CHARLES RIVER ISSUES

The Charles River has experienced tremendous gains over the last 40 years, but these are success stories that are still unfolding. Even as water quality is improving, we are discovering new complexities and learning ever more about how watersheds work. Visit the pages listed below for more information about the most relevant issues currently impacting the Charles River.

Water Quality
Water quality in the Charles River has significantly improved since 1995; however, the ultimate goal of a fishable, swimmable Charles River has not been achieved, and there is still much work to do. CRWA's programs play a key role in monitoring and improving water quality to support the achievement of the current goal of a fishable and swimmable river by 2010.

Streamflow
As the suburban and rural upper Charles River watershed develops at one of the fastest rates in the state, so does the demand for water resources. Learn about the efforts by CRWA and others to monitor flow in the Charles River and its tributaries, which is the first step in identifying the problems and causes of low flows in the watershed.

Algae in the Charles
Blue-green algae has been present in the Charles River for years, but it has recently become an important issue due to the type and quantity of algae posing a potential health threat. Learn more about the algae and CRWA's collaborative efforts to monitor the problem and inform the public.

Sediments
In the Charles River Basin, sediment and the chemicals carried with it have the potential to cause serious, persistent environmental and public health problems.

Stormwater and run-off (non-point source pollution)
Runoff from rain and snow is one of the most significant source of pollution to the Charles River, affecting fisheries, habitat, aquatic flora, recreational uses and aesthetic beauty. Much of our work in this area is with municipalities focusing on stormwater management, financing, and creation of stormwater by-laws.