The 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.
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Another emergency repair of the Potomac Interceptor pipe renews calls for stronger drinking water and environmental protections
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Potomac Conservancy responds to the latest emergency repairs at Pennyfield Lock (Lock 22)
Read MorePotomac Conservancy responds to leadership change at DC Water
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Potomac Conservancy responds to DC Water Board’s decision to change its top leadership. Learn why we believe this is an important moment to correct course for the river and our community.
Read MoreWhen “extreme” becomes the new normal: How flood and drought cycles are changing the Potomac River region
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From too much to not enough, the Potomac’s ‘Goldilocks problem’ is keeping our communities high and dry or underwater.
Read MorePotomac Conservancy responds to Congressional Oversight Hearing on the Potomac Interceptor
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On May 20, 2026, the US EPA, National Park Service, and DC Water were questioned by Congress on their involvement in the Potomac Interceptor collapse and response. Find out what Potomac Conservancy staff learned at the hearing and what big question remains unanswered.
Read MoreUS 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.
Read MoreSewage 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 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 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 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 MoreBanned from the water: the history of swimming in the Potomac River
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Let’s dive into the history of segregation and the swim ban in DC. Segregation wasn't the only thing that prevented equal access to water. Pollution also led to additional limitations to accessing natural waters.
Read MoreAre plastics really *that* bad for our environment? (The answer won't surprise you.)
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Out of sight out of mind? Not so for the trash that makes its way into the Potomac River.
Test your trash trivia and find out how long it takes some common items to break down.
Read More7 ways urban trees *leaf* communities healthier, cleaner, and thriving
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Have you heard about how tree-mendous urban trees are? Check out these 7 benefits trees have for cities in the Potomac River region!
Read MoreHistory we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community
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The Potomac River has been shaping its physical surroundings for over 3 million years when it was first formed—and for thousands of years, it has played a critical role in the lives of the communities that settled along its banks. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. Where does that leave us now?
Read MoreThe health of the Potomac River has improved. So why isn’t fishing safe yet?
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While fishing in the Potomac River is not yet safe, Potomac Conservancy is working hard to change that.
Check out some of the reasons why eating fish caught in the river may put our health at risk, and what actions we can take for clean water.
Read MoreOur new report finds the Potomac River’s health is improving, but it’s not yet safe for swimming and fishing
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Our 2023 Potomac Report Card is here! Does the Potomac River get a passing grade…?
Find out the latest health assessment and learn what it’s going to take to restore swimmable and fishable waters to our community.
Read MoreHistory we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community
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The Potomac River has been shaping its physical surroundings for over 3 million years when it was first formed—and for thousands of years, it has played a critical role in the lives of the communities that settled along its banks. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. Where does that leave us now?
Read More7 benefits of urban trees for communities, clean water, and more!
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Have you heard about how tree-mendous urban trees are? Check out these 7 benefits trees have for cities in the Potomac River region!
Read MoreRising salt levels in the Potomac River threaten wildlife, 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 More5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac
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With all the progress made since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, it may still surprise you to learn there are plenty of ways you can still legally pollute the Potomac River.
Learn how our community allows pollution into our Nation's River – the drinking water source for you and nearly 6 million people – and what you can do about it.
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