Charles River Watershed Association

The five-day storm in Eastern Massachusetts that began late Friday evening significantly impacted water quality in the Charles River. Almost nine inches of rain fell in the Boston area resulting in combined sewer overflows, stormwater runoff and illicit sewer discharges carrying various pollutants to the river. On Monday, May 15, CRWA staff collected water samples at six sites in the Lower Charles. All sites exceeded the recommended boating standard for e.coli bacteria, 630 cfu/100mL. The dirtiest sites were located at the Harvard Bridge (Massachusetts Ave.) and Museum of Science, both about 13 times higher than the boating standard.

While the skies have finally cleared and we know boaters would like to get back on the river, CRWA advises river users to exercise caution. Be sure to cover any wounds that may come in contact with water, immediately wash up after being on the river, and avoid the river if you have a compromised immune system. The river's recovery to normal, safe levels of bacteria may take another day or two depending on location. Please contact Rebecca Scibek via email or call 781-788-0007 x200 if you have any questions.

3) Attention Newton Residents - ACTION ALERT! Last chance - call your Alderman TODAY before 5pm!

Support an upcoming vote to help Newton clean up the Charles! Please call your Alderman by 5 pm TODAY, Wednesday May 17^th!

The City of Newton Board of Aldermen is considering a bill to create a "stormwater utility," a dedicated account in the City budget to pay for the City's stormwater management program. The stormwater utility would work much like the existing water and sewer utilities: an annual fee ($25 per year for residential properties and $150 per year for commercial properties) would go into the stormwater utility account, and would be dedicated to Newton's stormwater program, paying for services like street sweeping and catch basin cleaning, as well as capital improvement projects.

CRWA strongly supports stormwater utilities. They provide better accountability for stormwater cleanup, and reduce the competition between the environment and other City services such as schools, fire and police.

If you are a Newton Resident, please call your Alderman TODAY and tell them to support the stormwater utility!

More information can be found on CRWA's website: www.charlesriver.org/alert/NewtonSWutility/newtonstormwater_mainpage.html