Potomac Riverkeeper Network

10/14/2026

Recent testing done by Maryland Department of the Environment revealed ongoing jet fuel contamination into Piscataway Creek (a tributary of the Potomac River) from nearby Joint Base Andrews — this comes about six months after 32,000 gallons of jet fuel was reportedly spilled into the creek. Potomac Riverkeeper, Dean Naujoks who actually lives on Piscataway Creek says: “When is the EPA and the Maryland Department Environment going to bring an enforcement action against Andrews Air Force Base for this ongoing jet fuel contamination, and what are they going to do to remediate the problem?”

Read the full article here: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08102026/joint-base-andrews-fuel-leak-into-piscataway-creek/

10/12/2026

On Indigenous People’s Day, we honor the original protectors of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. 💧

As an organization that also fights to protect these waters, we must acknowledge the knowledge, history, and aboriginal rights to the rivers from tribes and nations that were here long before our inception.

We encourage today’s river stewards to learn about Indigenous groups native to the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds — about their history, connection to these rivers, and their continued advocacy and stewardship. Learn more at the link in our bio.

10/10/2026

When he isn't building connections between people and the Shenandoah, our Protector of the Shenandoah 2026, Don Roberts, does so much more behind the scenes. Roberts, a lifelong resident of the Valley, sponsors Shenandoah Riverkeeper’s (SRK) twice-weekly River Report radio broadcasts about the issues affecting the Shenandoah, has long supported SRK's Trash-Free Shenandoah campaign and sponsored numerous paddling events which have brought more Valley residents onto the river and into the conversation about protecting it. His business, Front Royal Outdoors, has been the starting point for the SRK's annual birdwatching paddle for the last 11 years! Thank you Don for all you do for the community, the 'Doah, and PRKN! 🌊

Photo Credit: Jonathan Grant 📸

10/09/2026

The midterms are right around the corner, but there is still time to get informed before casting your vote! Learn about candidates' positions on PFAS and data centers; two pressing issues for our rivers. The future of clean water depends on you -- vote for clean water! 💧

10/08/2026

And of the large quantity of plastics that are not recycled, many can find themselves polluting our waterways -- posing risks to both humans and wildlife alike. Other states have already implemented bottle bills that have proven successful by cutting beverage container litter and having recycling rates higher than their non-bottle bill counterparts.

Take action today and ask the DC Council to vote YES on the District Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act -- sign the petition here: https://ow.ly/BWb450ZVSHA

Read more about a DC Bottle Bill here: https://ow.ly/sVPR50ZVSHE

Source: Container Recycling Institute

10/06/2026

On Sunday, we made some BIG waves in Alexandria — with your help we were able to raise $349,100 for our rivers! We are incredibly grateful for the support of the community and their dedication to protecting our waterways alongside us. THANK YOU! 🌊

Special thanks to for the delicious oysters and Matt Morelock for keeping the vibe going all night! 🎶

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday October 30th, 2027. Let’s Make Waves again!

10/06/2026

We'd love for you to join us!

DCEFF and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network will present a free screening and convo around UNLESS SOMETHING GOES TERRIBLY WRONG - Friday, October 23, at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions.

Click here for more details and to RSVP: tinyurl.com/DCEFF-PRKN-USGTW

Synopsis: As America’s aging wastewater system begins to fail, one plant does all it can to stay afloat. Plant manager Dustin Price, together with his dedicated team, battle aging infrastructure, “forever chemicals” and the misconceptions of an odor averse public to keep Portland, Maine clean and healthy.

10/04/2026

Tuesday, Oct 20 from 6-7.30 pm at the Fishersville Library in Fishersville, VA -- be part of a fabulous presentation about "The Farmers' Right to Know" -- information about the dangers of PFAS in fertilizer is not widely shared. Farmers and we have a right to know. Learn what PRKN is doing about this crisis.
Details in the flyers.

10/03/2026

Early voting has already begun! Please be sure that you are informed about your candidates' views on data centers. There are so many critical issues before us this election and for the sake of clean water, data center development is at the top of the list!
Graphic credit: ACLU

10/02/2026

Anddd that's a wrap for our 2026 water quality monitoring season! 🥳

To all of our volunteers, whether you were collecting samples in the field or helping out in the lab, THANK YOU for your hard work and dedication to this program. Your support is truly invaluable -- this program would not exist without you. ♥️

Please remember that this data may change after a heavy rainfall when stormwater runoff and combined sewage overflows contribute to bacteria concentrations. Typically, if a site has more than 1 inch of rain, you should wait 48 hours before coming into contact with the river. 💧

This year we are determining pass/fail on Swim Guide using only the Single Point Maximum of 410 MPN (Most Probable Number) for E. coli. In more brackish waters, like Colonial Beach, the f***l indicator bacteria, Enterococcus, is used, with a threshold of 130 MPN.

Explore the Potomac River Health Index here: https://prhealthindex.streamlit.app/