Winding its way from its origins at Fairfax Stone, West Virginia, the Potomac River travels through varied landscapes until it reaches the Chesapeake Bay at Point Lookout, Maryland. The land plays an important role in watershed and river health, and the physical, chemical, and biological viability of the river system.
Brush up on some fast-facts about the health of the Potomac watershed-- visit our Snapshot of the Potomac Watershed page to learn more.
| Targeted Watersheds | |
| We work in several targeted watersheds in the region. Please click on links below or on the map to learn more about these areas.
Cacapon/Lost River |
 Maps of the Potomac watershed are available here. |
| Watershed Facts |
| Geological Regions: Appalachian Plateau, Ridge & Valley, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain |
| River Miles: Main Stem: 383; Main stem plus major tributaries: 12,878.8 |
| Water Use: 486 million gallons per day (ICPRB, 2000) The Potomac River supplies almost 90% of the drinking water to the DC metro area. |
| Major Tributaries: North Branch, Savage River, South Branch, Cacapon, Shenandoah, Antietam Creek, Monocacy River |
| Major Sub-watersheds: North/South Branch, Monocacy, Shenandoah, Upper, Middle and Lower Potomac. |
| Land Mass:14,670 square miles. Land Use: 55% forested, 28% agriculture, 5% water and wetlands, 9.7% developed, 3% other |
| Population: 5.24 million in watershed; 357.3 persons per square mile |