ICPRB’s final Water Supply Outlook of 2024 was published earlier this week. This monthly report provides an update on the possibility of water supply releases from the area’s drinking water reservoirs based on long-term rain data, river flow levels, and more.
The probability of releases from backup water supply reservoirs in the Washington metropolitan area during the summer and fall seasons of 2024 is currently below normal. Following a dry period through mid-September, substantial rainfall occurred leading to overall improved conditions.
The Potomac basin upstream of Washington, D.C., received 4.6 inches of rain in September, which is 0.8 inches above normal. As of September 30, the 12-month cumulative basin precipitation is 1.2 inches above normal (see graph below).
The report provided the drought statuses from across the region. The drought status in Pennsylvania is normal. In Maryland, the Western region remains under a drought watch. In Virginia, the Northern Virginia region, and the Big Sandy and New River regions to the west are under a drought watch, while the Shenandoah region is under a drought warning. The drought watch declared on July 29 by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is still in effect.
NASA is about to send a spacecraft to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. It is believed that under the beautiful blue and brown surface is a saltwater ocean twice the size of ours. The mission’s objective is to determine if Europa is suitable to support life.
What does this have to do with the Potomac River watershed? It is a reminder that water connects us all. It brings life. It brings hope. It brings humanity. Etched on the mission spacecraft, Europa Clipper, is a poem by Ada Limón, U.S. Poet Laureate, that eloquently explores how water connects us all, even beyond our atmosphere.
In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa
Arching under the night sky inky
with black expansiveness, we point
to the planets we know, we
pin quick wishes on stars. From earth,
we read the sky as if it is an unerring book
of the universe, expert and evident.
Still, there are mysteries below our sky:
the whale song, the songbird singing
its call in the bough of a wind-shaken tree.
We are creatures of constant awe,
curious at beauty, at leaf and blossom,
at grief and pleasure, sun and shadow.
And it is not darkness that unites us,
not the cold distance of space, but
the offering of water, each drop of rain,
each rivulet, each pulse, each vein.
O second moon, we, too, are made
of water, of vast and beckoning seas.
We, too, are made of wonders, of great
and ordinary loves, of small invisible worlds,
of a need to call out through the dark.
NEWS RELEASE: New Report Exposes Alarming Economic Impacts on DC Region if Faced with Water Supply Disruption
On Tuesday, ICPRB held a press conference to unveil a new report highlighting the significant and dire financial consequences facing the Washington, D.C., region in the event of a disruption to the area’s water supply.
ICPRB’s Executive Director Michael Nardolilli opened the press conference with a quote from Ben Franklin, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
During the press conference, ICPRB, along with officials from the Greater Washington Board of Trade, DC Water, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the American Business Water Coalition, called for Congressional action to fund crucial infrastructure projects to ensure greater resiliency in the D.C. region’s water supply and safeguard the health and safety of both the public and the economy.
“The Potomac River is the single source of drinking water for D.C. and provides water for roughly five million people in the region,” said ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli. “It is integral to the functioning of the nation’s capital. This report clearly shows that any disruption to the water supply would have catastrophic economic consequences for the region, especially for the most vulnerable residents of our nation’s capital. Securing the resilience of our water infrastructure is not just a priority, it’s a necessity.”
River Report – ICPRB Discontinues Daily Drought Monitoring
ICPRB ceased daily Drought Monitoring last Saturday due to increased river flows and rain in the forecast.
Today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map sees a slight increase in Extreme Drought over last week but drought conditions improved in the southern part of the watershed.
NOAA’s National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center (MARFC) is predicting the remnants of Hurricane Helene will drop some rain across the western part of the basin which will increase river flows and bring some badly-needed moisture to the area.
When it rains, it pours. MARFC is calling for coastal flooding in the District and neighboring communities. Stay safe and avoid driving through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown.
Our thoughts are with those in the path of Hurricane Helene.
WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2024) – Today, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) unveiled a new report highlighting the significant and dire financial consequences facing the Washington, D.C., region in the event of a disruption to the area’s water supply during a press conference held today with leaders from the greater Washington area.
In just one month, a significant disruption from threats like infrastructure failures or natural disasters in D.C.’s water supply could result in a loss of $15 billion in gross regional product (GRP) and hundreds of millions in tax losses, according to the report, “The Economic and Fiscal Costs of Water Supply Disruption to the National Capital Region.”
ICPRB, along with officials from the Greater Washington Board of Trade, DC Water, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the American Business Water Coalition, today called for Congressional action to fund crucial infrastructure projects to ensure greater resiliency in the D.C. region’s water supply and safeguard the health and safety of both the public and the economy.
“The Potomac River is the single source of drinking water for D.C. and provides water for roughly five million people in the region,” said ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli. “It is integral to the functioning of the nation’s capital. This report clearly shows that any disruption to the water supply would have catastrophic economic consequences for the region, especially for the most vulnerable residents of our nation’s capital. Securing the resilience of our water infrastructure is not just a priority, it’s a necessity.”
“The interconnectedness of our region means that water supply disruptions would have far-reaching consequences affecting the District of Columbia as well as our neighboring communities in Virginia and Maryland,” said COG Board Chair and District of Columbia Councilmember Charles Allen. “This report underscores the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding our water resources and why COG is working with our partners to ensure a backup water source for the region.”
“DC Water’s motto, ‘Water is life,’ reflects how seriously we, as the water authority for the nation’s capital, take our role in supplying our customers with abundant, safe and reliable water,” said David L. Gadis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Manager of DC Water. “Resilience in the water sector, one of DC Water’s five strategic imperatives, is crucial not only for our success, but also for the health and wellbeing of the customers who depend on DC Water. This water supply vulnerability must be addressed to protect our city now and for the future generations to come.”
“Our region’s economic vitality and quality of life are directly tied to clean, reliable water resources,” said Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. “This report highlights that a disruption in the water supply would not only harm the local economy but also have a disproportionate impact on the diverse business sectors and people who contribute to the vibrancy of our nation’s capital the Greater Washington region. This includes small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises, which are at greater risk of permanent closure if forced to shut down due to water supply disruptions. It is imperative that we confront this challenge proactively to safeguard our thriving region and everything it has to offer.”
“Federal investment in our nation’s water infrastructure is essential to protect all communities from the devastating impacts infrastructure failures can have on operations,” said Mae Stevens, CEO of the American Business Water Coalition. “Restoring the country’s water systems to meet the needs of the population is expected to cost more than $1.25 trillion over the next 20 years, a figure far too large for utilities, companies and private citizens to meet alone. Congress needs to recognize this as a critical need and close the funding gap so that we can better protect the D.C. region and our nation against devastating water supply disruptions.”
Key findings presented in the report include:
Economic impact: The report estimates that a significant water supply disruption could result in losses of almost $15 billion in gross regional product (GRP) and hundreds of millions in tax losses, all within the first month.
Disproportionate impact: Small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of water supply disruption, with potential losses that could devastate their operations and subsequently, impact the livelihoods of their employees. Supply disruption would additionally have a greater impact on lower-income households that have fewer financial resources to mitigate the loss of services.
Sectoral vulnerability: Major sectors, including healthcare, food and beverage, chemical manufacturing and arts & entertainment, are identified as being at severe risk, underscoring the necessity for enhanced infrastructure resilience and preparedness.
Moving forward, ICPRB, COG, Fairfax Water, WSSC Water, the Washington Aqueduct, and Arlington County are partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a backup water source study for the region to ensure greater water supply resiliency. The study, which received partial funding in the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, will commence later this year.
About The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin
The ICPRB is an interstate compact commission established by Congress in 1940. Its mission is to protect and enhance the waters and related resources of the Potomac River basin through science, regional cooperation, and education. Represented by appointed commissioners, ICPRB includes the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the federal government.
About DC Water
DC Water provides more than 700,000 residents and 21.3 million annual visitors in the District of Columbia with retail water and wastewater (sewer) service. With a total service area of approximately 725 square miles, DC Water also treats wastewater for approximately 1.8 million people in neighboring jurisdictions, including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
About Greater Washington Board of Trade
Greater Washington is a dynamic and complex region with a quick-moving and always-evolving business environment. The Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.
About American Business Water Coalition
The American Business Water Coalition is a group of water-reliant businesses—from manufacturing to energy to tech and beyond. The coalition provides a platform for businesses across the country to urge Congress and the Administration to increase investment in water infrastructure, and foster relationships between businesses and their local utilities. Learn more about the coalition here: https://www.businesswatercoalition.com/
About Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is an independent, nonprofit association that brings area leaders together to address major regional issues in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. COG’s membership is comprised of 300 elected officials from local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress.
River Report – Drought continues, despite recent rain
Last month was earth’s hottest August on record. Hot days add additional complications to already dry weather. However, if you are a wine drinker, there is at least one up side to our recent dry conditions: better wine. Cheers to that!
Today’s updated U.S. Drought Monitor map has not changed much from last week’s map, except the Extreme Drought in the basin has increased from 0.1% to 2.5.%.
ICPRB continues to provide daily emails as part of their Drought Monitoring, due to the low flows in the Potomac River. You can see the highlights of those daily reports by following #droughtmonitoring on Facebook and Twitter/X.
NEWS RELEASE: ICPRB Wins $419,300 Grant to Increase Eel Habitat in the Potomac River
The Chesapeake WILD grant will support opening passageways in the North Branch Potomac to allow migration of the American eel, a species of environmental, cultural, and historical significance.
The American eel has historically been found throughout the Potomac River. In recent centuries, dams and other hindrances have decreased access to available habitat resulting in significantly reduced population numbers. The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) recently was awarded a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant to help restore the eels to their native range and make existing populations more resilient.
The Chesapeake WILD grant will support opening passageways in the North Branch Potomac to allow migration of the American eel, a species of environmental, cultural, and historical significance.
ROCKVILLE, MD (Sept. 16, 2024) – The American eel has historically been found throughout the Potomac River. In recent centuries, dams and other hindrances have decreased access to available habitat resulting in significantly reduced population numbers. The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) recently was awarded a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant to help restore the eels to their native range and make existing populations more resilient.
“The American eel is the Potomac’s only catadromous species, which means it lives its life in the river but migrates out to sea to spawn. Juvenile eel return to headwaters of the Potomac basin each year to grow up, and hopefully someday, repeat the process seaward. Unfortunately, American eel that enter the Potomac basin this year face a number of issues such as impassable dams, new predators (like the snakehead and blue catfish), and recent changes in land-use that ultimately reduce the number of young eel reaching the prime developmental upstream habitat,” states Gordon “Mike” Selckmann, associate director for aquatic habitats at ICPRB.
“Improving fish passage by cooperating with our project partners to modernize our historic dams with eel ladders is just one way we can help this historic fish,” explains Selckmann.
“We are excited for the WILD grant and the opportunity to work with our partner organizations to build new infrastructure on Dam 5 near Williamsport, Maryland, as well as support renovations on additional infrastructure that will allow eels to move upstream, opening a whole new world for them,” said ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli.
According to Selckmann, some estimates suggest American eel once accounted for 20% of the freshwater biomass on the eastern seaboard, “They are an important component to riverine and terrestrial ecosystems, as both predator and prey. They even transport larval freshwater mussels upstream.” Selckmann added, “More eels may lead to more mussels and cleaner water.”
“We believe this project will not only restore habitat but also increase public awareness about this important species in the Potomac River,” Nardolilli said. In addition to an eelway at Dam 5, eel passageways are being planned for additional impediments along the river.
This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service and Altria. Additional support was provided by the National Park Service.
Renee Bourassa, Communications Director
Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin | Rockville, MD
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The ICPRB is an interstate compact commission established by Congress in 1940. Its mission is to protect and enhance the waters and related resources of the Potomac River basin through science, regional cooperation, and education. Represented by appointed commissioners, the ICPRB includes the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the federal government. The ICPRB affirms the importance of fostering diversity equity, inclusion, and justice in all activities. The Potomac belongs to all.
River Report – ICPRB Initiates Drought Monitoring, Again
As of yesterday morning, ICPRB has started Drought Monitoring due to low flows in the Potomac River and no rain expected in the next week. The Potomac River supplies drinking water to 78% of people in the greater Washington metro region and 100% of residents in the District of Columbia and Arlington County, Virginia.
It has been about a month since Tropical Storm Debby blew through and increased the rivers flow enough to give us respite from the daily drought emails, but the river’s flow is now below the 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Potomac Rocks USGS gage, which is the threshold for drought monitoring.
During Drought Monitoring, staff at ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) prepare a daily email for water suppliers and government agencies with flow, weather, and demand conditions. This important information can be used to inform water supply operations.
During periods of drought, the CO-OP helps manage the Washington metropolitan area water supply system by coordinating withdrawals from the Potomac River and off-river reservoirs and recommending releases from upstream reservoirs when forecasted flow in the river is not sufficient to meet expected needs.
Follow the conversation and see the daily emails using #droughtmonitoring on Facebook and Twitter/X.
Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows very little changes in the Potomac River watershed (gray line) from last week.
ICPRB Welcomes New Chair and Commissioners
Earlier this week, ICPRB commissioners and staff met in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for the annual Commission meeting which was graciously hosted by the Adams County Conservation District.
Pennsylvania State Representative (and ICPRB Commissioner) Dan Moul offered welcoming remarks and Conservation District Manager Adam McClain highlighted the activities of the Adams County Conservation District. Ten percent of the Potomac River basin is in Pennsylvania, including Gettysburg.
Recently appointed commissioners were welcomed with an ICPRB pin. We would like to officially welcome Jessica Shirley (PA), Chris Ann Kemple (PA), Birthe Kjellerup (MD), Del. Kathy K.L. Tran (VA), Del. Joshua Cole (VA), and Steve Saari (DC) to the Commission.
The commissioners confirmed Scott Morris (VA) as ICPRB’s chair and Robert Sussman (Fed) as CO-OP chair for 2025. Mindy Neil (WV) and Scott Morris (VA) will be vice chairs, respectively. ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli thanked outgoing chair, Susan Weaver (PA), for her leadership in shepherding the adoption of a new three-year Strategic Plan for ICPRB as well as completing the first five-year review of the long-term ICPRB Comprehensive Plan.
The meeting was followed by a tour of Knouse Foods applesauce and juice processing facility in Orrtanna, PA. Commissioners and staff donned hair nets and ear plugs while they learned about the water conservation measures implemented by the facility, including equipment replacement, use monitoring, as well as adjusting processes to conserve water during a drought.
As of this morning, ICPRB has started Drought Monitoring due to low flows in the Potomac River and no rain expected in the next week. The Potomac River supplies drinking water to 78% of people in the greater Washington metro region and 100% of residents in the District of Columbia and Arlington County, Virginia.
It has been about a month since Tropical Storm Debby blew through and increased the rivers flow enough to give us respite from the daily drought emails, but the river’s flow is now below the 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) threshold for drought monitoring.
During Drought Monitoring, staff at ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) prepare a daily email for water suppliers and government agencies with flow, weather, and demand conditions. This important information can be used to inform water supply operations.
During periods of drought, the CO-OP helps manage the Washington metropolitan area water supply system by coordinating withdrawals from the Potomac River and off-river reservoirs and recommending releases from upstream reservoirs when forecasted flow in the river is not sufficient to meet expected needs.
Follow the conversation and see the daily emails using #droughtmonitoring on Facebook and Twitter/X.
Rains through last weekend helped buoy river flows, which is nice to see after a dry summer. Rain for this time of year is on par with the average.
Unfortunately, the rain might be too little, too late for fall leaf peepers. The experts are calling for an early and lackluster fall color season.
According to the Virginia DEQ’s most recent Drought Advisory Update, the Shenandoah region remains in Drought Warning while much of Northern Virginia is back in Drought Watch.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map now shows a tiny sliver of Extreme Drought (D3) sneaking over the light gray line that outlines the Potomac basin. The Severe and Moderate drought status in the basin is not significantly different from last week’s map. The dark red showing Exceptional Drought (D4), the worst in two decades, is outside the Potomac basin and eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
We’re hiring!
ICPRB seeks an enthusiastic, hands-on, detail-oriented individual to be a member of our Administrative Team. The Administrative Coordinator will report directly to the Director of Administration. This is a full-time position and the individual selected will be expected to work onsite in Rockville, MD for at least three days a week.
Drought brings a lot of things—anxiety, thirsty plants, low river levels, angry yellowjackets (yes, you read that right!), and even poor air quality. The DC Metro region air quality dipped into Code Orange yesterday and was considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. It is expected to improve in the coming days.
The river’s flow at Point of Rocks is hovering at the point where ICPRB begins daily Drought Monitoring, however, staff will postpone initiating Drought Monitoring due to the 1 – 3 inches of rain in the forecast.
The heaviest rain is expected in the western part of the watershed, which is also currently the driest area in today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map. How that changes the map remains to be seen. Currently, the amount of the watershed in Severe Drought (orange) jumped from 37% to almost 60% since last week.
All the F(eels) for our NFWF Grant
We are excited to announce that ICPRB has received a 2024 Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant to restore access of the American eel to historic habitat in the western Potomac River watershed. The project will open more than 1,500 miles of upstream river and stream habitat for eel and related aquatic species.
The return of a thriving eel population to the Potomac River and its tributaries will provide more food for other species and better water quality, thereby increasing ecosystem resiliency.
This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service and Altria. Additional support was provided by the National Park Service.
Stay tuned to learn more as the project progresses!
Upcoming ICPRB Business Meeting
The ICPRB will hold its final business meeting of FY24 on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Adams County Agricultural and National Resources Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Commissioners will get an update on the region’s response to the drought, get briefed on ICPRB projects, and get a spotlight presentation on the Adams County Conservation District. Find the draft agenda on our Business Meetings site.
The public is invited to attend the meeting. Please contact us by Friday, September 6, for more information on how to attend.
The ICPRB will hold its final business meeting of FY24 on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Adams County Agricultural and National Resources Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Commissioners will get an update on the region’s response to the drought, get briefed on ICPRB projects, and get a spotlight presentation on the Adams County Conservation District. Find the draft agenda on our Business Meetings site.
The public is invited to attend the meeting. Please contact us by Friday, September 6, for more information on how to attend.
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