Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Our region's drinking water is not impacted by the repairs being made to the Potomac Interceptor. Measures are in place to help protect and monitor downstream drinking water infrastructure.

Learn more: https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/emergency-work-rehabilitate-section-potomac-interceptor-begin-potomac-md

Reminder: We’re in a Drought Watch. Even with the recent rain, it’s not enough to get us back to normal.

Do your part with and save money on your water bill.

Learn more: wsscwater.com/conservation

Did You Know?

DC Fire and EMS responds to heat related emergencies all summer long. Don’t let heat be the reason we meet.

🥵Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea- move to a cool area and hydrate.

🚨Heat stroke: no sweating, high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness- call 911 immediately.

🌡️Check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without AC during extreme heat. DC Fire and EMS crews are ready to respond- don’t wait to call.

Learn more at https://ready.dc.gov/pages/hazard-heat-during

Lawns do not need as much water as we might think. During dry periods, letting grass go a little less green can help save water without long-term harm. If you water, keep it minimal and targeted.

What is one way you are adjusting this summer? More tips: https://www.mwcog.org/newsroom/2026/06/02/cog-declares-regional-drought-watch-encourages-wise-water-use/

Small changes outside can make a big difference for our water supply. 💧

Pick one outdoor water-saving action this week: water plants early and only when needed, or skip washing your car at home and use a car wash that recycles water.

More tips: dcwater.com/drought

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen our water supply and support residents for decades to come. COG is proud to be a part of this effort that demonstrates our region's strength in working together across jurisdictions and utilities.

Regional Water Utility Leaders Launch Landmark Study to Strengthen Water Supply for the National Capital Region

$25 Million Secure the Source Study to Focus on Large-Scale Solutions - Providing Several Weeks of Emergency Backup Drinking Water Supply for Regional Customers Served by the Potomac River

Read More: https://www.wsscwater.com/news/2026/june/regional-water-utility-leaders-launch-landmark-study-strengthen-water-supply

Save water today. A regional means supplies are OK, but voluntary conservation now helps protect our rivers and avoid tougher steps later. Start with one tip: full loads only for your laundry and your dishwasher. 🪥🍽️💧

COG forecasts Code Orange air quality for the D.C. region tomorrow due to ground-level ozone pollution. Stay air quality aware and learn tips to clean the air: http://mwcog.org/aqi

NBC4 talked with Exec Director Clark Mercer about what COG's Drought Watch declaration means for the region. While the water supply is stable, residents are being asked to take simple, everyday steps to conserve water now in case conditions worsen.

Regional drought issued amid low Potomac River levels: What residents are being asked to do As the D.C. area heads into summer, a drought watch has been issued by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. That means residents are being asked to voluntarily conserve water in case the region doesn’t get some much-needed rain. During March and April of this year, the Potomac River...

🚨 💧 Drought Watch: COG declared a Drought Watch today for the region due to unusually dry conditions. Residents can help by taking simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect our water resources.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4vMpDXB