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. The position will participate as part of a highly collaborative water resources team. Example activities include developing a watershed management plan to address Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Lake Anna watershed, Virginia, updating the Potomac basin land prioritization tool, and conducting bi-annual webinars for land use decision-makers. More broadly, the position will assist with the implementation of various aspects of the Potomac Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan. This position will also be responsible for coordinating DWSPP to include planning and executing quarterly meetings, administering the partnership, and designing and implementing associated educational events (in person and virtually).

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on July 5, 2024.

Learn more on our Jobs page >>>

The inaugural River Report of 2024, invasive species, water safety, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – May 30, 2024 >>>

**Friday is the deadline for abstract submissions to present at the upcoming Potomac Conference: Reeling in the Challenge of Aquatic Invasive Species on October 17, 2024. The conference will expound on the science, policy, and management of invasive fishes and other aquatic species in the Potomac River basin and beyond.**

River Report

Thanks to a wet winter, rain in the basin is only 0.5 inches below average for the past 12 months. For comparison, in our last River Report of 2023 last December, rain in the Potomac River basin was 8 inches below average. The extra rain will help replenish groundwater sources for the coming dry season.

Currently, the river level is in good shape. At 7,700 cubic feet per second (cfs), the river’s flow at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks is slightly above the historical median level of 7,340 cfs.

Looking towards the future, NOAA is calling for an above-normal hurricane season. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict how that will impact our region. The best thing to do is to get prepared now by gathering emergency supplies, developing an evacuation plan, and preparing your home for strong storms. Learn more on the NOAA website >>>

What to celebrate this week: National Learn How to Row Day, June 1

Rowing is a popular activity in the DC Metro area. In celebration of National Learn How to Row Day on Saturday, some boathouses on the Potomac are holding events to encourage people to get out on the water and try their hand at this fun water sport. Here are just a few of the options to get your feet wet in the rowing world:

• Alexandria Community Rowing (Alexandria, VA) is holding an open house for curious soon-to-be rowers.
• Washington Rowing School (Bladensburg, MD) is holding a free Learn to Row clinic.
• Rock Creek Rowing (DC) is providing tours, rowing experiences, and safety lessons.

Remember to wear comfortable clothes and bring your sunscreen, water, and hat. Stay safe and have fun!

ICPRB in the Community

Join ICPRB at one of our upcoming events:

• June 1 – National Trails Day Meetup on the Potomac River (Colonial Beach, VA)
• June 22 – Earth Fest 2024 (Frederick, MD)
• June 29 [NEW DATE] – Walk in the Woods: Mussel Power with Anacostia Watershed Society (Washington, D.C.)
• July 12 – Riverpalooza: Shenandoah Snorkel, Mussel, & Paddle Trip (Bentonville, VA)

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

This webinar explores the intersection of water resources, data centers, and solar fields in the Potomac River watershed. The May 10, 2024, webinar was held as part of the implementation of the Potomac Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan. 

Speakers and times:

5:47 Utility Scale Solar Institutions in Virginia – Michael Rolband of Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

20:36 Environmental Impacts of Industrial Scale Solar and Solutions – Scott Cameron, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District

32:18 Loudoun Water’s Reclaimed Water System in the Heart of Data Center Alley – Darrin Geldert of Loudoun Water

Each month during the dry season, staff at ICPRB’s Section for Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac produces a Water Supply Outlook report. They look at the probability of the need for releases from upstream reservoirs to supplement drinking water in the DC Metro area.

So far for 2024, the water supply outlook is good. April ended with 0.4 inches of rain above average. The extra rain has helped us close the deep gap from the 12-month cumulative average developed from last year’s dry weather. Streamflow is currently near normal, and groundwater levels are mostly normal.

Click here to read the full report >>>

If low-flow conditions develop, water from Jennings Randolph and Little Seneca lakes can be used to provide drinking water to downstream communities. The Washington metropolitan area is protected from a water supply shortage owing to carefully designed drought-contingency plans.

Adjusted Daily Flow at Little Falls for 2024, 1999, and 2002.