Monitoring

In 2019, DOEE launched a new Rapid Stream Assessment (RSA) initiative. The intent of the RSA is to collect information that provides a high-level overview of the entire wadeable stream network within the District. This information can help identify potential issues as well as locations that may warrant follow-up inspections or more in-depth evaluations. The information from the RSA can also serve as a baseline with which to compare information from these assessments in the future.

The RSA includes several types of assessments including:

• Stream assessments:
  • Open channel (above-ground) streams
  • Closed channel (underground) streams

• Point assessments:
  • Crossings (i.e. bridges)
  • Deficient riparian buffers
  • Dumpsites
  • Erosion
  • Fish blockages
  • Pipes and utility lines
  • Other

During the 2022 reporting period (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) DOEE assessed approximately 22 additional miles of stream. To date, DOEE staff have assessed more than 89 miles of stream. This accounts for approximately 99% of all wadeable streams in the District. DOEE will continue surveying the remaining wadable streams in reporting year 2023 and anticipates beginning to return to previously assessed streams thereafter.

The following number of points were assessed during these time frames (click to display on map):

Editor's Note: All data collected as part of the rapid stream assessment program is preliminary. Final QA/QC review of this data is currently underway.

DOEE awarded a grant to the  Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay  to continue the implementation of a volunteer-based program that monitors the levels of bacteria, including E. coli, in the District’s surface waters.

The project recruited a diverse group of District residents from all eight wards to sample water for E. coli, as well as other water quality parameters such as turbidity, pH, and temperature. Sampling takes place from the locations displayed in the map to the right, where residents and visitors recreate. Monitoring takes place during the primary recreational season, May to September.

The purpose of this grant is to increase understanding of water quality in areas where recreational activities take place and to make the bacteria data collected available to the public. Data collected through this grant may be used to assess the effectiveness of capital investments to reduce bacteria loading into select District tributaries, streams, and rivers.

 Click here  to see the results from the 2022 monitoring efforts or  click here  to see all of DOEE's citizen science initiatives.

Sampling in the 2022 reporting period proceeded under the interim sampling provisions. The map on the right shows the MS4 monitoring locations. Click on the water quality sample locations to bring up the results of the wet weather monitoring efforts. The summary tables below also show the results of the monitoring efforts in the Potomac, Anacostia, and Rock Creek watersheds.