901 G Street, NW
“Dear PoPville,
Worst air quality of the year (Friday during code purple), but about a dozen workers on the roof of the MLK Library weeding the green roof (which they seem to quarterly or so). (more…)
Environment
13th and Clifton Street, NW
From a press release:
“An air quality health advisory has been issued for the Washington, D.C. region today due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Air quality is forecast to reach “Purple” (very unhealthy) levels, posing health risks for everyone.
On “Purple” air quality days, the air is considered very unhealthy for everyone. The risk of health effects increases for all people, while children, older adults, individuals who are pregnant, people who exercise outdoors, and those with heart or lung disease, including asthma, may experience more serious health impacts. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.
While air pollution is not good for anyone to breathe, some individuals are more at risk from its effects, including children; older adults; those who are pregnant; people living with asthma, (COPD) and other chronic diseases; people of color; people who have lower incomes; people who work outdoors; and people who live or work near sources of pollution.
The American Lung Association in the District offers these five tips to avoid lung irritation and health complications due to high levels of air pollution: (more…)
From AlertDC:
“A Code Purple Air Quality Alert has been issued for DC:
WHEN: Friday, July 17
IMPACTS: The current outdoor air quality is unhealthy. Risk of health issues are increased for all people. Older adults, children, and people with heart or lung diseases may experience more serious health problems.
PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: (more…)
photo by Diane Krauthamer
From DC Water:
“Dry Conditions, above-average temperatures, and below-normal water levels in the Potomac River have prompted a Drought Watch by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Drought Coordination Committee. A drought watch is triggered when the entire DC region experiences moderate drought, with current conditions some of the most significant the region has experienced in more than 20 years and underscoring the need for Wise Water use and conservation.
DC Water is monitoring conditions in coordination with COG, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct which supplies the District’s drinking water, and other regional water utilities. While DC Water continues to provide safe and reliable drinking water service to customers across the District, prolonged dry weather puts added strain on regional water supplies. That’s why it’s important for everyone to begin taking measures to conserve water. (more…)
photo by wolfpackWX
From the Potomac Conservancy:
“Potomac Conservancy urges caution following the US Environmental Protection Agency’s May 6, 2026 pronouncement that the agency has “fully achieved” its Potomac River recovery goals following the Potomac Interceptor collapse and mass sewage spill.
Waving a ‘mission accomplished’ banner is not only premature, it sends the wrong signal to the public that the Potomac is in the clear when the cleanup phase is still ongoing. We are encouraged by the positive trends in the water quality data testing, but we have an obligation to our river and our communities to ensure a complete restoration effort.
Nearly four months after the January 19 sewage spill, (more…)
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1230 Sumner Road, SE
Very cool, from the DC Department of Energy and Environment:
“These solar-powered air monitoring park benches measure real-time pollution data, tracking PM2.5, ozone, temperature, and humidity to provide localized air quality information.”
Check out the monitoring results here.
Locations: (more…)
photo by John Cochran
From the DC Office of the Attorney General:
“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced today that he is encouraging District residents to report possible environmental violations directly to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) so that the office can investigate whether to take legal action against polluters and others who endanger DC residents and our natural resources. Residents can share tips about violations of DC environmental laws—like (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I’ve noticed a lot of fake cherry blossom and flower decor in restaurants all over the city and I was wondering if the community might be able to get the word out about how damaging this decor is to bees. (more…)
From DC Water (March 14, 2026):
“After 55 days of extraordinary effort with crews working around the clock, DC Water has successfully completed emergency repairs and returned the flow to the Potomac Interceptor to mark a major milestone. The wastewater rushed back into the pipe today, and bypass pumps were turned off, as a large crane lifted the steel bulkhead gate that had been blocking flow for the repairs.
Soon after the bypass pumps were turned off, the flow in the C & O Canal quickly dropped as the wastewater that had been diverted around the collapse site drained from the canal. Crews immediate began work on the environmental rehabilitation of the canal. The initial cleanup will involve flushing it with freshwater from the Potomac River, followed by debris clearing, mucking, and removing contaminated soil. (more…)
ICYMI yesterday: “Department of Health Lifts Potomac River Recreational Advisory for Washington, DC” but “Potomac Conservancy Issues Public Statement After DC Water Fails to Respond to Community Letter”
The latest from DC Water:
“DC Water has begun the rehabilitation and environmental restoration to address areas affected by the sewer overflow from a section of the Potomac Interceptor that collapsed January 19. Contaminated material is being hauled away and work is underway to clear trees, brush, and contaminated debris in and around the collapse site as part of the environmental restoration plan approved by the National Park Service (NPS).
On February 28, NPS issued a Special Use Permit for the repair, rehabilitation, and environmental restoration of the Potomac Interceptor and the C&O Canal National Historical Park at the area of the Potomac Interceptor collapse between Locks 10 and 14.
DC Water continues to evaluate the environmental impacts of the overflow and is exploring further restoration efforts based on input from concerned residents and community groups, along with the ongoing collaboration with federal, state, and local regulators overseeing the environmental restoration.
In response to feedback, (more…)