Washington and its surrounding suburbs could face nearly $15 billion in economic damages in just one month if the region ever loses access to its sole drinking water source, the Potomac River, according to a new report.
The findings from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin underscore the devastating effects that a severe drought, industrial disaster or other disruption to water supplies would have on the nation’s capital.
The region is the most populous area in the nation that lacks a backup option for drinking water and currently can reserve less than 24 hours’ worth of water at a time.
“Securing the resilience of our water infrastructure is not just a priority, it’s a necessity,” Michael Nardolilli, executive director of the commission, said at a press conference Tuesday.
