Card. A slight increase in … Protecting our local drinking water, land, and public health is very personal for Sara, given that she started her environmental organizing & advocacy work as a teenager living in a frontline environmental justice community whose drinking water, air, soil, and … Our community’s health depends on a thriving and clean Potomac River. Date: April 14, 2020 Contact: Katie Liming, 703-399-4547 The National Park Service (NPS) has completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) and approved DC Water’s proposal to move forward with construction of the Potomac River Tunnel project. Included are the details about where your water … Extreme rainfall is particularly problematic as runoff flushes excess nutrients and sediment (from erosion) into local tributaries, degrading water quality and destroying fishing grounds. Data sets for some indicators takes time to become publicly available, so we have aggregated and assessed data through 2018. She has been passionately advocating for clean water, healthy lands, and safe communities for 15 years. Using an established baseline and set of benchmarks, the Conservancy measures restoration progress and assigns the Potomac River a grade. Drought and flood records go back only about 100 years, limiting information on extreme weather that could directly affect the amount of … The overall grade has been weighted to account for non-quantifiable, inaccessible, or outdated data on water quality threats. The Potomac Conservancy, which released the 2020 Potomac River Report Card, ... Water quality in the Potomac’s non-tidal streams and creeks logged a slight improvement, with about half considered healthy. We give a special thanks to Dick and Nancy Raines, The Oak Hill Fund, and our members for their generous charitable support that made this report possible. We thank Richard Batiuk for offering his expertise, outside review, and assessment of our findings. The Potomac River is the source of drinking water for more than 6 million people in the metropolitan area. There are some new “Eyes on the Bay” keeping watch over Mallows Bay on the Potomac River. Why the river matters what's good for the potomac is good for us. Rapid deforestation and sprawl are stripping the land’s ability to absorb rainwater as streets, parking lots, and rooftops replace natural ground cover. Drinking Water Drinking water source for five million local residents, Trails & Scenery Treasured playground for families, hikers, paddlers, and nature lovers, Diverse wilderness Home to over 1,400 native plants and animals, and 200 globally rare species, Connects Communities Flows 380+ miles through forests, farms, cities, and onto the Chesapeake Bay. In this 2015 study, a long-term (43-year) trend analyses were performed on water quality data from 26 stations in West Virginia’s Ambient Water Quality Monitoring (AWQM) Network. Water Quality. Our collective voices are already making huge strides for local, New Potomac Report Card downgrades Potomac River’s health - see the new grade, 7 tricks for talking about the climate crisis...so that people will listen, Genuinely useful tips for getting outside this winter, Potomac Conservancy statement in defense of free and fair elections, Potomac Conservancy and partners protect 755 acres in West Virginia, 4 ways Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left his mark on the environmental movement, Surprising ways 5 local critters survive the cold, Study finds the Potomac is getting saltier, threatening drinking water and wildlife, What nature can teach us in this moment of transition, 7 brilliant ways to relax, destress, and help the Potomac River (at the same time! A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by the NPS Acting Director, Region 1 - National Capital Area on March 30, 2020, selecting the construction of the Potomac River Tunnel as the preferred alternative and concluding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. For the first time in generations, our community is close to enjoying a swimmable, fishable Potomac River – but we need to act now to make this vision a reality. Potomac Conservancy’s Potomac River Report Card presents and assesses data on five significant river health indicators: pollution, fish, habitat, land, and people. Corey Tiani, pointpixl llc. For the first time in generations, our community is close to enjoying a swimmable, fishable Potomac River – but we need to act now to make this vision a reality. On February 6, 2020, while gathering information and data related to his lawsuit against the nearby Luke Paper Mill over its water pollution, the Upper Potomac Riverkeeper noticed coal residue along a channel, formed by coal-laden stormwater, leading from the D & L site into the river. As part of the exercise, water will be released from the Little Seneca drinking water reservoir in Montgomery County over the next few days. It’s a far cry from when we graded the river an abysmal D just ten years ago, but stalled progress could signal a dangerous reversal in course for the river’s health if threats aren’t addressed. While many do not give it a second thought, others wonder about the safety and cleanliness of the water in the Potomac River and its tributaries. 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