In 2015, the major river in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the Potomac River, had experienced severe short- and long-term ramifications of the urban pollution entering the river. Nutrients and runoff sediment were the major contributors to the water degradation in the Potomac and were extremely harming to aquatic life and habitats. Fish can be a huge indication to the water quality in a body of water; as of 2016, DOEE's Fish Consumption Advisory advised locals not to consume many creatures living in the waters, due to the contamination of chemicals that could potentially cause cancer. This provides clear evidence to the large amounts of human pollution innocent aquatic animals are forced to endure. Local fish in the river are struggling to survive here through diseases, excessive nutrients and toxins, or relocation to new environments. At the Potomac River’s worst point, the river was given a D grade for contamination and pollution; this puts so many animals, plants, and humans at risk for diseases and contamination.
Now, the river has shown much improvement due to the funds and resources people have donated. As of 2018, the river scored a B for contamination and pollution, opposed to the D score given just ten years ago. This could not have been possible without the volunteers and donations constantly improving the river and maintaining this score. This does not mean the fight is over: protecting the wildlife in this natural habitat is an ongoing battle that will never cease to exist! We must continue allocating funds to this part of our home to make sure it never returns to the horrible conditions of just ten years prior. Please show your support by donating to the following websites and by picking up trash along the river whenever you see it!
Now, the river has shown much improvement due to the funds and resources people have donated. As of 2018, the river scored a B for contamination and pollution, opposed to the D score given just ten years ago. This could not have been possible without the volunteers and donations constantly improving the river and maintaining this score. This does not mean the fight is over: protecting the wildlife in this natural habitat is an ongoing battle that will never cease to exist! We must continue allocating funds to this part of our home to make sure it never returns to the horrible conditions of just ten years prior. Please show your support by donating to the following websites and by picking up trash along the river whenever you see it!
How can you help? Donate today!
- https://potomac.org/donate
- https://www.cfp-dc.org/cfpdc/checkout_onestep.php?charity_id=94447&amount=1000&designation=WISHLIST%3A+works+with+a+farmer+to+get+a+herd+of+cattle+out+of+the+river
Sources
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- “Don't Eat These Fish From D.C.'s Rivers.” Washington City Paper,
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- “POLLUTION.” Potomac Concervancy, www.potomacreportcard.org/pollution/.
- “State of the Nation's River 2018 | #Potomacreportcard.” State of the Nation's River 2018 |