The North Branch Potomac, South Branch Potomac, and Shenandoah rivers receive special attention due to their size, distinct characteristics, and unique environmental issues.

• North Branch Potomac River: The watershed is recovering from decades of deforestation, acid mine drainage, and industrial pollution. ICPRB recently studied the role of Jennings Randolph Lake and dam on downstream water quality and the extent of cold-water habitats.
• South Branch Potomac River: Other than a small southwest corner of the watershed, the entire basin is in West Virginia. The river starts on the eastern side of the Lantz Mountains then converges with the North Branch Potomac at Green Spring.
• Shenandoah River: Flowing northeast through the Great Appalachian Valley, this river runs through agricultural lands and is susceptible to summer algal blooms

Explore all the watersheds of the basin on this Map of the Potomac River basin.

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