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 and former President of Potomac Boat Club. Thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Potomac Boat Club is turning stormwater into a resource—and helping reduce the nutrient and sediment pollution that impacts the Bay.

The installation not only conserves water but also helps mitigate runoff during heavy rain events, preventing untreated water from entering the Potomac River and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. The effort complements broader goals to incorporate green infrastructure into urban waterfront communities.

The rainwater cistern project was made possible through grant support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust's District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment Stormwater Solutions initiative, which encourages innovative, community-based solutions to stormwater pollution and restoring our rivers.

Founded in 1869, Potomac Boat Club is a community institution and one of the nation’s oldest rowing clubs. The club remains dedicated to both environmental stewardship and preserving access to the river for generations to come. To contact the club about the system, write [email protected].