Monitoring Reports

During periods of drought, the Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac (CO-OP) helps manage the Washington metropolitan area water supply system by coordinating withdrawals from the Potomac River and off-river reservoirs and recommending releases from upstream reservoirs when forecasted flow in the river is not sufficient to meet expected needs. These needs include water demands and an environmental flow-by of 100 million gallons per day (MGD) on the Potomac River at Little Falls dam near Washington, D.C.

Morning Potomac flow and demand update (Wednesday, 2023-09-06)

Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 09/06/2023 - 01:30

According to Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center forecasts, small amounts of rain are expected in the basin tomorrow, and accumulations of approximately ½ inch are expected over the next three days. The longer-term forecasts are currently very promising, with accumulations of 1 to 2 inches expected. Tropical Storm Lee is expected to become a major hurricane, with potential impacts on the eastern US.

 

Morning Potomac flow and demand update (Tuesday, 2023-09-05)

Submitted by admin1 on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 08:51

According to Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center predictions, no rain is expected for the next 24 hours. Forecasts suggest an average basin rainfall of around 0.15 inches over the next three days and 0.83 inches over the next week.

The proactive voluntary load shift from Great Falls to Little Falls by Washington Aqueduct is still ongoing.  

Morning Potomac flow and demand update (Sunday, 2023-09-03)

Submitted by admin1 on Sun, 09/03/2023 - 08:01

No rain fell in the basin in the past 24 hours. According to Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center predictions, no rain is expected in the next 72 hours. The week-long outlook points to an approximate total of 0.1 inches across the basin.

The proactive voluntary load shift from Great Falls to Little Falls by Washington Aqueduct is still ongoing.  

 

Recent basin-wide average precipitation (above Little Falls):

Afternoon Potomac flow and demand update (Friday, 2023-09-01)

Submitted by snummer on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 17:26

ICPRB CO-OP enhanced drought monitoring will continue throughout the holiday weekend. Please continue to review the accuracy of the data in your automated emails, verify that the file includes all requested data, and email any additional data to coop@icprb.org. Thank you for your continued cooperation through the holiday weekend. 

Best, 

ICPRB CO-OP Drought Team

Morning Potomac flow and demand update (Thursday, 2023-08-31)

Submitted by admin1 on Thu, 08/31/2023 - 08:14

No appreciable amount of rain fell in the basin in the past 24 hours. River flows at Little Falls have slowly decreased and are currently at around 600 cfs. Whitewater releases from Jennings Randolph Reservoir were held on August 26 and 27 and may temporarily improve flow levels.

According to Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center predictions, no rain is expected in the next 72 hours.

The proactive voluntary load shift from Great Falls to Little Falls by Washington Aqueduct is still ongoing.