River report: Potomac Interceptor and the weather
The Potomac Interceptor sewer break has been well covered in the news (it even made it on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert… no joke), so we won’t rehash that here.
However, we do want to emphasize a couple requests by the region’s water utilities:
- Residents in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Montgomery counties served by the interceptor are encouraged to avoid flushing wipes or disposing of grease down drains, which helps support ongoing emergency operations (but should also be avoided during non-emergencies, as well!).
- While it is not related to the spill, WSSC Water has requested that customers only use water for essential purposes as they are predicting an increase in water main breaks due to the frigid temperatures.
- Use water only as necessary – i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets from running at full force.
- Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
- Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.
Drought Monitor Map
The Drought Monitor Map released this morning remains similar to last week, with 88% of the watershed in Severe Drought conditions. (We were experiencing technical difficulties with the map image in the newsletter, so if the Drought Monitor Map does not appear below, you can find it on our Facebook page instead.)
Rain in the watershed is 8.2 inches below average since last August.
The flow data at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks is currently unavailable due to the presence of ice.