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Chesapeake Bay Pollution Drops, but Water Quality Lags Behind
8 Sep
Summary
- Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment levels in Chesapeake Bay significantly lower than previous year
- Largest reductions in Pamunkey, Patuxent, Potomac, and Susquehanna rivers
- Bay still receives "C" grade for water quality, with underwater grasses declining
As of September 2025, the Chesapeake Bay has seen a notable decline in pollution levels, but the overall water quality still falls short of restoration goals. According to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), in 2023, nitrogen levels dropped by 21.7%, phosphorus by 26%, and sediment by 15.5% compared to the previous year. The largest reductions came from the Pamunkey, Patuxent, Potomac, and Susquehanna rivers.
Despite these improvements, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science gave the bay a "C" grade in its 2024 annual report, down from a C+ the previous year. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also reported a slight decline in underwater grasses in the state's portion of the bay last month. Both measures are considered key indicators of water quality.
While progress has been made, the Chesapeake Bay still has a long way to go to meet its water quality goals. To achieve a healthier ecosystem, nitrogen levels must be cut by about 145 million pounds per year, and phosphorus by about 9 million pounds. Ongoing efforts, such as tree planting, wastewater treatment upgrades, and improved farming practices, are expected to further reduce pollution in the coming years.
