Potomac Boat Club Reduces Treated Water Use with New 500-Gallon Rainwater Cistern
Published on 5/13/2025
In a step toward greater environmental sustainability and watershed stewardship, the Potomac Boat Club has installed a 500-gallon rainwater cistern to capture and reuse rainwater for non-potable purposes—thanks to a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Situated on the Potomac River in the heart of Georgetown, the club’s new cistern system is designed to collect rooftop and patio runoff for use in boat maintenance. The project reduces reliance on treated municipal water and supports regional efforts to improve stormwater management and protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. “We want to share this non-proprietary technology in the hopes of spurring other boathouses to conserve the region’s water, protect our rivers, and reduce operational costs." said Erik Meyers, PBC Project Leader. The installation conserves water and helps mitigate runoff during heavy rain events, preventing untreated water from entering the Potomac River and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.