Listen: After a decade of minimal progress, local advocates redouble efforts to clean the Potomac River

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Environment, Featured

Listen: After a decade of minimal progress, local advocates redouble efforts to clean the Potomac River
The Potomac River is cleaner than it once was, but pollution often worsens after it rains because of litter and sewage overflows. (Lexi Newsom/MNS)

WASHINGTON — The Potomac River has long faced pollution from sewage overflows, litter and more. Organizations made significant improvements to water quality for nearly a decade, but since 2016, progress has slowed. Now, local advocates are redoubling their efforts to restore fishing and swimming to the region.

The Potomac River spans over 380 miles and stretches into four states and D.C. Although there was some government aid, state and local initiatives have been most effective at changing the river’s course.