Potomac News Reservoir – July 9, 2026 >>>

The Week’s River Report

🗺️ Today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map mostly remains the same as last week, with the exception of a slight jump in Severe Drought conditions, with 43% experiencing Severe Drought conditions now.

🌊 At 3,900 cubic feet per second (cfs), the flow at the USGS Point of Rocks has jumped into the median range in the past couple days.

☀️ Up to 1.25 inches of rain is expected throughout the Potomac watershed over the next week.

Summer is a great time to think about winter salt, right?

We don’t think it’s too hot outside to be thinking about winter salt. Apparently neither do other organizations based on the ❄️ flurry ❄️ of new resources and activities focused on addressing the water quality impacts of winter salt.

New Focus Group: Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection will be hosing a series of focus groups to learn more about how people use road salt during wintry weather. They are looking to hear from a range of perspectives, including salt applicators, property managers, and residents. Complete their survey to get involved.

New Website for Pennsylvanians: The Pennsylvania Road Salt Action working group has unveiled a new website sharing winter salt impacts in the Commonwealth, tools for advocacy, research on chloride trends, and lots of information on how to get involved.

Applicator’s Field Guide: The Izaak Walton League has released an Applicator’s Field Guide to Smart Salting Practices for private applicators who maintain parking lots and sidewalks (published in their Resources Library). This quick reference guide is great for posting in the work shop or for on-the-go reminders on how to be Winter Salt Smart.

Winter Salt Contracts: Summertime is typically when winter maintenance contracts are being written and signed. Check out the Izaak Walton League webinar on how to write a “smart salting” contract that reduces costs and protects liability.