# Chesapeake Bay Healthiest in Decades

> Chesapeake Bay scores highest health rating in 40 years, with 56% water quality.
- Title: Chesapeake Bay Healthiest in Decades · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Chesapeake Bay scores highest health rating in 40 years, with 56% water quality. Chesapeake Bay health improved to 56% in 2025, the highest score in nearly…
- Keywords: chesapeake bay, umces, water quality, maryland, virginia, drought, algal bloom, oysters, underwater grasses, dissolved oxygen, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/chesapeake-bay-health-score-KFKVXWDF5RDHZHKJMDTZBNKWYA
- Author: Adam Willis
- Published: 2026-10-13T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chesapeake bay, umces, water quality, maryland, virginia, drought, algal bloom, oysters, underwater grasses, dissolved oxygen, news, local
## Chesapeake Bay Health Report
The Chesapeake Bay's water quality scored 56% in 2025, the highest in nearly 40 years of monitoring.
## Annual Report Card
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science released the 2025 report card Tuesday.
## Health Improvement
The bay's health improved 6 points from 2024, reaching a C+ grade.
## Drought Impact
Maryland's drought reduced rainfall, contributing to the bay's water quality score.
## Nutrient Pollution
Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution levels are steadily improving across most regions.
## Underwater Grasses
Maryland's underwater grasses expanded 13% last year, with oysters showing steady resurgence.
## Regional Differences
Virginia's Lower Bay scored a B+ while Maryland's regions scored C grades.
## Baltimore Rivers
Patapsco and Back rivers improved water quality since 1986, but phosphorus levels are rising.
## Key takeaway

Chesapeake Bay health improved to 56% in 2025, the highest score in nearly 40 years of monitoring.