POTOMAC RIVERKEEPER NETWORK

Donate

By supporting the initiatives of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, your donation, no matter how small, will help us attain our joint goals for a swimmable, clean and thriving Potomac River. Together, we can make a positive impact. Join DC Sailing Community today in making a difference! Your generosity truly matters!

Volunteer

Help Potomac Riverkeeper Network protect and defend healthy river habitats and promote clean water. Whether testing water quality, doing river clean-ups, attending public hearings, doing scientific or legal research, or helping out in their Georgetown office, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Partners for Clean Water

DC Sailing Community is proud to have established a meaningful partnership with the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. Our shared values and commitment to environmental stewardship have brought our organizations together in a powerful way. Both DC Sailing Community and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network recognize the importance of protecting our local waterways, and through this partnership, we aim to promote awareness and conservation efforts.

Whether it's a leisurely sail, a competitive race or a flotilla on the other side of the world, DC Sailing Community fosters a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment among its members. The Potomac River Keeper Network also recognizes the power of community engagement and frequently hosts social events and river cleanups where everyone is invited to participate. By joining forces, we can combine our efforts to not only have fun on the water but also actively contribute to the preservation of the Potomac River.

Together, DC Sailing Community and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network demonstrate the power of collaboration and how shared values can drive meaningful change. Through our joint efforts, we aim to raise awareness, foster community engagement, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Potomac River for future generations.

Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 6:00 PM | District Pier at the Wharf

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s Mission

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a non-profit organization that works to protect and restore the Potomac River. The Network's critical efforts include:

  • Monitoring water quality and tracking pollution sources

  • Advocating for stronger environmental regulations

  • Educating the public about the importance of the Potomac River

  • Taking legal action to hold polluters accountable

This work has made a significant difference in the health of the Potomac River. In recent years, water quality has improved, fish populations have rebounded, and more people are enjoying the river for recreation. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network has a goal to ensure that the Potomac River is safe for swimming, paddling, stand-up paddle boarding, and other forms of recreation that involve direct contact with the water. It’s ambitious… and it’s achievable with your help.

The Clean Water Act of 1972

The Clean Water Act is a landmark piece of legislation that has helped to protect our rivers and other waterways. The Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into waterways without a permit, and it establishes standards for water quality.

Rivers are essential to our lives. They provide us with drinking water, food, transportation, and recreation. They also play a vital role in the environment, helping to regulate flooding, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife. Unfortunately, our rivers are under threat. Pollution from agriculture, industry, and sewage treatment plants is degrading water quality and harming fish and other aquatic life. Development along riverbanks is destroying natural habitats and increasing the risk of flooding.

The Clean Water Act has been very successful in reducing pollution and improving water quality. However, there is still more work to be done. We need to continue to enforce the Act and ensure that polluters are held accountable.

What You Can Do

There are many things you can do to help protect the health of our rivers. Here are a few ideas:

  • Reduce your water use.

  • Recycle and compost.

  • Dispose of hazardous waste properly.

  • Support businesses that are committed to environmental sustainability.

  • Get involved in your community's efforts to protect the river.

Every little bit helps. When we work together to protect the health of our rivers, we are also investing in our future. We are ensuring that future generations will have clean water to drink, fish to eat, and places to enjoy the outdoors.