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New interactive map to identify areas vulnerable to stormwater runoff

February 5, 2026

ICPRB recently updated an interactive map, Susceptibility to Runoff Impacts in the Potomac Basin, to help developers, zoning agencies, and other land use decision-makers identify areas most vulnerable to the impacts of stormwater runoff.

Impervious surfaces (parking lots, roads, sidewalks, etc.) prevent rain from slowly seeping into the ground. Instead, water runs swiftly off the land and directly into nearby streams. This increases the likelihood of flooding, damages the physical structure of the stream leading to erosion and excess sediment in the water, and carries trash and chemicals to our waterways.

Some areas are more vulnerable to these impacts than others based on landscape factors such as soil characteristics and slope. The interactive map includes a new color-coded “susceptibility index” of areas that may be most impacted by runoff. Those who make decisions on land use in the basin can use the information as a factor in siting new development, anticipating the effects of planned development and/or identifying areas where mitigation efforts may prove useful.

The map was published as part of the implementation of the Potomac Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan. The science behind the map is documented in a peer-reviewed paper written by ICPRB staff and published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association.

News From Around the Basin – February 5, 2026

February 5, 2026

Potomac Interceptor; Ice “blow out” expected; drought update; and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – Feb. 5, 2026 >>>

River report

Potomac Interceptor

Crews have been working around the clock in freezing conditions to address the break in the Potomac Interceptor line, a 72” pipe that carries raw sewage to the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant. The collapse on January 19 sent hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. The majority of the flow was contained by January 24 and DC Water has reported no over flow in the past few days.

The region’s drinking water is not impacted as the spill occurred below operational drinking water intakes.

Icy conditions are also complicating the monitoring efforts. According to DC Water, independent environmental experts are conducting ongoing water quality monitoring. More data is needed to establish a trend.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a precautionary shellfish harvesting closure above the Rt. 301 bridge.

Authorities recommend avoiding contact with untreated sewage.

Other Updates of Interest

A “blow out” tide is expected along the tidal Potomac this weekend which could break up the ice and create dangerous conditions, so please use caution and stay off the ice.

WSSC Water has lifted the emergency restricted water use advisory that was implemented due to the frigid temperatures and risk of water main breaks.

Drought Update

Today’s U.S. Drought Monitor Map has the same percentages as last week, with 88% of the basin in Severe Drought conditions and the remaining in Moderate Drought conditions.

Rain in the basin is 7.9 inches below normal since last August.

According to the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, no precipitation was recorded in the basin over the past 24 hours. Over the next 3 days, up to 0.10 inches is expected throughout the basin.

Flow data at Point of Rocks and at Little Falls is currently unavailable due to the presence of ice.

ICPRB’s CO-OP team continues Drought Monitoring activities with daily emails to water suppliers and government agencies with information on flow, weather, and water demands. Find a summary on our social media accounts using #droughtmonitoring.

New interactive map to identify areas vulnerable to stormwater runoff

That’s a wrap on Winter Salt Week!

A flurry of events and news in the past couple weeks raised awareness of the negative impacts of using too much winter salt. Both virtual and in-person events focused on everything from what residents can do to how to write a good snow removal contract and everything in between.

Regional events:
National webinars:

Throughout the week, the message was clear: We can be Winter Salt Smart by following 3 easy steps

🪏 Shovel first

🧂 Sprinkle salt (only if needed)

🧹 Sweep it up once its done the job

Learn more at www.potomacriver.org/salt >>>

News Release: Winter Salt Week Event Highlights Hidden Costs of Road Salt on Drinking Water and Rivers

February 3, 2026

ROCKVILLE, MD (February 3, 2026) – On January 31, the Izaak Walton League of America in partnership with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection hosted a Winter Salt Awareness Week open house at the League’s national headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Each year, 20 to 30 million tons of winter salt are applied across the United States to improve winter safety, but overuse comes at a significant cost to waterways, drinking water and infrastructure. Once applied, salt runs off paved surfaces and becomes a permanent pollutant—just one teaspoon can contaminate five gallons of water—posing long-term risks to freshwater ecosystems and public health. These impacts were highlighted during the Winter Salt Week open house, part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about winter salt pollution and promote reduction solutions.

The event was part of national Winter Salt Week which brought together local and regional partners who shared how their organizations are educating the public about smart salting practices and the effects of winter salt on wildlife, water quality and infrastructure. Additional regional events included webinars focused on winter smart salting for residents and property managers. The week was well timed this year, as there was an unprecedented snowfall event the weekend prior, leading to egregious oversalting and salt shortages across the country.

“The data shows that the Potomac River — the source of drinking water for millions in the DC metro area — is not only getting saltier, but the higher levels of salt can be found in the river even during the summer months”, said ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli. “So, salt is becoming persistent in the environment even when salt is no longer being applied on our roads and sidewalks in the winter. The time to reduce our winter salt use is now.”

The event featured a range of speakers representing local, state and regional organizations who discussed how data, policy and on-the-ground practices can reduce winter salt pollution. Maryland Delegate Linda Foley, District 15, Montgomery County spoke about the leadership of Delegate Lily Qi and the Izaak Walton League for working on legislation to reduce winter salt pollution across the state.

Priscilla To, Ph.D., water director at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, said, “Safe, reliable drinking water starts at the source and source water protection is the first step.” WSSC Water and others are “collaborating together and getting things done.”

Montgomery County Councilmember-at-Large, Laurie-Anne Sayles noted that, “Environmental decisions are not just about the environment.” Those decisions are also about advancing equity because environmental decisions also affect the people who live, play, learn and work in the regions where those decisions have an impact—particularly those who have been historically marginalized and who will feel the effects of these decisions the most.

Leaders from the Izaak Walton League highlighted efforts to monitor chloride levels in waterways and use that data to drive changes in winter maintenance practices, while noting that we all still have work to do to reduce oversalting practices. “Most people are surprised to learn how little salt it actually takes to keep sidewalks and roads safe,” said Jared Mott, Interim Executive Director of the League. “Winter Salt Week is about giving people the knowledge they need to reduce pollution and protect local waterways. The League is proud to be a national leader in stopping winter salt pollution at the source, and we’re grateful to all our partners and especially want to thank everyone who participated today. Together, we can make our community a cleaner, healthier place to live and work while still protecting the safety of all that travel here in the winter months.”

Additional speakers from the ICPRB, Maryland Department of the Environment, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and others discussed the work done to raise awareness around smart salting practices such as creating a state level road salt applicator training program. Participants also engaged in hands-on activities, including demonstrations by Jason Swope of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council of smart salting techniques for sidewalks and parking areas that showed how communities can stay safe, save money, and protect water resources while using less salt.

Attendees also brought water samples to be tested for salt pollution. League staff assisted attendees with water testing and helped them to report their results on the League’s online water quality database, the Clean Water Hub. Sixty-eight attendees came to the event, with one attendee describing the event as “energizing and magical.”

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Photos available upon request.

Click here for a PDF of News Release: Winter Salt Week Event Highlights Hidden Costs of Road Salt on Drinking Water and Rivers >>>

PRESS CONTACT:
Renee Bourassa, Director of Communications and Education
Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin | Rockville, MD
rbourassa@icprb.org | 301.417.4371 | www.potomacriver.org

The ICPRB is an interstate compact commission established by Congress in 1940. Its mission is to protect and enhance the waters and related resources of the Potomac River basin through science, regional cooperation, and education. Represented by appointed commissioners, the ICPRB includes the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the federal government.

News From Around the Basin – January 29, 2026

January 29, 2026

Potomac interceptor; a thirstier region; water utility requests; and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – Jan. 29, 2026 >>>

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.

News From Around the Basin – January 22, 2026

January 22, 2026

Winter drought; Be Winter Salt Smart; Millions of gallons of sewage spilled; and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – Jan. 22, 2026 >>>

River report: Snow in the forecast

This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor map shows 89 percent of the basin in Severe Drought conditions, holding steady from last week.

According to the experts, we could get a good amount of snow over the weekend. The snow-to-water equivalent depends on the type of snow, but on average 10 inches of snow equals 1 inch of rain. However, the slow snow melt will better help recharge groundwater and boost the river’s flow more than a quick storm.

The recharge is needed. At 1740 cubic feet per second (cfs), the flow at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks is only slightly above the historical low of 1500 cfs.

According to NOAA/NWS, rain in the watershed is 4 inches below average for the past 90 days.

Be Winter Salt Smart in 3-easy steps

With winter weather in the forecast this is a good time to think about your winter salting habits. Winter salt runs off into our rivers and streams to pollute our drinking water, damage infrastructure, and poison aquatic life. We can be safe while being winter salt smart and protecting our waterways.

Be winter salt smart in 3-easy steps:

1️⃣ Shovel first

2️⃣ Salt lightly (and only if needed)

3️⃣ Sweep it up after the storm

Just one teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5 gallons of drinking water.

Spread the word, not the salt! You can share these graphics on your social media pages to let your friends and family know about the impacts of too much winter salt. More graphics can be found on ICPRB’s Winter Salt Smart StoryMap.

ICPRB celebrates Winter Salt Week next week to bring awareness to this important issue. Join ICPRB at a regional event (virtual and in-person) to learn more about this issue. There are also national webinars on freshwater salinization, advocating for change, salt monitoring, and more.

Reminder: ICPRB hiring Director of Administration and Finance

The Director of Administration and Finance is a senior management position of ICPRB. A CPA certification is required. Applications are due by tomorrow, January 23. Learn more about the job and how to apply >>>

Media From Around the Basin – January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

ICPRB is hiring, Drought Warning in Virginia, Winter Salt Week events next week, and more in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir >>>

River report: DEQ declares Drought Warning

In a recent press release, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a drought warning advisory for 22 counties and 13 cities, including the entirety of Northern Virginia and Shenandoah regions. According to the press release, a drought warning advisory is intended to increase awareness that the onset of a significant drought event is imminent. All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks.

VA DEQ Drought Advisory map (updated Jan. 13, 2026)

In a similar vein, the U.S. Drought Monitor Map released today shows the entirety of the Potomac basin in Severe (88.8%) or Moderate (11.2%) Drought conditions.

🌊 Flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage was most recently estimated at 3770 cubic feet per second—higher than last week, but still much below normal for this time of year.

🔮The next 3 days may see up to 0.1 inches of rain across the basin, according to the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center’s forecast.

U.S. Drought Monitor map with data as of Jan. 13, 2026.

ICPRB is Hiring: Director of Administration and Finance

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented and collaborative individual to lead the Administrative and Finance team.

The Director of Administration and Finance is a senior management position of ICPRB. The position directs daily administrative, financial and information technology activities of the organization. A CPA certification is required. Applications are due by January 23, 2026.

Learn more about the job and how to apply >>>

From sidewalks to streams: Winter Salt Week raises awareness on winter salt pollution

Our waterways are becoming saltier. Join ICPRB and our partners for a series of events in celebration of Winter Salt Week to raise awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions. There are also nationwide events for Winter Salt Week, which runs from January 26-30, with livestreams from experts across the country each day.

Webinar: Safe Sidewalks, Clean Water for Residents

January 21 | 1 – 1:30 pm

This webinar explains how winter salt impacts our environment, why it’s a growing regional concern, and the simple steps you can take at home—before, during, and after storms—to apply just the right amount of salt to maintain safety in the winter. Audience: general public

Webinar: Community Winter Salt Management

January 23 | 1 – 1:30 pm

Gain best practices and resources for efficient winter salt use, contractor coordination, and strategies to reduce environmental damage while maintaining profitability and setting winter maintenance expectations. Audience: HOAs, property managers, community associations, maintenance teams, etc.

Movie Night: Pollution in the Potomac

January 22 | 5 – 8 pm | Frederick, MD

What’s the current state of water quality in the Potomac River? What are PFAS chemicals and how do they impact our water? How does road salt fit into the pollution story, and what can we all do to make a difference? Learn about these topics and more, catch a screening of the World’s Most Scenic River Journeys episode on the Potomac River, and mingle with ICPRB, the Potomac Riverkeepers and the City of Frederick Sustainability Department.

In-Person event: DMV Winter Salt Week Open House

January 31 | 10am-1pm | Gaithersburg, MD

Learn how salt affects our health and freshwater ecosystems, what’s being done, and how we can support local efforts to reduce road salt use. During the event we will hear from regional expert speakers, monitor the local waterways in Gaithersburg, Maryland for road salt pollution, and learn how much salt is needed to keep us safe during the winter while keeping environmental health in mind. Audience: general public, watershed organizations, and media.

ICPRB Celebrates Winter Salt Week

January 14, 2026

Our waterways are becoming saltier. Join ICPRB and our partners for a series of events in celebration of Winter Salt Week to raise awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions.

There are also nationwide events for Winter Salt Week, which runs from January 26-30, 2026 with livestreams from experts across the country each day.

Webinar: Safe Sidewalks, Clean Water for Residents

Watch the recording on ICPRB’s YouTube page >>>
Read the presentation slide from the webinar >>>
January 21, 2026 | 1 – 1:30 pm
(Audience: general public)

Only 1 mug of salt is needed for 10 sidewalk squares.

Speakers

Renee Bourassa | Communications Director, Interstate Commission for the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB)
Rebecca Murphy | Coastal Program Manager, Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC)

Attendees will also have the chance to win a free sidewalk ice scraper! Winners will be selected at the end of each webinar.

Movie Night: Pollution in the Potomac

New Spire Arts: 15 West Patrick St, Frederick, MD
January 22, 2026 | 5 – 8 pm

What’s the current state of water quality in the Potomac River? What are PFAS chemicals and how do they impact our water? How does road salt fit into the pollution story, and what can we all do to make a difference? Learn about these topics and more, and catch a screening of the World’s Most Scenic River Journeys episode on the Potomac River, followed by presentations by the Potomac Riverkeepers and the City of Frederick Sustainability Department.

Webinar: Community Winter Salt Management

Watch the recording on NVRC’s YouTube page >>>
Read the presentation slide from the webinar >>>
January 23, 2026 | 1 – 1:30 pm
(Audience: HOAs, property managers, community associations, maintenance teams, etc.)
This session is tailored for HOA and other community association residents, board members, community managers, and maintenance team members. Gain best practices and resources for efficient winter salt use, contractor coordination, and strategies to reduce environmental damage while maintaining profitability and setting winter maintenance expectations. Hear from the Reston Association and Columbia Association on ways that they are taking action to improve winter salt management in their communities.

Speakers

Benjamin Rhoades | Watershed Manager, Reston Association
Janine Pollack | Watershed Manager, Columbia Association
Camryn Arnstein | Natural Resources Planner, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

Attendees will also have the chance to win a free sidewalk ice scraper! Winners will be selected at the end of each webinar.

DMV Winter Salt Week Open House

Registration is requested, but not required.
January 31st , 10am-1pm, Gaithersburg, MD
(Audience: general public, watershed organizations, and media)

ICPRB is Hiring for a Director of Administration and Finance

January 9, 2026

Click here for a PDF of the job announcement >>>

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented collaborative individual to lead the Administrative and Finance team. The Director of Administration and Finance is a senior management position of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River (ICPRB). The position directs daily administrative, financial and information technology activities of the organization. The position is responsible for the ICPRB’s accounting and financial records; budgeting; human resources management; computer systems, programs, and equipment; insurance; receipt, disbursement, and investment of funds; operation and maintenance of the Commission’s office building; purchase and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

Applications are due by January 26, 2026.

Media From Around the Basin – January 8, 2026

January 8, 2026

Back in Drought Monitoring; White’s Ferry in the news; Potomac movie night; and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – Jan. 8, 2026 >>>

River Report: Drought Monitoring Resumes

The ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) resumed daily drought monitoring on Monday because Potomac River flow at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks, Maryland, had fallen below 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs), CO-OP’s daily monitoring threshold.

Because river flows in the winter tend to be higher than flows in summer, drought monitoring in January is somewhat unusual. Daily flows fell below 2000 cfs on at least one day of the month in January in just 10 percent of the years since the USGS’s collection of flow data at Point of Rocks began in February 1895.

🌊 Today, the flow at Point of Rocks is 1660 cfs.

🗺️ The U.S. Drought Monitor map released this morning shows 85% of the watershed in Severe Drought conditions (dark orange) with the remainder in Moderate Drought.

🌧️Good news! There is some rain in the forecast. Over the next 3 days, the average basin rainfall may be between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, with the greatest amounts expected in the southwestern portion of the basin.

Sustainability Movie Night, Jan. 22

January 22, 5:00-7:00pm

New Spire Arts Stages in Frederick, MD

ICPRB is partnering with the Potomac Riverkeeper’s Network and the City of Frederick Sustainability Department on a free movie night featuring the Potomac River episode from the World’s Most Scenic River Journeys series.

Join us to meet and mingle with sustainability nonprofits, learn about current issues facing the Potomac River, and enjoy a free show.

The event is free but registration is requested. Click here to register >>>

Winter Salt Week Open House, Jan. 31

January 31, 10:00am-1:00pm

Izaak Walton League of America Headquarters in Gaithersburg, MD

Join us for DMV Winter Salt Week Open House to discover how we can keep our winter roads safe without compromising the health of our local waterways and drinking water.

Did you know just one teaspoon of road salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water? This year’s event features hands-on activities designed to help you become a “smart salter.”

Community Impact: Learn from experts about practical strategies to protect local ecosystems, reduce infrastructure damage, and safeguard your drinking water.
Hands-On Activities: Watch live smart salting demonstrations, participate in stream monitoring at Muddy Branch, and bring your own tap or stream water for free chloride testing.

This event is free and open to the public, including media, government officials, and NGOs. Help us keep freshwater fresh—register now on Eventbrite to save your spot!

This event is part of the nationwide Winter Salt Week campaign which is dedicated to raising awareness around winter salt pollution and reduction solutions. In addition to the open house and national events, there are two locally-focused webinars:

January 21, 1 – 1:30 pm: Safe Sidewalks, Clean Water: Smart Salting for Residents
January 23, 1 – 1:30 pm: Community Winter Salt Management in Action

Daily Drought Monitoring Reinstated

January 6, 2026

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) resumed daily drought monitoring on Monday, January 5, because Potomac River flow at the US Geological Survey’s gage at Point of Rocks, Maryland, had fallen below 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs), CO-OP’s daily monitoring threshold. During Drought Monitoring, CO-OP sends out daily email reports to stakeholders summarizing flow, weather, and demand conditions. These monitoring updates are made available each morning on the CO-OP Data Portal.

Because river flows in the winter tend to be higher than flows in summer, daily monitoring in January is somewhat unusual. Daily flows fell below 2000 cfs on at least one day of the month in January in just 10 percent of the years since the USGS’s collection of flow data at Point of Rocks began in February 1895.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data, 100% of the Potomac River basin is facing drought conditions (D0 or worse).

U.S. Drought Monitor Map for the Potomac basin (blue outline), released January 1, 2026

Since the establishment of our region’s cooperative water supply system in 1982, flows have fallen below 2000 cfs in January in three years: 1999, 2002, and 2018. CO-OP drought operations and releases from upstream reservoirs were required in the summers of both 1999 and 2002. On the other hand, 2018 turned out to be a near record high flow year, with the second highest annual average flow at Point of Rocks since 1895.

The Potomac River continues to meet all regional demands without augmentation. While current water supplies remain adequate, continued dry conditions could increase the likelihood of reservoir operations later in the year.

In June of 2025, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Drought Coordination Technical Committee lifted the Regional Drought Watch, which stretched over an entire year. ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli added that “such low flows in January give us pause that we may be in for another drought year (like 1999 and 2002) unless we get exceptional precipitation later in the year (like 2018).”

The region’s residents are encouraged to use water wisely by taking simple actions such as reducing time in the shower, repairing leaks, and turning off the faucet when not actively using it.