Local Jeep Charity Show

June, 6, 2025

 

By Jacob Jenkins

 

In 2011, the Potomac river was given a ‘D’ letter grade by the Potomac Conservancy’s biennial “Potomac River Report Card”. This marked a turning point in the trajectory of the river’s health. Rather than solely focusing on stabilization, organizations dedicated to the conservation of the river were now able to focus on improving the river’s health. This led to a consistent rise in river health quality grading, but recent grades remain stagnant. The river is currently deemed “not yet safe for swimming and fishing” around Washington D.C. (O’Donnell). Confirming the river as fishable and swimmable is one of the most ambitious goals set by local conservation organizations. While the reality of achieving this long awaited goal may seem questionable, experts believe it is now within reach.

 

Since the early 1800s, the Potomac River has served as an outlet to Washington D.C’s sewer system. After concentrations of pollutants from untreated human and industrial waste steadily increased as populations grew, the metropolitan area established the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) in 1940. This organization, including others such as the Potomac Conservancy, have successfully stabilized and improved the health of the river over decades of work in the face of population growth and industrial development. Dr. Feaga, the Director of Land Management and Stewardship at Potomac Conservancy, said that the reality of the situation is that “for so long, our trajectory was of worsening water quality. We need to congratulate ourselves and also share the message that we are doing something to improve water quality because we’ve taken that downward trajectory and we’ve stabilized it”. While the health of the river may stagnate at times, it is important to remember that conservation efforts are constantly going up against sewage overflows, pollutants, deforestation, residential development, commercial agriculture and other harmful contributors.

 

In spite of adversity, sources believe a swimmable Potomac river is likely for Washington D.C. in the near future. This is a significant turn around considering that “it was only 1970 that they basically said you shouldn’t even touch the river”, said Renee Bourassa, Director of Communications at ICPRB. “In D.C., 100% I think we’re going to see swimmable rivers if we stay on this trajectory in probably two to three years, which, for me, is amazing.” Striving for a healthier Potomac river would greatly benefit the community. It brings cleaner drinking water, and serves as an economic driver from increased recreational use. Fishable waters are currently not possible in D.C. due to long lasting legacy chemicals, but recreational fishing without consumption is available and organizations remain at work to make this goal a reality.