Chesapeake Bay, Potomac & Local Water Resources

The scope of water resource issues addressed in the metropolitan Washington region encompasses drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, and the associated need to protect and promote those valuable programs and the region’s multi-decade, multi-billion-dollar investments in water infrastructure resources. 

COG’s Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC) works to improve water quality in area streams, the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. It tracks developments under the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program for implications to local governments and recommends Bay-related policies to the COG Board in addition to addressing a range of water resource issues.

Featured Projects

Recommended Stream Restoration Best Practices 

This report details a set of recommended best practices for how local governments in metropolitan Washington can implement stream restoration projects, focusing on planning/design, siting and final project selection, public engagement, and construction/assessment/maintenance. 

Stream Restoration Frequently Asked Questions Guide 

This document provides answers to some common questions about stream restoration in the COG region.

Salt Monitoring Project

COG, in partnership with several scientific agencies, established a multi-year project focused on monitoring for freshwater salinization syndrome, or the significant increase in salinity in various bodies of freshwater, including streams, rivers, and reservoirs in the region, because of human activities. The increase in salt content has negative impacts on aquatic life, riparian ecosystems overall and drinking water quality.

Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee Academic Paper Competition 

The committee has launched its first academic paper competition. This year's focus is on regional food and agricultural issues. Visit the CBPC Academic Paper Competition page to learn about the award and how to participate..

Major Watersheds of the COG Region

Source: This data is created and maintained by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments