Despite substantial investments in pollution abatement facilities, the Potomac continues to be polluted by sewage discharges from combined sewers and inadequately treated sewage, nutrients, and sediments. Discharges and sediments result in water quality degradation as evidenced by low oxygen, excessive algal growths, sedimentation, and high concentrations fecal bacteria. The conditions restrict established water uses, create hazardous health conditions, and are incompatible with Federal water quality standards. A conference on pollution of interstate waters of the Potomac River was held to review the existing situation and progress which has been made, to determine a basis for future action, and to provide an opportunity for remedial action which may be indicated under state and local law.