The Week’s River Report: June’s Water Supply Outlook
The June Water Supply Outlook has been published. The conclusion:
There is an above-normal probability of releases from the Washington metropolitan area’s back-up water supply reservoirs for the 2026 summer and fall seasons.
🌧️ The Potomac basin upstream of Washington, D.C., received 4.9 inches of rain in May, which is 0.8 inches above normal. After a dry start to the month, widespread rainfall brought monthly totals above normal. While this rain provided some reprieve, sustained improvement has not yet been observed. As of June 1, the 12-month cumulative precipitation total was 33.6 inches, which is 6.5 inches below normal.
🌊 Streamflow is currently below normal. Groundwater levels remain below normal across much of the basin.
🗺️ The U.S. Drought monitor indicates extreme drought to abnormally dry conditions are present in the Potomac basin. The seasonal drought outlook indicates drought Is likely to persist over the coming months.
📢 A Drought Watch has been declared for the metropolitan Washington region. Authorities are asking for voluntary water conservation among residents and businesses in the region. Reservoirs remain near full.
See the full Water Supply Outlook >>>
In other drought news…
🔥 According to experts, the hot, dry conditions are pointing towards a higher risk of wildfires this summer.
🚰 Fauquier County, VA, has instituted mandatory water restrictions.
🍃 Worried about your lawn this summer? WTOP has tips on lawncare during a drought. In summ-ery: “leaf” it alone.
Regional Water Utility Leaders Launch Landmark Study to Strengthen Water Supply for the National Capital Region
On Tuesday, a joint press release was published with ICPRB, WSSC Water, Fairfax Water, US Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, and MWCOG to announce the launch of a $25 million regional study to evaluate potential secondary water supply alternatives for the Potomac River. The study, branded Secure the Source, will focus on large-scale solutions for the region – providing several weeks of emergency backup water supply for the more than 5 million Washington metropolitan regional customers in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. who rely on the Potomac River for their drinking water.
Secure the Source Study at a Glance
- $25 million regional two-year study.
- Historic regional effort to secure the region’s drinking water future – thereby safeguarding public health and economic vitality.
- Goal: Provide several weeks of backup drinking water storage capacity for more than 5 million people who rely on the Potomac River for drinking water.
Read the full press release >>>
New dashboard with water quality data for the masses
Last week, ICPRB staff attended the unveiling of a new water quality monitoring dashboard that brings real-time river data to life.
Thanks to equipment donated by Xylem through its Reservoir Center for Water Solutions and partnerships with Anacostia Watershed Society, Anacostia Riverkeeper and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, this brand new dashboard provides data on bacteria, temperature, chloride, turbidity, and more, through buoys located in the Potomac, Anacostia, and Shenandoah rivers.
“It’s not just a matter of cleaning up the river. It’s a matter of educating folks that the river is ready for them,” exclaimed Anacostia Watershed Society President Chris Williams.
Future plans include additional buoys and bringing the data into classrooms to create a new generation of water stewards.
Springing into summer
We wrapped up our busy spring schedule this weekend.
On Saturday, we held a successful Catch, Clean, and Cook Blue Catfish Clinic with Patricia Clement (aka “Rivah Sistah”). Everyone went home with their own rod and reel and new knowledge on how to use them!
On Sunday, we took a walk through Fox Haven Farm in Jefferson, MD, to discuss agricultural practices that promote water quality. Missed it? Check out their open house this weekend.
Now summer is here and with it comes more festivals and a snorkel in the Shenandoah:
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June 28: Roots & Rise (Accokeek, MD)
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July 17: Shenandoah Snorkeling Paddle w/ Shenandoah Riverkeeper $ (Bentonville, VA)
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July 18: Water Power Day at Peirce Mill (DC)