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There are many environmental threats to Rock Creek.  These result from increased population and development in the area.

Stormwater Runoff

What it is: Only an inch or two of heavy rain can flood the creek, create serious erosion, and add to water pollution.  Stormwater runs off roads, buildings, parking lots and other hard surfaces.
Why it's a threat: Stormwater leads to soil and stream bank erosion, loss of trees and wildlife habitat, pollution, and sedimentation.  Uncontrolled stormwater can literally destroy a stream and the life it supports.
What you can do: Reduce your contribution to the problem by building rain gardens, capturing water from your roof in rain barrels, and removing impervious surfaces.  You can also support strong stormwater regulations.  Click here for details on how to reduce runoff your property.

Reducing the volume of polluted runoff flowing into Rock Crreek is a major focus of the Friends of Rock Creek's Environment.

Combined Sewer Overflows

What they are: The central part of Washington, DC, is served by a combined sewer system that carries both raw sewage and stormwater runoff in a single pipe.  During heavy rains, the pipes overflow at 28 different locations along Rock Creek.  This happens roughly 30 times per year.
Why they're a threat: Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are a health menace.
What you can do: Fixing CSOs is very expensive, but by reducing the amount of stormwater going into the system we can reduce the impact.  Long-term solutions include building large storage tunnels near Rock Creek or separating the entire sewer system.  Less costly, low-impact solutions are being evaluated by government and environmental groups.

Invasive Species

What they are:   Non-native plants are thriving in Rock Creek Park and throughout Maryland and the District.
Why they're a threat: Non-native plants crowd out native species, reduce the diversity of the environment, and pose a serious threat to the health and  beauty of the parks along Rock Creek.
What you can do: Always use native species in landscaping and gardening.  Join the Weed Warriors, a volunteer group trained to remove invasives.

Trash

What it is:   Bottles, cans, styrofoam, sporting equipment, old appliances--you name it.
Why it's a threat: In addition to being unsightly, litter and illegal dumping are sources of pollution and a threat to aquatic life.
What you can do: Report illegal dumping--local governments will respond with enforcement of trash laws.  Join a cleanup in your neighborhood--or organize your own (we can help!).  Check our calendar for upcoming trash cleanups.  In April 2009, FORCE organized and promoted trash cleanups in which volunteers pulled out 28.8 tons of trash from the creek and nearby lands.   Support the "Trash Free Potomac Initiative" to eliminate the sources of trash by 2013.

Additional Threats to the Creek and its Watershed

• Loss of habitat, forests, wetlands, farms, open space and other natural areas
• Increases in impervious (paved) surfaces: homes, turf lawns, commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, and parking lots, and roads
• Increased use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxins