Calleva is with you and has been keeping a close eye on the situation with the Potomac River. We would like to share our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of the water along the Potomac River, where we’ve been running our beloved camps and kayaking programs for over 30 years. Our dedication to the health of the river and the safety of our campers and staff remains unwavering.
As part of our responsible programming, we continually monitor the water quality, river conditions, and environmental factors that can influence the safety of our activities. We work closely with the Potomac Riverkeeper, a trusted partner, who conducts daily testing, reports contamination levels—such as bacteria like E. coli—and helps us stay informed about the current state of the river. Their efforts are vital in guiding our decision-making to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
The Potomac River recently experienced a significant environmental challenge due to a sewage spill near Lock 10 in January. This incident has impacted water quality downstream from the spill site, raising concerns about recreational safety and ecological health.
We want to reassure our community that our camps are located upstream from the recent January sewage spill near Lock 10. While the spill has impacted downstream areas, we are confident that the water around our designated camp locations remains within safe limits for swimming and water activities. However, because water quality can fluctuate, we remain vigilant, ready to adapt our plans if necessary.
We are pros at adapting plans on the river. Calleva River School had to cancel the remaining Winter Slalom program due to the spill. Aside from Lock 10, River School has had to stop utilizing the Feeder Canal, Z Channel and Little Falls.
If certain sections of the river are deemed unsafe at any given time, we will modify our programming to focus on areas that meet safety standards, ensuring everyone can enjoy the river without concern.
We are actively collaborating with local officials, environmental regulators, parks teams, and the Potomac Riverkeeper to stay ahead of any changes in water conditions. Regular testing and monitoring are part of our proactive approach, and we are committed to acting quickly should water quality issues arise.
Looking ahead, we remain optimistic. The Potomac Riverkeeper continues to work tirelessly, testing and documenting contamination levels, and advocating for faster remediation of the spill. Their recent updates highlight ongoing efforts to contain and remediate affected areas, as well as educate the public about both the immediate and long-term ecological impacts.
For those interested in deeper insights, the Riverkeeper’s “Swimmable Potomac” program offers extensive resources. Additionally, the Swim Guide provides weekly water quality updates from May through September at Seneca Landing, near Riley’s Lock. This stretch, upstream of densely populated areas, generally maintains healthy water quality, with occasional fluctuations linked to seasonal runoff and weather events. For instance, May 2025 saw about half the water quality reports fall below healthy standards, triggered by heavy rains and increased sediment flow, but conditions normalized by June. We were watching the conditions then and will continue to monitor conditions.
In light of these developments, Riverkeeper emphasizes the importance of public engagement, encouraging families to reach out to their elected representatives to urge stronger responses, including the issuance of recreational use public health advisories—measures currently lacking from DC and Maryland authorities. We can demand better from our representatives. You can find your state reps & their contact info here.
We deeply value the beauty and vitality of the Potomac River and are dedicated to protecting it for future generations. Our camp season is shaping up to be exciting and safe, and we look forward to sharing memorable, fun-filled experiences with our campers while honoring our responsibility to keep everyone safe and informed.
Leave a Reply