New Water Quality Dashboard Gives Potomac, Anacostia River Quality Info In Real Time

ALEXANDRIA, VA – A new dashboard launched by a consortium of water nonprofits and three local conservation groups will allow boaters, swimmers and other river recreators to keep tabs on water quality in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers in real time.

The dashboard, organized by the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in partnership with three local water conservation groups, provides users with a map tracking the level of pollutants, including e. coli bacteria, as well as other water quality indicators.

It tracks water quality in three spots along the Anacostia and one spot on the Potomac, at Maryland’s National Harbor, across from Alexandria.

The Potomac River experienced a catastrophic sewage spill on January 19, when a pipe collapsed, leaving untreated sewage to pour into the river for nearly a week. E. coli contamination has been a concern since the accident.

The equipment measuring water quality is maintained by the Anacostia Watershed Society, Anacostia Riverkeepers and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. All three organizations help raise awareness of local water quality issues and watershed protection in the DC metro region, the Reservoir Center notes on its website.