River report: Drought Map improved
Flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage got a bump from the recent rain. Additional rain is in the forecast for next week.
Finally some good news from the U.S. Drought Monitor map released this morning. Around 90% of the basin that was in severe drought conditions (dark orange) last week has been downgraded to moderate drought conditions (light orange). According to the map, 8% of the basin still remains in severe drought.
Potomac Interceptor Updates
There has been a jump in E. coli levels. In general, higher bacteria loads are expected across the basin after rain—especially following such a long dry spell—as pet waste, agricultural runoff, and other pollutants make their way down the river. This is also why it is generally advised to not swim in the river for several days after a storm.
The D.C. Department of Health is expecting to lift the recreational advisory as early as Monday. The Maryland Department of the Environment, in reference to downstream monitoring for shellfish harvesting, announced, “Pending further confirmation testing, a precautionary closure will be lifted on March 10.”
After a seemingly Herculean effort by DC Water staff, the rock and debris that blocked the damaged Potomac Interceptor is nearly complete, according to the water supplier. No overflows have been reported since February 8. Public outreach continues with a virtual briefing from COG (including a presentation from ICPRB’s Dr. Cherie Schultz) earlier this week and community meetings last night and tonight with DC Water.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton took the opportunity to tie the spill to the overall need to strengthen DC’s water supply resilience when she questioned Lt. Gen. William H. Graham at the recent Transportation & Infrastructure hearing. “Clean water is not optional; it is fundamental to public health and safety. This incident underscores the urgent need for a secondary drinking water source for the District so that residents are not left at the mercy of a single, aging system,” Norton said.
Find more updates in the news articles below.
River Basin Commissions and Data Centers: Planning for a Growing Industry with Intensive Water Demands
ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli recently joined his counterparts at our sister river commissions from the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers to author an article on municipal planning for data centers and their thirst for water. The article is featured in the Pennsylvania Municipal League’s “Municipal Reporter” newsletter, River Basin Commissions and Data Centers: Planning for a Growing Industry with Intensive Water Demands (page 37).
ICPRB’s 2nd Quarter Business Meeting coming up
The ICPRB FY26 Second Quarter Business Meeting is coming up on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The meeting will be held at the first floor conference center at ICPRB headquarters in Rockville, MD.
Commissioners will hear a spotlight presentation on Chessie BIBI, learn more about the District Waterways Advisory Commission, and get general updates on ICPRB’s work. Find the draft agenda on our Business Meetings site on our webpage. The public is invited to attend the meeting or provide public comment. Please contact us by Friday, March 13 to register.