Washington, D.C. — The Reservoir Center for Water Solutions, alongside Anacostia Riverkeeper, Anacostia Watershed Society, and Potomac Riverkeeper Network, today launched the Water Quality Monitoring Program — a groundbreaking, publicly accessible dashboard delivering real-time water quality data for the Anacostia, Potomac, and Shenandoah Rivers.
Operating like a weather app for local rivers, the next-generation monitoring tool pulls data from nine sensor sites to put real-time environmental information directly in the hands of the public. Now, everyone from weekend paddlers checking conditions before hitting the water to researchers tracking long-term river health, can access user-friendly data instantly.
“This tool represents an important step forward in advancing transparency, accessibility, and long-term stewardship of our river systems,” said Nicole Horvath, program manager at the Reservoir Center. “By inviting feedback from users and stakeholders, we can continue to strengthen the platform’s value and ensure it delivers meaningful benefits for both communities and the ecosystems they depend on.”
The Water Quality Data Management Program unites the expertise of local watershed organizations with Xylem’s innovative sensor technology to deliver actionable information to the public. The dashboard is a transparent and centralized platform that tracks key water quality indicators, including dissolved oxygen, salt contamination, algal blooms, and others, all of which are tied to ecosystem and community health in and along these waterways.
“The recent catastrophic sewage spill in the Potomac taught us many lessons. Among them is the vital importance of reliable and timely water quality monitoring and reporting,” said Betsy Nicholas, president of Potomac Riverkeeper Network. “This new tool enables us to gather information and to distribute it more effectively than ever before so that river users and enthusiasts can know where and when contact with the water is safe for all who rely on it.”
While bacteria like E. coli still require manual lab testing and reporting, which is integrated into the dashboard via the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative, the new live sensors act as an early warning system by tracking other pollution indicators in real-time.
“The Anacostia is as close to swimmable as its ever been,” said Trey Sherard, Anacostia Riverkeeper. “This dashboard is allowing us to see other problems, respond to them quicker, and provide real-time access to information to people who sail, kayak, or fish on these waters.”
The dashboard’s real-time, 24-7 data will bolster ongoing community and government organization testing programs, building a more complete picture of how human actions and regional watershed management policies influence water quality.
“The dashboard not only provides people with real-time data to inform their planning for safe recreation on our local rivers,” said Christopher E. Williams, president and CEO of the Anacostia Watershed Society. “It tracks water quality indicators important to fish, wildlife, and freshwater ecosystems. When communities can actually see the health of their rivers in real time, they are better equipped to advocate for the investments needed to protect them.”
The initiative advances a shared goal among the coalition’s partners: achieving swimmable, fishable waterways throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. By removing barriers to water quality information, the program equips communities with the tools needed to participate meaningfully in the stewardship of their rivers.
The dashboard is now live at water-quality.reservoircenter.
Background:
About The Water Quality Monitoring Program
This initiative unites the hands-on knowledge and care of local watershed groups with innovative technology to share real-time water quality data—empowering neighbors, supporting informed decisions, and working together to restore the health of D.C.’s rivers.
Complete List of Water Quality Data Tracked on Dashboard
- pH – Measures how acidic or basic the water is. Extreme levels can harm fish, affect nutrient availability, and increase toxicity of compounds like ammonia.
- Dissolved Oxygen (DO) – Shows how much oxygen is available for aquatic life. Low levels often indicate algal blooms or organic matter decomposition.
- Conductivity – Reflects the concentration of dissolved salts and minerals. Sudden changes can signal pollution from winter road salt or industrial discharge.
- Water Temperature – Influences oxygen levels, species health, and algal growth. Warmer water holds less oxygen and can stress aquatic ecosystems.
- Chloride – Indicates the presence of salts that can harm freshwater species. Often linked to winter road salt and wastewater.
- Chlorophyll – A proxy for algal growth. Excessive algae can block sunlight, deplete oxygen, and release toxins.
- Blue-Green Algae Pigment (Phycocyanin) – Detects cyanobacteria activity and the risk of harmful algal blooms, which can produce toxins affecting aquatic life, pets, and human health.
- Turbidity – Measures water clarity. High turbidity reduces light, affects photosynthesis, and can harm fish and bottom-dwelling organisms.
- Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter (fDOM) – Tracks dissolved organic material that may indicate wastewater inputs or stormwater runoff. (Anacostia sites only.)
- E. coli – An indicator of fecal contamination from sewage, agricultural runoff, or wildlife waste. Note: E. coli data is sourced through the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative and is not real-time.
More detailed descriptions are available here: https://water-quality.
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About the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions
The Reservoir Center for Water Solutions is a collaborative hub dedicated to advancing the shared interests of the global water sector. Through fostering open dialogue, partnership, and innovation, the Center works to accelerate progress toward solving the world’s most pressing water challenges. The Reservoir brings together a diverse community of more than 80 water-focused nonprofit organizations, all united in their commitment to driving sustainable water solutions worldwide. Learn more at: reservoircenter.org.
About Xylem
Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 22,000 employees delivered revenue of $9 billion in 2025, optimizing water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at www.xylem.com and Let’s Solve Water.
About Anacostia Riverkeeper
Anacostia Riverkeeper is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Anacostia River for all who live, work, and play in its watershed. Established in 2008, Anacostia Riverkeeper has been a trusted name in the DC and Maryland metropolitan communities for over 15 years. One big goal directs our work: a healthy, swimmable, fishable, accessible Anacostia River that enhances the life of all watershed residents. Learn more at anacostiariverkeeper.org.
About Anacostia Watershed Society
Founded in 1989, the mission of the Anacostia Watershed Society is to protect and restore the Anacostia watershed for the benefit of all who live here and for future generations. We accomplish this through programs in outreach, engagement, and volunteerism, education, policy advocacy, and field conservation and restoration. Learn more at anacostiaws.org.
About Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with three regional Waterkeeper branches: Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, and Shenandoah Riverkeeper. PRKN’s mission is to protect the right to clean water for all communities and all those who live in and rely upon the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds by stopping pollution, making drinking water safe, protecting healthy river habitats, and enhancing use and enjoyment for all. Learn more at potomacriverkeepernetwork.org.