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The ICPRB is assisting
the District of Columbia and Maryland governments by developing
models to guide restoration efforts in the interstate Anacostia
watershed.
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ICPRB works in many ways to help safeguard the water quality of
the Potomac Basin rivers and streams. ICPRB's Water Quality Section
is involved in activities and projects to support states and communities
in their efforts to promote:
Healthy Rivers and Streams
With the passage of the Clean Water Act, our nation set the goal
of swimmable and fishable for our lakes, river and streams. All
Potomac Basin states are actively working to clean up polluted waters.
ICPRB is assisting states attain their water quality goals in a
variety of ways, including the construction of computer models that
can be used as aids in decision making processes.
The Region's Scientists Investigate Lower Potomac Fish Kill-June 2006
The ICPRB is working to develop a tidal Potomac PCB TMDL for the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland.
The ICPRB held a Regional Technical Workshop on Potomac Toxics Data on 1/29/04, featuring speakers and attendees from state, federal, and regional agencies.
Download the ICPRB Toxic Spill Model Fact Sheet. 
A Healthy Chesapeake Bay
Many Potomac Basin residents enjoy the benefits of living near the
Chesapeake Bay. Because it is the second largest of the rivers flowing
into to the Chesapeake Bay, the water quality of the Potomac River
has a significant impact on the health of the Bay. ICPRB an active
participant in the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Pollution Reduction
Sometimes, just small changes in the way we do things can have a
positive impact on water quality. Changes in the ways that homeowners
and businesses dispose of wastes, landscape their property, or direct
rainwater from their rooftops can all have beneficial effects on
our rivers and streams. ICPRB is working on several projects promoting
simple measures to reduce pollution from everyday sources.
Safe Drinking Water
Most people take for granted the fact that the water flowing out
of our faucets is safe to drink. Communities throughout the Potomac
Basin are working hard to ensure the continued safety of our water
supplies tomorrow and for future generations. ICPRB is helping in
efforts to maintain safe drinking water by assisting several Potomac
Basin communities develop their Source Water
Assessments and by coordinating the Potomac
River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership.
State 303d Reports
Each state is required under the Clean Water Act to monitor their
rivers, streams, estuaries, and lakes to determine water quality.
Waterways that do not meet water quality standards are cataloged
in the state's 303d report. Waterways are listed with types of impairment
(s) and will in most cases require a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
to be developed. A TMDL is the sum of the allowable loads of a single
pollutant from all contributing point and non-point sources.
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