Watts Branch has the closest stream discharge of all Montgomery County watersheds to the Potomac Water Treatment Plant which processes Potomac River water into drinking water. Consequently, the water quality of the Watts Branch Watershed has significant implications for the quality of our own drinking water. The watershed borders are south of both Muddy Branch and Seneca Creek Watersheds. We work closely with our sister organizations in both watersheds, the Muddy Branch Alliance and Seneca Creek Watershed Partners. All three groups share a calendar, newsletter, and membership mailing list.
VISION
We envision the Watts Branch stream and its surrounding habitat to be a safe and healthy environment for families to explore, to wade and play in the stream, and to rest and recreate on its shores.
MISSION
Our mission is to raise awareness of the ecological benefits of the Watts Branch Watershed, protect the watershed and improve water quality by reducing sediment, trash, and other pollution from impacting the stream, restore and improve watershed habitat, and promote opportunities for people to enjoy and experience the amazing Watts Branch Watershed.
HISTORY
The group was initially formed in 2012 and received 501(c)3 status as a non-profit organization in July 2021. We also have a presence on Instagram and Facebook, so please follow us!
The Watts Branch Watershed Alliance works closely with our partners from the Muddy Branch Alliance and Seneca Creek Watershed Partners. We share a calendar of events, a newsletter, and email membership and mailing list, which you can sign up at this website.
More info:
Recent Activities: The Watts Branch Watershed Alliance works closely with the City of Rockville Environment Commission‘s Watersheds Committee. We have been leading trash pickups at several of the parks within Rockville in the watershed. We also have board members active in Weed Warrior activities both in Rockville and in Montgomery County parks. Through donations from the City of Rockville and others, we have assisted in monitoring chloride (salt) concentrations at several stream reaches. Results of the monitoring are reported on the Clean Water Hub.
Recognitions: In 2021 we received recognition from the Rockville Rotary Club, in the form of our first grant. In 2022 we received a similar grant from the organization. We are very appreciative of our partnership with the Rotary Club. Indeed, the club has adopted a stream reach in the Watts Branch Watershed, and they are very active in promoting plantings of native plants in public spaces and are advocates of clean water.
Wall of Honor: Past Board Members: Ken Bawer, Paul Hlavinka.
Past Interns: Landry Kimball 2021 (stream monitoring advocacy).
