06/10/2025
Running parallel to the towpath, the Potomac River is one of the most beloved, and important, features of the park. The Potomac stretches 383 miles from is headwaters in West Virginia to DC to the Atlantic Ocean. The river provides almost 90% of the DC metro area’s drinking water and recreational opportunities for millions of people each year. However, the Potomac River is not safe for swimming and fishing. The Potomac Conservancy scores the Potomac River's health a "B" grade due to lingering pollution from urban and agricultural runoff, wastewater, and industrial waste. This is a huge improvement from the “D” the Potomac received in 2011, but there is still work to do!
Water quality directly impacts the health of the park and us. By changing our agricultural practices, restoring native ecosystems and trees, and protecting healthy streams, we can help improve the health of the Potomac River and create a safer park for recreation, relaxation, and learning. What steps will you take to help improve our local river?
📸: The beautiful Potomac River near Brunswick, Maryland by Nicholas Clements
