Potomac River Basin Study Unit of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program

WRD PROJECT #: MD102
PROJECT CHIEF: Blomquist, Joel D.
BEGIN DATE: 01-December-1990
END DATE: 30-September-2000

Customers currently supporting the project:

U.S. Geological Survey

Problem

A comprehensive, consistent assessment of the quality of the Nation's surface water and ground water is not currently available. Such an assessment is needed to provide a sound, scientific basis for prioritizing national water-quality issues and for formulating effective national water policies. A detailed description of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Nation's streams and aquifers, and an understanding of the factors that affect the Nation's water quality, are two of the valuable products that would result from such an assessment. The Potomac River Basin is one of 60 study units nationwide that collectively provide this necessary national assessment.

Objectives

1. Determine the current water-quality conditions in the Potomac River Basin.

2. Identify any trends in the observed water-quality conditions.

3. Determine, to the extent possible, the causes of the observed water-quality conditions and trends.

Approach

Following 2 years of planning, analysis of existing data, and reconnaissance sampling, the study will enter a 3-year intensive data-collection and data-interpretation phase. Fixed-station, synoptic, and small-reach sampling of surface water will be conducted, as will regional and targeted ground-water sampling. In the sixth year, the study will enter a low-intensity phase. Activities during this phase will include continued tempural monitoring at selected sites, data management and archival, and report preparation. Results will be published in numerous reports and papers that were completed during the study. In 1997, the program entered its low intensity phase and is continuing to collect stream-water samples from three sites and groundwater-supplies from five wells.