Drought Monitoring Update: Daily Monitoring Suspended for now
Compared to last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor map released today shows deteriorating conditions across the basin. Almost the entirety of the Potomac basin is in severe drought conditions.
However, since Potomac River flows at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks, Maryland have been steadily above the threshold of 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for the past several days, drought monitoring daily reports have been suspended for the time being.
Flow today at Point of Rocks is 2000 cfs, which is low compared to the median 6885 cfs.
Chesapeake Bay Stream Health Improving, According to Latest “Chessie BIBI” Data
Chesapeake Bay Stream Health Improving, According to Latest “Chessie BIBI” Data
Data from the years 2018 to 2023 show a 1.4 percent improvement in overall stream health, according to the Chesapeake Basin-wide Index of Biotic Integrity for stream macroinvertebrates or Chessie BIBI. Stream health over the past two decades shows a strong positive trend.
This analysis of biological data for stream and small rivers occurs regularly as part of the Stream Health Goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The 2014 Agreement set a goal to “improve health and function of 10% of stream miles above the 2008 baseline.” The recently-revised agreement set a new goal of 3 percent improvement during each six-year interval.
“It is exciting that the partners of the Chesapeake Bay Program could possibly achieve the original 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement goal by 2029 if we continue on this trajectory,” remarks Dr. Claire Buchanan of ICPRB, co-author of the report.
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However, data gaps still remain, with some areas not being monitored in two decades and a few having never been monitored. In the map above, a colored dot indicates the watershed has only one sampling location; the entire polygon is shaded if it has two or more locations.
In addition, stream health recovery has been unevenly distributed in the watershed, with rural regions showing stronger recovery than heavily populated regions which remain steady from previous years while streams in some agricultural regions are degrading.
Reminder: 2026 Internship Applications due by January 9th
ICPRB has openings for up to two water resources interns for the spring and summer semesters of 2026. Applications are due by January 9, 2026.
What’s the internship experience like? Take a look at the 2025 cohort’s overview video.
Learn more about the position and how to apply on our Jobs page >>>
ICPRB’s 85th Anniversary Webinar Series: All Recordings Available
In 2025, ICPRB celebrated our 85th year of preserving and enhancing the Potomac by hosting a series of webinars focusing on recent work, ICPRB’s tools in action, and information on the history and culture of the Potomac River basin. All of the webinars were recorded and can be reviewed on ICPRB’s YouTube channel.
Visit the 85th Anniversary landing page for all descriptions and links to webinar recordings >>>
Winter Salt Awareness Week Webinars
Join representatives from the D.C. Metro Region for two mini-webinar events to learn how you can take action around your community to stay safe and reduce salt impacts to the Potomac and other DC area water sources. From January 26-30, 2026, virtual webinar events as well as other local events will take place as part of National Winter Salt Week.
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January 21, 1 – 1:30 pm: Safe Sidewalks, Clean Water: Smart Salting for Residents
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January 23, 1 – 1:30 pm: Community Winter Salt Management in Action