Join Us in Cleaning and Restoring the Port Tobacco River for Future Generations
The Port Tobacco River is simply amazing.
For those of us fortunate enough to live here, the river plays such a vital role in our lives. It provides beauty and nourishment. It offers recreation and a backdrop for memorable days with friends and family.
Yet stormwater runoff and septic system failures continue to pollute the river and endanger its future.
The S.O.A.R initiative is dedicated to spreading the word about the most important ways that residents can come together to Save Our Amazing River.
Take the Port Tobacco River Survey!
If you live in the Port Tobacco River Watershed, an area that includes Port Tobacco, La Plata, Pomfret, Waldorf and St. Charles, we’d love to hear from you.
Your input is crucial in helping us understand our collective impact on the Port Tobacco River.
How Our Homes Affect Our River
If you live in the watershed, everything you do on your land could potentially affect the river. Many are simple things like directing rainwater away from drain fields and limiting fertilizer use.
And one of the most important and most overlooked things we can do is servicing for our septic systems. Proper septic care reduces harmful nitrogen that can lead to algae blooms, dead zones, and the decline of aquatic life. PTRC encourages all residents to pump their septic every three years — and Charles County offers financial incentives, too.
Money-Saving Incentives
$100 Rebate
A $100 rebate from Charles County Government toward the cost of a septic pump-out. Find more details here.
Become a River Keeper
The Port Tobacco River Conservancy is actively recruiting new members to help us reach out goals to protect and restore our river.
Every member of PTRC earns the title River Keeper, while members 13 and under are Junior River Keepers.
River Keepers
Enjoy benefits such as regular updates, invitations to special events, and a stronger voice in river conservation efforts.
Dues: $50 Annually
Junior River Keepers
(age 13 & under):
Youth members receive unique educational opportunities, activities, and a chance to actively participate in preserving our river.
FREE
Care for Your Property. Protect Our River.
Every homeowner can actively protect the quality of groundwater before it leaves their property. Here’s how:
Septic System Care:
- Pump & Save Money: Pumping your septic tank costs about $300 compared to $8,000 for a replacement. Regular maintenance saves thousands.
- Pump Out Regularly: Pump your tank every 3 years to prevent costly failures. Don’t wait for problems to become noticeable.
- Protect Drain Field: Avoid compacting the drain field and prevent large roots from causing damage.
- Avoid Overloading: Spread household water use throughout the day and week to prevent overloading your system.
- Install Nitrogen-Reducing Units: Consider adding a nitrogen-reducing unit to your system. Grants are available through the Bay Restoration Fund.
Home & Lawn Maintenance:
- Manage Rainwater: Direct rainwater from downspouts away from drain fields to prevent overload.
- Create Buffers and Rain Gardens: Plant buffers and install rain gardens to manage rainwater and filter pollutants.
- Limit Fertilizer Use: Apply high-nitrogen fertilizers sparingly, and only in the fall.
- Dispose Properly: Recycle oils and chemicals instead of dumping them on the ground or into your septic system.
- Plant Trees Wisely: Add trees to your property, but avoid planting them over the drain field to prevent root damage.
Community Involvement:
- Attend Workshops: Join workshops on rain gardens.
- Participate in Clean-Ups: Engage in river clean-up events.
- Get Involved: Join local watershed organizations and cherish our beautiful rivers and land.