As part of our Community Science Program, we will test Washington Channel waters throughout the winter to understand how much road salt travels into our waterways after storm events.

We are testing the waters in partnership with the Izaak Walton League, who explains:

Road salt (sodium chloride) is everywhere during winter months. It keeps us safe on roads and sidewalks, but it can also pose a threat to fish and wildlife as well as human health.

Fish and bugs that live in freshwater streams can't survive in extra salty water. And many of us (more than 118 million Americans) depend on local streams for drinking water. Water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out the extra salt, so it can end up in your tap water and even corrode your pipes.

Several of us in Southwest fish these waters, and we all like seeing the birds and other wildlife that make their home in our local parks.  Understanding how use of road salt affects our waterways each winter will allow us to identify trouble spots early.  If our testing indicates issues, we can work with DDOT and local businesses to consider ways to keep the roads safe for people while we keep our rivers safe for fish and other wildlife.

Our baseline tests were performed on November 29, and showed salinity within a normal range. Stay tuned throughout the Winter as we test and report our results.

Donation update

We have about two more weeks for our end-of-year donation drive, and have met 40% of our goal. Please consider a year-end gift so we can continue to restore and improve Titanic Memorial Park.

Friends of Titanic Memorial Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporated in the District of Columbia. Donations are tax-deductible.