The Potomac is the “most endangered river” in the U.S. Really?
Ansu John
Do you kayak, fish, or enjoy walks by the Potomac River? Did you know that if you took a shower today it was probably from Potomac water? Do you know that most people in the County get their drinking water from surface water intakes on the Potomac River?
A report published by the nonprofit advocacy group “American Rivers” ranks the Potomac River as the “most endangered river” in the nation.
Did you get alarmed by the May 15 Washington Post story on the American Rivers’ report ranking the Potomac River as the “most endangered” in the nation?
The Washington Post ran a second story critiquing American Rivers report card and ranking of the Potomac River as the “most endangered” river (Potomac “most endangered”? Just hype). The basis on which the ranking was made, it said, was largely subjective and not based on defensible scientific criteria. They also suggested that the Potomac’s visibility because of its proximity to Washington DC made it a good bully pulpit to galvanize the public to stop lawmakers in Congress from removing important provisions of the Clean Water Act —now the primary legal tool to protect water quality in America’s rivers.
Is the Potomac River the nation's "most endangered" river? It is the source of Montgomery County's water supply for thousands of residents, businesses and institutions.
Are you aware how your utilities and taxes are used to ensure that the river is protected? Do you feel comfortable with the Potomac river being the source (and receiver) of public water supply and wastewater treatment in Montgomery County?
Help Protect the Potomac River…Everyday.
Did you know that stormwater (rainfall runoff) is a massive source of pollution in the river and easily you can help to prevent rainfall runoff pollution going into the river :
- Do not fertilize or treat your yard with chemicals prior to rainfall
- Pick up litter
- Properly dispose of trash
- Contain sediment and prevent it from running off
- Pick up pet waste and do not leave it on the ground
- Make sure your cars are not leaking oil and other petroleum-based fluids