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News Release: ICPRB Joins Regional Partners in Drought Watch Declaration

Click here for a PDF of News Release: ICPRB Joins Regional Partners in Drought Watch Declaration > > >

Low river flow and very little rain in the forecast has prompted regional organizations to ask residents of the DC Metro area to voluntarily conserve water.

Rockville, MD (July 29, 2024) – The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) joins their regional partners in asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their water use due to the area’s dry conditions.

On July 26, 2024, the Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) declared a Drought Watch which calls for voluntary water conservation measures for residents of the DC Metropolitan region. This is the second level in COG’s four-stage regional drought response plan.

“Our region’s ‘water supply bank account’-system of reservoirs is full, and we are able to meet the current water needs of the region. This next step will help ensure that remains the case,” states ICPRB’s executive director, Michael Nardolilli.

ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) continues Drought Monitoring by providing a daily report with weather forecast, river flow data, and regional water demand. This information is shared across social media platforms using #droughtmonitoring. They will continue to do so until conditions improve. If flows in the Potomac River continue to drop, they may reach a level that triggers CO-OP Drought Operations, which includes twice daily reports and may require releases from upstream drinking water reservoirs if forecasted flow in the river is not sufficient to meet expected needs.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the Potomac River watershed is in 70% is in either Severe or Extreme Drought Status.

Nardolilli recommends some options to reduce water use:

  • Prioritize your outdoor watering. Only water newly planted trees, shrubs, and lawns. A slow drip (versus a heavy pour) will allow the water to reach the root system and not run off the soil.
  • Check faucets and toilets for leaks.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Run the dishwasher and laundry only when full.

Reducing water use will help protect the area’s water supply as well as the aquatic ecosystems of local rivers and streams.

“While nearly 6 million people rely on the Potomac River for drinking water, we can work together as one to reduce our water use and protect this valuable resource,” says Nardolilli.

Find more Water Conservation Tips for the Summer on COG’s website.

U.S. Drought Monitor for the Potomac River (gray line) as of July 23, 2024.

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, ICPRB includes the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the federal government

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Media From Around the Basin – July 18, 2024

Flash drought in the watershed, algal blooms in the news, heat island effect especially hot in DC, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – July 18, 2024 >>>

River Report – New historic minimum flows

There is now a lot of red on the U.S. Drought Monitor map, with 43% of the watershed in Extreme Drought (red) and 28% in Severe Drought (dark orange).

River flows in some areas of the watershed are reaching new record lows. The river flow at the USGS gages at Shenandoah River at Millville, WV, and South Branch Potomac River near Springfield, WV, both hit a century-old recorded historical low this week.

Adjusted flow at Little Falls as of July 17, 2024

Closer to the DC Metro area, the adjusted flow at Little Falls is hovering around the 10th percentile (see the graph).

Some jurisdictions across the western part of the Potomac River watershed are asking residents to conserve water, while some communities are making cutbacks mandatory.

Low river flows, lack of scouring pulses from rain, and record-breaking temperatures are leading to a series of algal blooms throughout the basin. Health officials recommend you (and your dog!) avoid contact with algal mats, especially if the water is discolored, murky, or smelly.

ICPRB continues daily drought monitoring. Check out #droughtmonitoring on social media to see our daily report on river flow, water demands, and weather forecasts.

U.S. Drought Monitor map in the Potomac River watershed (gray outline) as of July 16, 2024

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New Water Supply Outlook Published and Back in Drought Monitoring

On July 5, ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) resumed daily Drought Monitoring. The threshold to begin Drought Monitoring is when the river’s flow at the USGS Gage at Point of Rocks dips below 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

The July Water Supply Outlook suggests we might be headed for a dry summer. Streamflow is currently below normal, and groundwater levels are below normal. This monthly report provides an update on the possibility of water supply releases from the area’s reservoirs based on long-term precipitation data, flows, and other information for the Potomac basin.

Drought in the Potomac River watershed:
  • 52% in moderate drought conditions
  • 38% in severe drought conditions
The report states drought is likely to persist in the Potomac Basin over the coming months.
Currently, there is sufficient water to meet our demands. If low-flow conditions further develop, we are protected from a water supply shortage owing to carefully designed drought-contingency plans.
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Media From Around the Basin – July 3, 2024

Drought Monitoring suspended (for now), Splash postponed, where you CAN get in the water, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – July 3, 2024 >>>

River Report – Drought Monitoring suspended, for now

After less than a week of daily Drought Monitoring, we are back to normal operations after suspending the daily reporting on July 1.

However, as of this morning, the flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage is hovering at the Drought Monitoring threshold of 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The adjusted flow at Little Falls was below the 10th percentile on July 1.

ICPRB CO-OP staff will be monitoring the flows and forecast to determine whether we will be going back into Drought Monitoring. It is not unusual to have Drought Monitoring in fits and starts throughout the dry season.

Follow #droughtmonitoring on social media to get up-to-date Drought Monitoring information from ICPRB.

Drought is still in the news, from lawn care tips to increased fire danger. June was the fourth driest on record for the DC area. The excessive heat could lead to harmful algal blooms which can be dangerous to humans and pets in the water. Shenandoah National Park has closed fishing due to low flows. Some municipalities, like Strasburg, Virginia, are grappling with an equitable approach to drought restrictions while other Virginia counties are asking folks to voluntarily conserve water.

The best way to beat the heat is by getting in the water. Even with the low river flows, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the plethora of outdoor adventures this region has to offer. Join ICPRB and the Potomac Riverkeepers next Friday for a kayak and snorkel adventure in the Shenandoah, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is offering snorkel programs through the summer, and there is a new outdoor outfitter to check out.

Bringing our Partners Together

Last week, ICPRB gathered our Federal partners for a day of collaboration and inspiration at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions. The day focused on identifying areas of common interest and opportunities to collaborate with our Federal partnerships to implement the Potomac River Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan.

Projects and partnerships were discussed while attendees learned about ICPRB’s scientific research, regional collaboration, and educational programs. There was inspired conversations, creative thinking, and camaraderie as we worked together towards our parallel goal of protecting our shared natural resources. Future project ideas that were discussed will address better spill response, expand data management, collaborate on educational opportunities, include more diverse communities, and much more. See more pictures on our Facebook page >>>

We’re Growing new Mussels

Thanks to everyone that joined us for last Saturday’s Walk in the Woods: Mussel Power! We had such a blast learning all there is to know about freshwater mussels with our friends at Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) and our esteemed expert, Jorge Bogantes.

Did you know that some mussel species can live up to 100 years? The average alewife floater or eastern lampmussel that one would encounter in the Anacostia Watershed has a lifespan of 30-40 years. Of course, that’s if a muskrat or blue catfish doesn’t get to them first.

We even got to welcome a fifth species to the Anacostia (eastern elliptio)!

This wraps up our spring/summer Walk in the Woods series of free, fun, and informative hikes. We start the series again this fall with a couple events on the calendar already.

See more pictures of Walk in the Woods: Mussel Power on our Facebook post >>>

Sad News at ICPRB

It is with heavy hearts we report the passing of an MDE colleague and friend, Sajan Pokharel. Staff has fond memories of the many hours Sajan spent at office collaborating on water modeling projects.

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Drought Monitoring suspended, for now

After less than a week of daily reports, ICPRB is suspending Drought Monitoring as flow at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks has exceeded the daily threshold of 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs). It is predicted flows will stay above this threshold for at least the next 5 days.

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News From Around the Basin – June 27, 2024

ICPRB starts Drought Monitoring, swimming in the Anacostia, getting blue catfish on the menu, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – June 27, 2024 >>>

River Report – ICPRB Initiates Drought Monitoring

It’s dry. While the low humidity might feel pretty good, our river and groundwater levels are suffering. ICPRB has initiated daily Drought Monitoring. A Drought Warning has been declared for much of Northern Virginia. The flow at Little Falls (see the graph) is between the minimum in recorded history and the 10th percentile.

We had a good winter as far as rain was concerned. Things were looking up after a dry 2023. However, we are now 58% below average for the past 30 days. The lack of rain combined with the high temperatures has created a flash drought situation.

ICPRB and our partners across the watershed are monitoring the situation. When flow of the Potomac River at the Point of Rocks USGS gage dips below 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), the staff at ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) initiates daily drought monitoring. This means that CO-OP staff prepare a daily report with flow, water demand, and weather forecasts on behalf of the CO-OP water suppliers: Fairfax Water, Washington Aqueduct, and WSSC Water. This is a requirement of the Water Supply Coordination Agreement of 1982, which is a pivotal planning document that helps ensure the DC Metro area is well prepared during a drought.

Follow the conversation across social media platforms using #droughtmonitoring.

There is a little rain in the forecast, but even if we get some rain, grass and other vegetation will still be dry. Firefighters are encouraging everyone to be safe and smart when it comes to their 4th of July celebrations. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave it to the professionals, but if you are going to have your own rocket show, celebrate responsibly:

🌾 Avoid setting off fireworks in areas with dry vegetation

🌊 Have a hose on hand in case of sparks

🧨 Place spent fireworks in a bucket of water

🎆 Happy 4th of July! 🎆

What to celebrate this week: National Catfish Day (June 25)

A national holiday since 1987, this day commemorates the whiskery fish that is found on every continent except Antarctica. Although there are native species of catfish that deserve honoring, the blue catfish does not warrant celebration. It is increasingly becoming a problem as an invasive species in the Potomac and other Chesapeake Bay tributaries.

One way to address invasive species is to put them on the menu. Departments of natural resources are working to make them more appetizing to help fight this invasive species that eats everything from rockfish eggs to crabs.

Put blue catfish on your menu with these creative recipes!

On October 17, ICPRB will be hosting a conference on addressing invasive species—2024 Potomac River Conference: Reeling in the Challenge of Aquatic Invasive Species. Sign up to get notified once registration opens >>>

ICPRB in the Community

We have a few spots left for Saturday’s Walk in the Woods: Mussel Power with Anacostia Watershed Society! Join ICPRB and Anacostia Watershed Society to learn about their work restoring this important species.

Find even more fun activities on our Events Calendar > > >

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ICPRB Initiates Drought Monitoring

The river’s flow is low and there is little rain in the forecast. ICPRB and our partners across the watershed are monitoring the situation.

When flow of the Potomac River at the Point of Rocks USGS gage dips below 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), the staff at ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) initiates daily drought monitoring. This means that CO-OP staff prepare a daily report with flow, water demand, and weather forecasts on behalf of the CO-OP water suppliers: Fairfax Water, Washington Aqueduct, and WSSC Water. This is a requirement of the Water Supply Coordination Agreement of 1982, which is a pivotal planning document that helps ensure the DC Metro area is well prepared during a drought.

The backup water supply reservoirs are full, and currently, there are no mandatory water restrictions in the DC Metro area.

Regional Drought Resources:

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News From Around the Basin – June 20, 2024

New NOAA rapid onset drought prediction 🌊 tool, urban swimming 🏊‍♀️trend, 💩-powered buses, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – June 20, 2024 >>>

Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Newsletter — June 20, 2024

River Report – New NOAA Rapid Onset Drought Prediction Tool

You might have noticed it’s hot outside. According to the new NOAA Climate Prediction Center, which just became live last month, the excessive heat may lead to a regional rapid onset drought. Also known as a flash drought, these events are tied to extreme temperatures and other variables that quickly soak up available moisture.

The river’s flow at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks is hovering around 2,600 cubic feet per second (cfs), and dropping. If the flow goes below 2,000 cfs, ICPRB’s CO-OP team will initiate daily drought monitoring. In the case of a drought, the DC Metro area is well protected due to decades of planning and preparation.

It’s always a good idea to be mindful of our water use. Here are a few tips to be water wise:

🛠️ Fix leaky pipes.

🚿 Take shorter showers.

🌿 Choose native plants for your landscaping.

🥤 Capture and reuse water from activities like washing vegetables or waiting for the water to warm up. This water can be used to water plants or to clean.

🚰 Brushing teeth? Washing hands? Doing dishes? Turn the faucet off when you are not actively using the water during these daily activities.

What to celebrate this week: West Virginia Day (June 20)

With 3,490 square miles of land in the Potomac watershed, West Virginia makes up almost 25% of the total watershed. However, West Virginians make up a only small fraction (0.04%) of the overall population.* Happy West Virginia Day! (*2020 census)

ICPRB in the Community

Join ICPRB at one of our upcoming events:

Find even more fun activities on our Events Calendar > > >

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News From Around the Basin – June 13, 2024

Welcoming our summer intern, honoring Juneteenth and Pride Month, Potomac River dolphins, and more in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir >>>

Welcoming Summer 2024 Intern, AJ Villaruel!

AJ is a Junior at Cornell University studying Biological Engineering and Global Development. His academic and career interests lie within the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and community engagement, and how they can be used to equitably improve the lives of those worldwide.

This summer, he will assist the ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) by enhancing modeling tools with remote sensing data and analyzing GRACE-based drought products to improve drought assessment tools. Additionally, he will support the Aquatic Life Section and the DEIJ committee of the Commission with research objectives.

AJ comes to ICPRB from the Yale Conservation Scholars Program. Welcome, AJ!

 

June Water Supply Outlook shows low risk of backup water use

Each month from April to October, the ICPRB Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac, or CO-OP Section, produces the Water Supply Outlook, which details the probability of the DC metro area needing a release from upstream reservoirs for its drinking water supply.

Last summer, we were experiencing abnormally dry conditions. This summer, we are in better shape due to heavier rain this spring. The maps below illustrate the spatial variability of rainfall over the Potomac Basin in May. Normalized rainfall anomaly, indicating departure from normal conditions, reveals that rainfall was normal to slightly above normal across the basin.

Read the full Water Supply Outlook for the month of June here > > >

ICPRB is Hiring: Water Resources Planner

ICPRB seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented collaborator to be a key member of the Water Resources team. The Water Resources Planner will assist with interesting and challenging projects in this program area, an exciting opportunity to apply diverse technical and participatory skills in a large river basin context. This position will also be responsible for coordinating the Potomac River Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership, to include planning and executing quarterly meetings, administering the partnership, and designing and implementing associated educational events. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on July 5, 2024.

Learn more on our Jobs page >>>

Honoring freedom this week: Juneteenth

What does freedom mean to you? The organization Outdoor Afro, which has a mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature, will commemorate Juneteenth next Wednesday, June 19, under the theme of “Freedom to Access Water.”

To honor this day, we encourage you to spend time in nature (whether a nearby beach, swimming pool, or public park for example). Outdoor Afro asks you to discover a nearby water source in your neighborhood for 2.5 hours – to reflect in honor of the 2.5 years that freedom delayed for 250,000 enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas.

More about Outdoor Afro and their Making Waves program, which has a goal of helping 1,200 Black children and caregivers learn to swim in 2024 > > >

Learn about LGBTQ History in the Outdoors

June is national LGBTQ Pride Month. You might be familiar with the Capital Pride parade and other Pride celebrations taking place this month, but did you know about the places all around the region, including several parks and plazas, that are significant to LGBTQ history?

Learn more about LGBTQ Heritage in the National Capital Region from the National Park Service > > >

ICPRB in the Community

Join ICPRB at one of our upcoming events:

Find even more fun activities on our Events Calendar > > >

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ICPRB Staff Published June Water Supply Outlook

The Water Supply Outlook has returned to its seasonal schedule of reporting for April – October. The Water Supply Outlook is a monthly report that looks at the overall drought conditions in the Potomac River basin.

The probability of releases from backup water supply reservoirs in the Washington metropolitan area during the summer and fall seasons of 2024 is currently below normal. Streamflow is currently near
normal, and groundwater levels are mostly normal. The Potomac basin upstream of Washington, D.C. received 4.3 inches of precipitation for the month of May, which is 0.2 inches above normal. As of May 31, the 12-month cumulative basin precipitation is 0.5 inches below normal. The Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center (MARFC) anticipates no water supply shortages within the Mid-Atlantic region over the next couple of months, assuming continuation of near normal precipitation.

Read the June Water Supply Outlook >>>