The District of Columbia Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Report 2024 is out! The report covers key data and takeaways from citizen science monitoring from the 2024 season and gives insight into water quality near popular recreation sites across the District.

A person smiling in a selfie with a red bucket and cooler in the background

A volunteer pauses for a selfie while taking samples along the Anacostia River.

In its sixth year, the DC Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring program continued to capture vital data about the health of District waterways to provide residents with the resources to make informed decisions about their potential water-based recreation.

A person smiling while crouched and reaching into a creek bed.

Another volunteer collects water samples from the Potomac.

Volunteer citizen science monitors collect water quality samples and measurements from 24 sites across the Anacostia River, Potomac River, and Rock Creek for 20 weeks from May to September. At each site, monitors measure air temperature, water temperature, and pH, collect water samples for bacteria and turbidity analysis, and record observations about the site (stream flow, odor, debris, recreation, etc.). Water samples are then analyzed at Anacostia Riverkeeper’s lab with results reported weekly to help District recreators enjoy the water safely.

See the Full Report

Learn More about Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring