RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Wetlands Abloom, and Exciting News for Preserving Biodiversity
Did you know wetlands hold over 40% of the world's biodiversity? At this point in the summer, our watershed's wetlands are awash with life––filled with lush greenery, blooms, and birdsong
A Successful Summer of Invasive Species Removal!
This summer’s invasive removal programs were a smashing success! With over 750 volunteer hours from our extraordinary volunteers and corporate sponsors, we removed an incredible 4,500 of pounds of invasive water chestnuts from the Lakes District of the Charles River.
Progress Toward A Swimmable Charles!
Thank you to all who joined us at Portico Brewing Company to present our annual 2022 Water Quality Report and launch the Dam Free Ale, a collaboration beer highlighting our work to improve migratory fish passage.
Momentum Building for Bill to Regulate Pesticide Use on Public Properties (PRESS RELEASE)
CRWA is pleased to report that An Act Relative to Pesticides (H.825/S.487), sponsored by Representative James Hawkins and Senator Paul Feeney, has received a favorable vote by the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and has moved to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Amid Devastating Flooding, Dam Failure in Leominster, Four Things the State Can Do Right Now
Amid widespread, devastating flooding in Leominster, the collapse of Brooks Pond Dam, and the evacuation of the Barrett Park Pond Dam, we again urge the state to make it a priority of the Commonwealth and the Secretary to remove defunct dams and protect residents from catastrophic flooding.
Summer of Record-Setting Rain, Sewer Overflows
In “This summer is officially rained out” Boston Globe correspondent Emma Obregón Dominguez writes. What does this mean for the Charles River?
The Grades Are In–Read More in Boston Globe, WBUR, WGBH, and more.
Dive into the grades––read our press release, analysis, and articles in the Boston Globe, WBUR, WGBH, Boston Herald, Boston.com, State House News Service, WCVB, WBZ, NBC10, Metrowest Daily News, Dorchester Reporter, and Salem News.
Climate Solutions On + Off the Screen
$585K for Charles River Priorities!
We are pleased to announce numerous Charles River priorities are included in the final Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget!
The grades are in–see how water quality fared in your favorite section of the Charles River!
The grades are in––how did your favorite section of the Charles do? 💧Dive into the 2022 Charles River Report Card!
U.S. Senator Ed Markey, EPA, State, and Watershed Associations to Announce Annual Water Quality Report Cards for Three Boston Rivers (PRESS RELEASE)
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Charles River Watershed Association, Mystic River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association, state and local leaders, and community partners to announce the 2022 Water Quality Report Card Grades for the three rivers that flow into Boston Harbor––the Neponset, the Charles, and the Mystic.
Clearing the Current: Herbicide Treatment on Aug. 3rd
The next, and last Sonar treatment for the season is scheduled for this Thursday, August 3rd!
Numerous Combined-Sewer Overflows (CSOs)in the Charles River Due to Heavy Rain
This past weekend, heavy rainfall caused seven combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to discharge untreated sewage for nearly 5 hours in the Charles River. This comes on the heels of the release of nearly 9 million gallons of sewage the weekend prior.
U.S. Senator Ed Markey, EPA, State, and Watershed Associations to Announce Annual Water Quality Report Cards for Three Boston Rivers (MEDIA ADVISORY)
On August 3, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will join U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Charles River Watershed Association, Mystic River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association, state and local leaders, and community partners to announce the 2022 Water Quality Report Card Grades for the three rivers that flow into Boston Harbor––the Neponset, the Charles, and the Mystic.
Congresswoman Katharine Clark joins CRWA to announce $400K in federal funding for Climate Solutions!
This vital funding will be put straight to work protecting our communities from climate impacts.
MONDAY: WHIP CLARK TO HIGHLIGHT FEDERAL INVESTMENTS IN NATICK FLOOD MITIGATION
CRWA Applauds Healey-Driscoll Administration for $5.6 Million for Defunct Dam Removal–Including $250K for Natick!
Charles River Watershed Association applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for expediting $5.6 million in state funding to protect communities from the hazards of catastrophic dam failure. This includes $250K for the Town of Natick to advance the removal of the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
Court denies EPA’s attempt to dismiss CLF, CRWA lawsuit on stormwater pollution (PRESS STATEMENT)
This week, a judge denied the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) motion to dismiss a suit filed by Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) that aims to hold EPA accountable for implementing stormwater runoff protections in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset River watersheds.
As the climate changes, obsolete dams put Mass. at risk for flooding similar to Vermont - WGBH
Thank you GBH News for the important feature on hazardous dams that are at risk of failure with climate change.
Stream Restoration in Action! Successful Fuller Brook Tour.
Thanks to all who joined us for today's tour of Fuller Brook in Wellesley! We learned how stream restoration can boost biodiversity, curb pollution, build flood resilience, and beautify public spaces.