River Report: October was one of the warmest and driest on record
Our record-breaking streak of 38 days without rain was broken on Sunday. We’ve been dry ever since. A small chance of rain is in the forecast for the coming days. Experts say that we will need an extended period of soaking rain to ease us out of the dry conditions that have caused authorities to enact burn bans as wildfires are popping up throughout the region.
According to NOAA, October was the second-warmest and second-driest on record. Recent USGS research indicates warmer temperatures may have more severe impacts on drought than previously known due to the heat-induced moisture loss. According to the authors, “droughts will last longer, cover wider areas, and become more severe as the climate warms.”
Due to the persistent dry conditions, staff in ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations (CO-OP) released a November Water Supply Outlook earlier this week.
Highlights from the report:
CO-OP commenced its fourth “Drought Monitoring” period of the year on November 1.
The Potomac basin upstream of Washington, D.C., received 0.8 inches of rain in October, which is 2.2 inches below normal.
Streamflow is currently below normal.
Groundwater levels are below normal in many observation wells in the basin.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Map released today (see below), the amount of the Potomac watershed in Moderate Drought jumped by 22% in the past week.
ICPRB’s Webinar: Integrating Climate and Resilience with Equity
Join ICPRB at noon on December 6 for the next installment of our webinar series. Integrating Climate and Resilience with Equity will highlight data and tools to better understand and characterize climate and flooding threats, focusing on vulnerable and underserved communities. We will also explore funding opportunities to support resilient communities.
This webinar will be helpful to policymakers, government agencies, community Green Teams, HOAs, and anyone interested in creating a more resilient community. Click here to register >>>
Due to the persistent dry conditions, the publication period for the Water Supply Outlook has been extended into November.
The ICPRB Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations (CO-OP) commenced its fourth “Drought Monitoring” period of the year on November 1. CO-OP initiates drought monitoring when the flow at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gage in Point of Rocks, Maryland, falls below 2,000 cubic feet per second.
The Potomac basin upstream of Washington, D.C., received 0.8 inches of rain in October, which is 2.2 inches below normal. Streamflow is currently below normal. Groundwater levels are below normal in many observation wells in the basin.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that 19% of the Potomac basin is experiencing severe drought conditions, while 52% is facing moderate drought conditions.
lot happened this past week (that wasn’t election-related). Last Friday, ICPRB initiated daily drought monitoring and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Drought Coordination Technical Committee recommended to keep the region under the Drought Watch that was declared back in July. On Wednesday, the DC area beat the longest dry streak on record at 35 days with no rain. A small spritz is in the forecast for today, but it may not be substantial enough to end the dry streak.
We continue to encourage wise water use by taking actions such as reducing your shower time, only running full loads of dishes and laundry, and turning the faucet off when not in use.
The colorful map below shows the entirety of the Potomac River watershed ranges from abnormally dry to extremely dry. Over 50% of the area is in Moderate Drought (D1).
River levels continue to drop well below the 50th percentile, as seen in the graph of the adjusted flow at Little Falls.
The dry conditions have spurred the states of Maryland and West Virginia as well as the regions of Shenandoah Valley to declare a burn ban to prevent fires.
We will be publishing a November Water Supply Outlook in the next week. Typically, the reports are only published April through October, but due to the current conditions, we are continuing to publish through the fall.
Protecting our drinking water is a group effort
Yesterday, members of the Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership (DWSPP) met for their annual meeting at the offices of Loudoun Water in Ashburn, VA. DWSPP is a coalition of water suppliers and government agencies working together on source water protection issues. ICPRB coordinates the partnership.
During the meeting, the group heard a series of presentations about the importance of communicating their good work on protecting our sources of drinking water. We are grateful to Loudoun Water for hosting the event and for providing the tours of their Broad Run Water Reclamation Facility and the Beaverdam Reservoir Park.
We would like to thank Kishia Powell of WSSC Water for her leadership as chair over the past year. During the meeting, she “passed the gavel” to Jayne Brown of DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), who will serve as the 2025 chair of DWSPP.
Bone-dry and bone-chilling: The Halloween River Report
Due to current conditions, we are reviving the weekly River Report. Each week we’ll provide a summary of drought conditions across the region.
The DC metro region has not had rain in 29 days. The region’s record dry streak (from 2007) is 34 days. At this time, no appreciable rainfall is expected over the next 7 days. The extended dry conditions have increased the area of Moderate Drought Conditions (D1) in the Potomac River watershed by almost 30% since last week.
ICPRB staff is monitoring the river’s flow and keeping in contact with the region’s stakeholders. Due to low flow conditions, it is expected that ICPRB will begin Drought Monitoring any day now. During active Drought Monitoring, staff in ICPRB’s CO-OP Section provide daily emails with river flow, weather forecasts, and water withdrawal information to downstream water utilities and government agencies. This information helps water utilities in their daily operations planning. If we do initiative Drought Monitoring, you can follow the conversation on social media using #droughtmonitoring.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Drought Coordination Technical Committee will be meeting tomorrow (Nov. 1) to review current water supply and drought conditions and discuss the possibility of lifting the current Drought Watch declared this summer.
On a positive note, the upstream drinking water reservoirs are nearly full. These reservoirs would be used to supplement downstream flow in the case of a severe drought. The region is well protected from water supply shortages due to years of planning and preparation.
National influence with a local perspective
Congratulations to Dr. Heidi Moltz, ICPRB’s director of program operations, on wrapping up her tenure as 2024 chair of the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP). This is a national organization that provides a voice for regional, state, and local water resources agencies and entities regarding diverse water policy issues that affect real-world decisions. Dr. Moltz used her time on the board bolstering the next generation of water resource professionals through the ICWP internship program, elevating the discussions on water resources at a DC Roundtable and the Annual Meeting, updating ICWP’s principle statements on drought planning and resilience, and more.
Through involvement with ICWP and similar organizations, ICPRB staff are leading discussions on water resources and policy in the Potomac basin and beyond.
MDE asking for public input on North Branch Use Class
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is holding a hearing on December 2, 2024, for public input on the proposed changes to the Existing Use determinations for roughly 11 miles of the the mainstem North Branch Potomac River between Westernport, MD to Rawlings, MD. The proposed changes, if approved, will provide regulatory protections by changing the reach from a Warm Water use (Class I) to a Cold Water Use Class III or IV.
You might not be obsessively watching the river levels like we are, but if you took a peak recently you might have seen something interesting… big daily fluctuations in flow.
From September to December, upstream hydroelectric dams turn off operations at night during the annual American eel migration downstream. This keeps the slippery little fish from getting caught up in dam machinery as they make their way to sea to spawn. As a result, the flows downstream fluctuate in this predictable daily pattern.
The flow at the USGS Point of Rocks gage (one of the gages from which ICPRB bases its drought coordination activities), is steadily declining but currently on par for the median this time of year.
However, as the Washington Post has reported, drought concerns may return as we are quickly approaching one of the longest streaks without rain on record without any appreciable rain in the forecast. According to NWS MARFC, the region is 1.3 inches below normal for the month of October.
Much of the basin remains in drought, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor. Almost 60% of the basin is abnormally dry, 28% is moderate-severe dry, while a small fraction remains extremely dry.
What about the rest of the winter? Models are showing an even split between a wetter-than-normal or dryer-than-normal winter.
An invasive by any other name would taste as good
Last Thursday, ICPRB held the 3rd annual Potomac River Conference focused on invasive species in the Potomac River basin and beyond.
The event focused on the complex issue of invasive species in the Potomac River basin, with particular attention to the blue catfish and other aquatic invaders like Chesapeake Channa (aka snakehead) and invasive plants.
Broader discussions explored the socio-economic-historical perspective from as far back as 23,000 years ago.
Through presentations by experts from NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, USGS, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Anacostia Watershed Society, George Mason University, and others, the conference addressed the scientific, management, and economic challenges posed by these species, emphasizing strategies for control, including population monitoring and promoting their consumption as a mitigation tactic, as well as the marketing strategies and supply chain logistics of getting the invasive species from boat to plate.
The event highlighted the importance of a collective, multi-faceted approach to managing the ecological and economic effects of invasive species in the region.
To keep with the theme, folks enjoyed wild caught Chesapeake blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa (aka snakehead) for lunch.
ICPRB’s communications director, Renee Bourassa, spoke at last week’s Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forum about our regional collaborations and communications regarding the negative impacts of winter salt use on our drinking water, aquatic species, and infrastructure. She partnered with Abby Hileman of Izaak Walton League of America and Camryn Arnstein of Maryland Dept. Of The Environment on a fun, interactive, and informative presentation.
As part of the presentation, attendees broke into groups to design their own Baltimore salt box. One lucky design will be turned into a Baltimore salt box by artist, Juliet Ames. Stay tuned to see the final product!
Winter salt is important for public safety but it has a permanent impact on our waterways. Be #saltwise in 3 easy steps:
On October 17, 2024, ICPRB held the 3rd annual Potomac River Conference focused on invasive species in the Potomac River basin and beyond. Held at the picturesque The River View at Occoquan Regional Park, attendees were welcomed by Delegate Katy K.L. Tran and Supervisor Dan Storck. Peter Tango of the Chesapeake Bay Program set the stage with a current socio-economic-political perspective on how we collectively view “alien species.” Doug Wood went back further, starting with the original human invaders 23,000 years ago. To keep with the theme, folks enjoyed wild caught Chesapeake blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa (aka snakehead) for lunch.
The first session, “Invasive Poster Child: The Case of the Blue Catfish,” focused on the issue of invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Led by Bruce Vogt of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Invasive Catfish Workgroup, the presentation highlighted efforts to control this species. Heather Walsh of USGS discussed the reproductive status of blue catfish, comparing populations in different tributaries. To round out the session, Ellen Robertson presented on population monitoring and modeling strategies to help Maryland assess and manage the blue catfish problem effectively. Overall, this session emphasized the scientific and management challenges posed by blue catfish in the region.
In the second and third sessions, the focus broadened to include the economic impact of invasive species and other aquatic invaders. Benjamin Simon explored the economics of managing invasive species, while Mike Hutt and Matthew Scales presented marketing strategies (and recipes!) to get the fish on your plate. Stephanie Pazzaglia discussed supply chain logistics from harvest to market. The final session, “The Rest of the Story,” delved into other aquatic invaders in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, including the spread of northern snakehead fish, mussels, Two-horned Trapa, and other invasive plants. Researchers like Dann Sklarew and Scott Baron provided insights into how these species are affecting local ecosystems and efforts to mitigate their impact. A poster session offered additional information on current research being done across the region.
Presentation abstracts and speaker bios are available in the Conference Booklet. PDFs of the presentations can be found below.
Opening
Moderator: Michael Nardolilli, ICPRB
Welcome –
Michael Nardolilli, Executive Director, ICPRB
Delegate Kathy K. L. Tran, ICPRB Commissioner for Virginia
Short-term risk assessment for a newly introduced water chestnut, Trapa bispinosa Roxb., entering the Potomac River, U.S. – Ian Pfingsten and Nancy Rybicki of USGS
Field demonstrations for water chestnut (Trapa spp.) management – Year 1 – Ryan McIntyre of US Army Corps of Engineers and Nancy Rybicki of USGS
An age and growth study of blue catfish populations in MD tributaries – Evangeline Sawyers of MD DNR
Invasive flathead catfish population dynamics, movement patterns and dietary preferences – Daniel Ryan of DOEE
ICPRB’s final Water Supply Outlook of 2024 was published earlier this week. This monthly report provides an update on the possibility of water supply releases from the area’s drinking water reservoirs based on long-term rain data, river flow levels, and more.
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. Following a dry period through mid-September, substantial rainfall occurred leading to overall improved conditions.
The Potomac basin upstream of Washington, D.C., received 4.6 inches of rain in September, which is 0.8 inches above normal. As of September 30, the 12-month cumulative basin precipitation is 1.2 inches above normal (see graph below).
The report provided the drought statuses from across the region. The drought status in Pennsylvania is normal. In Maryland, the Western region remains under a drought watch. In Virginia, the Northern Virginia region, and the Big Sandy and New River regions to the west are under a drought watch, while the Shenandoah region is under a drought warning. The drought watch declared on July 29 by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is still in effect.
NASA is about to send a spacecraft to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. It is believed that under the beautiful blue and brown surface is a saltwater ocean twice the size of ours. The mission’s objective is to determine if Europa is suitable to support life.
What does this have to do with the Potomac River watershed? It is a reminder that water connects us all. It brings life. It brings hope. It brings humanity. Etched on the mission spacecraft, Europa Clipper, is a poem by Ada Limón, U.S. Poet Laureate, that eloquently explores how water connects us all, even beyond our atmosphere.
In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa
Arching under the night sky inky
with black expansiveness, we point
to the planets we know, we
pin quick wishes on stars. From earth,
we read the sky as if it is an unerring book
of the universe, expert and evident.
Still, there are mysteries below our sky:
the whale song, the songbird singing
its call in the bough of a wind-shaken tree.
We are creatures of constant awe,
curious at beauty, at leaf and blossom,
at grief and pleasure, sun and shadow.
And it is not darkness that unites us,
not the cold distance of space, but
the offering of water, each drop of rain,
each rivulet, each pulse, each vein.
O second moon, we, too, are made
of water, of vast and beckoning seas.
We, too, are made of wonders, of great
and ordinary loves, of small invisible worlds,
of a need to call out through the dark.
NEWS RELEASE: New Report Exposes Alarming Economic Impacts on DC Region if Faced with Water Supply Disruption
On Tuesday, ICPRB held a press conference to unveil a new report highlighting the significant and dire financial consequences facing the Washington, D.C., region in the event of a disruption to the area’s water supply.
ICPRB’s Executive Director Michael Nardolilli opened the press conference with a quote from Ben Franklin, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
During the press conference, ICPRB, along with officials from the Greater Washington Board of Trade, DC Water, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the American Business Water Coalition, called for Congressional action to fund crucial infrastructure projects to ensure greater resiliency in the D.C. region’s water supply and safeguard the health and safety of both the public and the economy.
“The Potomac River is the single source of drinking water for D.C. and provides water for roughly five million people in the region,” said ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli. “It is integral to the functioning of the nation’s capital. This report clearly shows that any disruption to the water supply would have catastrophic economic consequences for the region, especially for the most vulnerable residents of our nation’s capital. Securing the resilience of our water infrastructure is not just a priority, it’s a necessity.”
River Report – ICPRB Discontinues Daily Drought Monitoring
ICPRB ceased daily Drought Monitoring last Saturday due to increased river flows and rain in the forecast.
Today’s U.S. Drought Monitor map sees a slight increase in Extreme Drought over last week but drought conditions improved in the southern part of the watershed.
NOAA’s National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center (MARFC) is predicting the remnants of Hurricane Helene will drop some rain across the western part of the basin which will increase river flows and bring some badly-needed moisture to the area.
When it rains, it pours. MARFC is calling for coastal flooding in the District and neighboring communities. Stay safe and avoid driving through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown.
Our thoughts are with those in the path of Hurricane Helene.
WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2024) – Today, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) unveiled a new report highlighting the significant and dire financial consequences facing the Washington, D.C., region in the event of a disruption to the area’s water supply during a press conference held today with leaders from the greater Washington area.
In just one month, a significant disruption from threats like infrastructure failures or natural disasters in D.C.’s water supply could result in a loss of $15 billion in gross regional product (GRP) and hundreds of millions in tax losses, according to the report, “The Economic and Fiscal Costs of Water Supply Disruption to the National Capital Region.”
ICPRB, along with officials from the Greater Washington Board of Trade, DC Water, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the American Business Water Coalition, today called for Congressional action to fund crucial infrastructure projects to ensure greater resiliency in the D.C. region’s water supply and safeguard the health and safety of both the public and the economy.
“The Potomac River is the single source of drinking water for D.C. and provides water for roughly five million people in the region,” said ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli. “It is integral to the functioning of the nation’s capital. This report clearly shows that any disruption to the water supply would have catastrophic economic consequences for the region, especially for the most vulnerable residents of our nation’s capital. Securing the resilience of our water infrastructure is not just a priority, it’s a necessity.”
“The interconnectedness of our region means that water supply disruptions would have far-reaching consequences affecting the District of Columbia as well as our neighboring communities in Virginia and Maryland,” said COG Board Chair and District of Columbia Councilmember Charles Allen. “This report underscores the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding our water resources and why COG is working with our partners to ensure a backup water source for the region.”
“DC Water’s motto, ‘Water is life,’ reflects how seriously we, as the water authority for the nation’s capital, take our role in supplying our customers with abundant, safe and reliable water,” said David L. Gadis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Manager of DC Water. “Resilience in the water sector, one of DC Water’s five strategic imperatives, is crucial not only for our success, but also for the health and wellbeing of the customers who depend on DC Water. This water supply vulnerability must be addressed to protect our city now and for the future generations to come.”
“Our region’s economic vitality and quality of life are directly tied to clean, reliable water resources,” said Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. “This report highlights that a disruption in the water supply would not only harm the local economy but also have a disproportionate impact on the diverse business sectors and people who contribute to the vibrancy of our nation’s capital the Greater Washington region. This includes small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises, which are at greater risk of permanent closure if forced to shut down due to water supply disruptions. It is imperative that we confront this challenge proactively to safeguard our thriving region and everything it has to offer.”
“Federal investment in our nation’s water infrastructure is essential to protect all communities from the devastating impacts infrastructure failures can have on operations,” said Mae Stevens, CEO of the American Business Water Coalition. “Restoring the country’s water systems to meet the needs of the population is expected to cost more than $1.25 trillion over the next 20 years, a figure far too large for utilities, companies and private citizens to meet alone. Congress needs to recognize this as a critical need and close the funding gap so that we can better protect the D.C. region and our nation against devastating water supply disruptions.”
Key findings presented in the report include:
Economic impact: The report estimates that a significant water supply disruption could result in losses of almost $15 billion in gross regional product (GRP) and hundreds of millions in tax losses, all within the first month.
Disproportionate impact: Small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of water supply disruption, with potential losses that could devastate their operations and subsequently, impact the livelihoods of their employees. Supply disruption would additionally have a greater impact on lower-income households that have fewer financial resources to mitigate the loss of services.
Sectoral vulnerability: Major sectors, including healthcare, food and beverage, chemical manufacturing and arts & entertainment, are identified as being at severe risk, underscoring the necessity for enhanced infrastructure resilience and preparedness.
Moving forward, ICPRB, COG, Fairfax Water, WSSC Water, the Washington Aqueduct, and Arlington County are partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a backup water source study for the region to ensure greater water supply resiliency. The study, which received partial funding in the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, will commence later this year.
About The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin
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.
About DC Water
DC Water provides more than 700,000 residents and 21.3 million annual visitors in the District of Columbia with retail water and wastewater (sewer) service. With a total service area of approximately 725 square miles, DC Water also treats wastewater for approximately 1.8 million people in neighboring jurisdictions, including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
About Greater Washington Board of Trade
Greater Washington is a dynamic and complex region with a quick-moving and always-evolving business environment. The Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.
About American Business Water Coalition
The American Business Water Coalition is a group of water-reliant businesses—from manufacturing to energy to tech and beyond. The coalition provides a platform for businesses across the country to urge Congress and the Administration to increase investment in water infrastructure, and foster relationships between businesses and their local utilities. Learn more about the coalition here: https://www.businesswatercoalition.com/
About Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is an independent, nonprofit association that brings area leaders together to address major regional issues in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. COG’s membership is comprised of 300 elected officials from local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress.
River Report – Drought continues, despite recent rain
Last month was earth’s hottest August on record. Hot days add additional complications to already dry weather. However, if you are a wine drinker, there is at least one up side to our recent dry conditions: better wine. Cheers to that!
Today’s updated U.S. Drought Monitor map has not changed much from last week’s map, except the Extreme Drought in the basin has increased from 0.1% to 2.5.%.
ICPRB continues to provide daily emails as part of their Drought Monitoring, due to the low flows in the Potomac River. You can see the highlights of those daily reports by following #droughtmonitoring on Facebook and Twitter/X.
NEWS RELEASE: ICPRB Wins $419,300 Grant to Increase Eel Habitat in the Potomac River
The Chesapeake WILD grant will support opening passageways in the North Branch Potomac to allow migration of the American eel, a species of environmental, cultural, and historical significance.
The American eel has historically been found throughout the Potomac River. In recent centuries, dams and other hindrances have decreased access to available habitat resulting in significantly reduced population numbers. The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) recently was awarded a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant to help restore the eels to their native range and make existing populations more resilient.
Stay informed about the latest news, impactful projects, environmental challenges, and community initiatives in the Potomac River watershed—sign up today!
