The Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge is established. DC passes erosion control legislation. VA sets up a state construction grant program, imposes a moratorium on new sewer hookups in Fairfax County, and approves a Potomac-Shenandoah water resources plan. Metropolitan Washington local jurisdictions sign a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to expand Blue Plains to 309 mgd and allocating additional capacity and local share of costs. The DC Council prohibits water contact sports in the Potomac, Rock Creek, and the Anacostia River.
Urban sediment is a major concern.
PA passes a sediment control law. This summer, fewer algae blooms arrive later. A suit is initiated in Federal District Court by the Virginia State Water Control Board against WSSC for overloading the Blue Plains plant. VA's Erosion and Sediment Control Law is passed. Congress authorizes a five-year study of the Chesapeake Bay.