New Water Supply Outlook, stay healthy fishing 🎣 and swimming 🏊🏿‍♂️ this summer, possible impacts of a hot drought♨️, dolphin sightings🐬, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – July 3, 2025 >>>

🎆**Happy Fourth of July! Have fun, stay safe, and drink lots of water**🎆

River Report – Water Supply Outlook for July

ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac publishes a monthly report that provides an update on the possibility of water supply releases from the area’s reservoirs. The Water Supply Outlook is based on long-term precipitation data, flows, and other information for the Potomac basin.

Published today, the July Water Supply Outlook reports a below normal probability of needing water supply releases this summer. There is a 0 to 3 percent conditional probability that natural Potomac flow will drop below 600 to 700 million gallons per day (MGD) at Little Falls through the end of the year.

As of July 1, the 12-month cumulative precipitation stands at 40.4 inches, which is 0.4 inches above normal.

Read the full report >>>

Even with all the rain, this morning’s U.S. Drought Monitor Map is showing the tiniest bit (0.4%) of the basin as abnormally dry. The adjusted flow at Little Falls is slightly below the 90th percentile.

Safe Swimming and Fun Fishing

ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac publishes a monthly report that provides an update on the possibility of water supply releases from the area’s reservoirs. The Water Supply Outlook is based on long-term precipitation data, flows, and other information for the Potomac basin.

Published today, the July Water Supply Outlook reports a below normal probability of needing water supply releases this summer. There is a 0 to 3 percent conditional probability that natural Potomac flow will drop below 600 to 700 million gallons per day (MGD) at Little Falls through the end of the year.

As of July 1, the 12-month cumulative precipitation stands at 40.4 inches, which is 0.4 inches above normal.

Read the full report >>>

Even with all the rain, this morning’s U.S. Drought Monitor Map is showing the tiniest bit (0.4%) of the basin as abnormally dry. The adjusted flow at Little Falls is slightly below the 90th percentile.

Swimming and fishing are popular activities on summer holiday weekends. It’s a lovely way to get away, cool off, and experience nature. It’s also important to keep yourself and wildlife healthy while enjoying these activities. Here are a few tips and tricks…

Swimming

Who doesn’t want to take a dip in a local stream to cool off? It relieves the heat on a hot summer day. However, without proper precautions, pathogens in the stream may make you sick. Testing in some local streams are showing high levels of E. coli, a bacteria that can cause severe illness. Extra care should be taken, especially as the western part of the basin is still recovering from catastrophic flooding and experiencing almost-daily severe thunderstorms.

Organizations like the Potomac Riverkeeper Network monitor the water quality in streams across the Potomac River watershed. They provide the data to Swim Guide, which provides a map with color coded reports on which waterways passed or failed.

While low levels are generally safe (with precautions) there are areas that are experiencing higher pathogen levels, such as Georges Creek and Braddock Run in Allegany County. Authorities are asking folks in that area to avoid drinking, fishing, or coming into direct contact with the water.

All that being said, get out there and enjoy everything the Potomac River basin has to offer. We just want everyone to have a safe and fun summer, so follow these easy tips to stay healthy:

• Check water quality reports: Local or state environmental agencies often post bacteria levels online (especially after storms). Swim Guide is a great start.
• Avoid swimming after heavy rain: Stormwater runoff can carry E. coli from farms, sewage systems, and urban areas into streams.
• Know the stream’s history: Some streams are regularly monitored and known to have high bacteria counts. Follow local regulations and stay out of streams where swimming and wading are not allowed, like Rock Creek in D.C.
• Don’t swallow the water: Even small amounts can carry harmful bacteria.
• Avoid submerging your head: Reduces the chance of ingesting water or getting it in your ears, eyes, or nose.
• Cover open wounds or avoid swimming: Cuts and scrapes provide an easy pathway for bacteria to enter your body.
• Keep your hands away from your face: Especially your mouth, eyes, and nose.
• Supervise children closely: They’re more likely to swallow water or play in areas with higher contamination (like near mud or sediment).
• Shower as soon as possible: Use soap and clean water to rinse off any bacteria.

Fishing

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommends avoiding ‘cold water’ fish species when the water temperature exceeds 68°F. ‘Cold water’ species, such as wild and native trout, are already stressed in high temperatures and catch-and-release fishing can become lethal for them. Check the USGS temperature gages before heading out or bring a thermometer to your favorite fishing hole.

This is an excellent time to target ‘warm water’ species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and blue catfish.

Happy Fishing!

ICYMI: New Research Explores the Impacts of Hot Drought in the Potomac River Basin

A recently published article by Dr. Cherie Schultz and colleagues at the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin’s (ICPRB) Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) looks at how warmer conditions may impact the water supply of the nation’s capital, especially in the face of increased variability in precipitation. Learn more >>>

Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s Snorkeling Trip Rescheduled

Due to muddy water and high flows from recent storms, the upcoming Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s RiverPalooza Shenandoah Snorkeling Trip with ICPRB Aquatic Biologist Mike Selckmann has been postponed to August 29.