Media From Around the Basin – January 15, 2026
River report: DEQ declares Drought Warning
In a recent press release, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a drought warning advisory for 22 counties and 13 cities, including the entirety of Northern Virginia and Shenandoah regions. According to the press release, a drought warning advisory is intended to increase awareness that the onset of a significant drought event is imminent. All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks.
VA DEQ Drought Advisory map (updated Jan. 13, 2026) |
In a similar vein, the U.S. Drought Monitor Map released today shows the entirety of the Potomac basin in Severe (88.8%) or Moderate (11.2%) Drought conditions.
🌊 Flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage was most recently estimated at 3770 cubic feet per second—higher than last week, but still much below normal for this time of year.
🔮The next 3 days may see up to 0.1 inches of rain across the basin, according to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center’s forecast.
U.S. Drought Monitor map with data as of Jan. 13, 2026.
ICPRB is Hiring: Director of Administration and Finance
The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented and collaborative individual to lead the Administrative and Finance team.
The Director of Administration and Finance is a senior management position of ICPRB. The position directs daily administrative, financial and information technology activities of the organization. A CPA certification is required. Applications are due by January 23, 2026.
Learn more about the job and how to apply >>>
From sidewalks to streams: Winter Salt Week raises awareness on winter salt pollution
Our waterways are becoming saltier. Join ICPRB and our partners for a series of events in celebration of Winter Salt Week to raise awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions. There are also nationwide events for Winter Salt Week, which runs from January 26-30, with livestreams from experts across the country each day.
Webinar: Safe Sidewalks, Clean Water for Residents
January 21 | 1 – 1:30 pm
This webinar explains how winter salt impacts our environment, why it’s a growing regional concern, and the simple steps you can take at home—before, during, and after storms—to apply just the right amount of salt to maintain safety in the winter. Audience: general public
Webinar: Community Winter Salt Management
January 23 | 1 – 1:30 pm
Gain best practices and resources for efficient winter salt use, contractor coordination, and strategies to reduce environmental damage while maintaining profitability and setting winter maintenance expectations. Audience: HOAs, property managers, community associations, maintenance teams, etc.
Movie Night: Pollution in the Potomac
January 22 | 5 – 8 pm | Frederick, MD
What’s the current state of water quality in the Potomac River? What are PFAS chemicals and how do they impact our water? How does road salt fit into the pollution story, and what can we all do to make a difference? Learn about these topics and more, catch a screening of the World’s Most Scenic River Journeys episode on the Potomac River, and mingle with ICPRB, the Potomac Riverkeepers and the City of Frederick Sustainability Department.
In-Person event: DMV Winter Salt Week Open House
January 31 | 10am-1pm | Gaithersburg, MD
Learn how salt affects our health and freshwater ecosystems, what’s being done, and how we can support local efforts to reduce road salt use. During the event we will hear from regional expert speakers, monitor the local waterways in Gaithersburg, Maryland for road salt pollution, and learn how much salt is needed to keep us safe during the winter while keeping environmental health in mind. Audience: general public, watershed organizations, and media.
