Scientists Predict Poor Summer Water Quality Conditions

June 2008 -- A team of researchers led by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is predicting poor water quality conditions in the Bay and several of its rivers this summer, according to UMCES’ annual summer ecological forecast.

Wet conditions this winter and spring have set the stage for significant dissolved oxygen problems in the Bay’s deeper waters this summer. Additionally, harmful algae blooms are expected on the Potomac River and the lower reaches of the Patuxent and Choptank rivers.

The summer ecological forecast uses analyses of spring river flow patterns and pollutant loads to predict where harmful algae blooms and low-oxygen “dead zones” may occur. Summer oxygen levels in the Bay’s mainstem are largely driven by the amount of pollution flowing from the Susquehanna River in winter and spring.

View more detailed information about the summer ecological forecast.