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

Council of Governments declares regional Drought Watch

July 29, 2024

As the region experiences unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite recent rainfall, a Drought Watch was put into effect today by the...
News

New federal funding to support regional water supply resiliency study

March 14, 2024

The Energy and Water Appropriations Bill approved by Congress and signed by President Biden last week contains $500,000 in funding for a secondary water source...
News

While Dry Conditions Persist, Regional Water Supplies Remain at Normal Levels

September 18, 2015

Dry conditions persist throughout metropolitan Washington, but the region’s water supply levels and drought stage are normal according to the Metropolitan...

Results: 13 found.

Current Drought Conditions

News & Multimedia

Council of Governments declares regional Drought Watch

New federal funding to support regional water supply resiliency study

While Dry Conditions Persist, Regional Water Supplies Remain at Normal Levels