Soil Pollution in the Potomac River Basin

Two hundred years ago the Potomac River and all its tributaries were clean streams. All types of pollution were negligible in their effect on the quality of the water. During the next 100 years soil or mud pollution materially increased, but a study, reported in 1853, indicated that the Potomac River was suitable as a source of domestic water for Washington, D.C. Facilities were constructed and water from the Potomac River at Great Falls was delivered to the consumer in 1863.