About Us

COG is the one place in metropolitan Washington that regularly brings leaders together to develop solutions to the region's major challenges. COG prepares plans enabling the region to receive federal funding, provides members with research and data to inform decision-making, and offers a wide range of programs, including commuter services, cooperative purchasing, technical assistance and grants, and public outreach campaigns.

Transportation

Through the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), area officials, planners, and engineers ensure a well-managed and maintained transportation system. The TPB, which is staffed by COG, conducts the federally mandated transportation planning process for the region and ensures the uninterrupted flow of federal transportation funds that area jurisdictions receive.

Environment

COG's work engages leaders in various environmental fields from water quality experts to climate scientists. Together, they are advancing regional efforts to restore local waterways, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change, promote recycling, and enhance and preserve green space and agriculture.

Community & Economy

Area officials and experts, including planning and housing directors and child welfare and health officials, work together with their counterparts at COG to help shape stronger communities throughout the region.

Homeland Security & Public Safety

COG brings police chiefs, fire chiefs, emergency managers, and other leaders together as part of its work to strengthen regional public safety coordination, homeland security planning, and emergency communication.

Environment

Current Drought Conditions

As part of the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan, COG issues monthly drought reports from April - October. COG also encourages wise water use throughout the entire year - visit the outreach and education website for water conservation tips.

Summary of Conditions
Drought Watch Declaration - June 3, 2026
COG's Regional Drought and Water Supply Status

Regional Water Supply and Drought Status
Overview of COG's Drought Plan and History
ICPRB's Water Supply Outlook
Virginia - VADEQ Current Drought Conditions
Maryland - MDE Current Drought Conditions

Current Drought Monitor and Outlooks
US Drought Monitor
Palmer Drought Index/Crop Moisture
Climate Prediction Center - Precipitation Outlooks
National Weather Service Short Term Weather Forecast - Washington, DC
National Weather Service Short Term Weather Forecast- Martinsburg, VA

Current River and Ground Water Conditions
Potomac River Flow at Little Falls
Potomac River Flow at Point of Rocks
Groundwater Levels for the Potomac River basin

Current Precipitation Information
National Weather Service - Precipitation Departures
Washington, DC, Reagan National Airport Precipitation
Dulles Airport Precipitation

News & Multimedia

News

COG declares regional Drought Watch, encourages wise water use

June 3, 2026

A Drought Watch was put into effect today by the Drought Coordination Committee of COG following unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite...
News

COG lifts regional Drought Watch

June 20, 2025

The Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has lifted the regional Drought Watch put into effect on July 29,...
News

Officials extend Drought Watch for DC region

November 7, 2024

Metropolitan Washington remains under a Drought Watch, following several months of low rainfall with dry conditions expected to continue throughout the fall and...

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Current Drought Conditions

News & Multimedia

COG declares regional Drought Watch, encourages wise water use

COG lifts regional Drought Watch

Officials extend Drought Watch for DC region