Photo by Brian Allen

Nearly three years after the Potomac River got a “C” grade for overall health, the Potomac Conservancy says its namesake river is “on its way to recovery.”

In a report card released today, the conservatory gives the Potomac River a “B-” for overall health. “Pollution levels are decreasing, fisheries are rebounding, and more people are getting outside to enjoy the river,” says the report, which looked at pollution, fish, habitat, land, and people. “Efforts to restore the Potomac are indeed working.”

One of the river’s most promising improvements is decreased levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in the river. Of these, the amount of phosphorus is declining the most—it’s gone from having a grade of “D” in 2013 to an “A” this year. In addition, common game fish “are making a comeback,” and more people are experiencing the river through fishing, water access trails, and state parks, the report says.

But the work isn’t done yet. The Potomac’s biggest issue is polluted runoff, which “threatens to undo decades of restoration progress,” according to the report. Plus, blue catfish and snakeheads are invading the waters, causing concern that they could harm other fish populations.

Other areas of concern include access to forest areas near the river, which are being paved over by “poorly planned development,” and the slow recovery of underwater grasses and water clarity.

All in all, the Potomac River can become swimmable and fishable by 2025, according to the report, “Now more than ever, we must stay the course.”