News From Around the Basin – August 20, 2026 >>>
The Week’s River Report: Improvements Across the Watershed
Good news in this week’s river report. Here it is by the numbers:
🗺️ 0% – Severe Drought in the basin: Today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map shows no Severe Drought conditions in the watershed, a nice improvement over last week. A broad swath of moderate drought runs through the center of the watershed, while most of the remaining area remains abnormally dry.
🌊3030 cubic feet per second (cfs): Flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage is slightly above median.
☔ -8.5 inches: The region’s rain deficit for the past year, which improved from last week.
🔮 Up to 2 inches: The amount of rain forecasted over the next week, with the higher amounts expected to hit the south-east section of the basin.
Small Systems Roundtable in Moorefield, WV, Brings Potomac Partners Together
ICPRB and the Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership (DWSPP) recently brought together drinking water professionals and partners for a Small Water Supply Systems Roundtable focused on the unique needs and experiences of smaller water systems in the Potomac basin.
The gathering created an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, learn about available resources, and connect with other water professionals working throughout the region.
The event reflected DWSPP’s broader mission of bringing utilities and government partners together to strengthen source water protection throughout the basin.
The day included discussions on source water protection, harmful algal blooms, agricultural best management practices, funding opportunities, spill response and modeling, and watershed protection, along with a tour of the Moorefield water treatment facility. Just as importantly, participants had time to learn from one another and identify successes, challenges, and opportunities that many small systems face. The strong participation and lively discussion made the roundtable a success and demonstrated the value of making sure small systems have a seat at the table in basin-wide source water protection efforts.