From a distance, the river is beautiful. Up close, the picture’s not always so pretty.

Two billion gallons of untreated sewage mixed with stormwater dumps into the Anacostia River in the average year via the city’s antiquated combined sewer system.  Fixing this will cost approximately $2 billion.

Stormwater washes 70,000 tons of trash, toxic pollution, and sediment into the Anacostia River in the average year. These challenges can be overcome.  The technology and expertise are there.

What is needed are the commitment and resources to make the solution happen.  Federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-profits and business, must commit to achieving the full potential of the Anacostia River.