US Military jet fuel spill renews concerns about the region’s water safety
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Potomac Conservancy releases a statement after a jet fuel spill at US Joint Base Andrews renews concerns about our region’s water safety.
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Sewage spill: The EPA declares the Potomac’s recovery goals are achieved. Why we disagree.
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This cleanup effort in the C&O Canal from this winter’s massive sewage spill is still ongoing and the long-term restoration plan hasn’t even begun. Learn more why we’re saying “hold up” as the EPA walks away from remediation work.
Read MoreSurvey says: The top 3 environmental concerns from our easement owners
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The Potomac River is only as healthy as its surrounding land. Sometimes we need to get our hands dirty for clean water and conservation easement landowners know that song best. But what are they actually worried about and working on? Here are their top 3 concerns.
Read MoreThis slow and steady critter stole our hearts! Meet your 2026 Potomac Critter of the Year
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The Eastern box turtle may not move fast, but it has a lasting impact. Found across the eastern United States, including our neck of the woods, this small, land-dwelling turtle supports healthy forests through its feeding habits and movement across the region. Your Potomac River 2026 Critter of the Year is a reminder that even the smallest critters in our ecosystems have a major role in its health!
Read MoreThe latest updates from the Potomac Interceptor Sewage Spill
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What you need to know about the January 2026 Potomac Interceptor sewage spill and how you can demand accountability and action.
Read MoreNew report: The Potomac River is named the “Most Endangered River" in the United States
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The Potomac has just been named the “Most Endangered River” in the country due to the rapid growth of data centers in our watershed. Unchecked data center sprawl is adding pressure to our water usage and stressing an already vulnerable river. Here’s what you need to know
Read More5 Potomac region running routes to help you spring into the warm weather season
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Ready to get outside but need some new running route ideas? We’ve compiled our favorites (with some help from local running groups) for you to check out!
When we spend time recreating near the Potomac River we build a lasting relationship with our beautiful streams, forests, and wildlife. Ready to find the perfect route for you?
Read MoreAn invisible threat is jeopardizing the health of the Potomac River - but we’re taking action
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PFAS, better known as “forever chemicals,” have long been accepted as a commercial necessity. But as research reveals the extent and severity of their impact on human and animal health, the pressure is on to remove these slow-degrading chemicals from the Potomac and its tributaries.
Read MoreSpeak up: Tell DC Water to clean up its sewage mess with stronger restoration plans
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Potomac Conservancy calls on DC Water to improve clean-up plans following its January 19, 2026 sewage spill in the Potomac River. Help us demand stronger action by submitted your comment to DC Water by March 31, 2026.
Read MoreDC isn’t the only cherry blossom sweet spot; the rest of the Potomac River region has them too!
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Here’s your guide for cherry blossom locations across the Potomac River region that offer fun ways to celebrate the season, spend time in green spaces, and connect with the communities across the watershed. Explore the towns these local blossom spots are in and make a day of experiencing one of the best times of year in the region.
Read MorePotomac Conservancy statement: The Potomac Interceptor pipe collapsed, and so has public trust. DC Water failed to respond to our Feb 9 demands for answers and actions
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We’re still awaiting a response from DC Water to our February 9 letter from us and 2,100 signatories. Our community deserves answers, transparency, and real action.
Read MoreData centers are drinking our Potomac River region resources up. Our team is fighting for transparency in Virginia
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To combat data center sprawl and to protect our waterways, we need information. This bill would mandate that data centers report their water usage.
Read MorePotomac Conservancy submits joint public letter calling on DC Water for answers and action for the massive Potomac sewage spill
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Over 260 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Potomac River since January 19, 2026. This is our water and it’s unacceptable. Read our joint public letter to DC Water calling for accountability, answers, and actions — demands that are shared by 2,100+ residents and 21 environmental organizations and businesses.
Read MoreTransforming their love for each other and the Potomac River into action
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The Potomac River region gave Stephen and Eliza their love story so they decided to give back to our region. Hear more about their story and how our incredible region played a role.
Read MoreExtra Eyes: using computer vision to enhance dolphin health in the Potomac River
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We aren’t the only ones who think dolphins are photogenic! Our friends at the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project think so too! But for these researchers photos are just for aesthetics, it helps them monitor the dolphins’ health and track changes over time.
Learn how they’re using technology to help out with this time consuming task!
Read MoreWinter hikes worth bundling up for in the Potomac Region
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Experience the Potomac region in a new way this winter. With fewer crowds, clearer views, and quiet trails, these hikes provide a different experience than in warmer months. From frozen waterfalls to panoramic overlooks, winter offers some of the most rewarding hiking adventures of the year, when you bundle up and stay safe.
Read More2026 State Legislative Preview: Protecting Critical Conservation Funding
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The Potomac is our river and our responsibility. That’s why we’re starting the 2026 legislative session in Virginia and Maryland off strong by fighting for critical conservation funding. Learn more about our priorities this session.
Read MoreWhy paying attention to small streams matters in the big picture of Potomac River water quality
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Streams might seem small, but they have a big impact on water quality, wildlife, and the health of the Potomac River. Changes in flow can concentrate pollutants, erode streambanks, and stress aquatic life. The climate crisis, causing shifts in rainfall and evaporation, makes these challenges even greater. Potomac Conservancy protects streams by conserving land, organizing local cleanups, and advocating for river-friendly policies, ensuring healthy streams today and a resilient Potomac watershed for the future.
Read MoreSalt creeping into the Potomac River endangers local ecosystems and the region’s drinking water
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Snow’s certainly not been a stanger this winter! Using salt can keep our roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac River.
Learn about the threat of rising salt levels in the Potomac and its tributaries, and alternatives to traditional salt to keep both our roads and freshwater safe.
Read MorePotomac River holds steady at “B” for water quality – still short of fishable and swimmable
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In the midst of a remarkable comeback, the Potomac River has seen a 10% increase in recreation in three years, but now its future is in question…Rising threats to water quality are impacting this wild urban river, the drinking water source for 5 million people in the DMV.
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