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.
đźšż 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.
đźš° 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:
- June 29 – Walk in the Woods: Mussel Power with Anacostia Watershed Society (DC)
- July 12 – Riverpalooza: Shenandoah Snorkel, Mussel, & Paddle Trip (Bentonville, VA)
- August 24 – Oxon Run Day (DC)
Find even more fun activities on our Events Calendar > > >