RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Water Authority Proposes Dumping Sewage in Charles River Forever (Press Release)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2025
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) on Wednesday proposed a plan that would allow for sewage to continue to be dumped into the Charles River forever.
Read press coverage in The Boston Globe, WGBH, and The Harvard Crimson—Water Authority Considers Removing Charles River’s Safe-to-Swim Status To Allow Sewer Overflows
On October 29, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) revealed its long-awaited plan for addressing combined sewage overflows (CSOs) in the Charles: do next to nothing! Read press coverage in The Boston Globe, WGBH, and The Harvard Crimson.
DPH Lifts Cyanobacteria Advisory In Charles River (Press Release)
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) last week announced its recommendation to lift the public health advisory for the cyanobacteria bloom in the Charles River, 11 weeks after first recommending it.
Welcome, Bobby Nicotera!
Bobby Nicotera joins as CRWA’s new Development Operations Associate, supporting data administration, sponsorship management, client communications, and donor event planning.
CRWA’s Legislative Cruise
On October 24, we cruised along the Charles with Mass. state legislators to discuss the many opportunities to improve the health of the river and its watershed.
Removing Invasive Plants with the North American Indian Center of Boston
On October 19, we facilitated an invasive plant removal with the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) in Jamaica Plain.
Welcome, Tyler Chase Ellison!
Tyler Chase Ellison joins as Stormwater Program Manager, employing his expertise in stormwater engineering, green infrastructure, and sustainable landscape design and management to support our mission of strengthening stormwater regulations, advancing green stormwater projects, eliminating combined sewer overflows, and establishing climate adaptation stormwater standards for all communities along the Charles River and its watershed.
Thank you for joining us! Eliminating CSOs Webinar
Thank you to the over 100 attendees who logged on for our webinar about CRWA's recommendations to eliminate combined sewer overflows from the Charles River.
2025 Head of the Charles Regatta
We had an amazing time celebrating the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta and enjoyed meeting people from all over the world to discuss cleaning up urban rivers. Thank you, Head of the Charles, for another fantastic event.
Offramp Over Muddy River Being Removed
Congratulations to MassDOT, Charlesgate Alliance, and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for breaking ground on the new Boston Bowker Overpass Bridge Superstructure Replacement and Widening Project.
Cyanobacteria Bloom in Charles River Reduced—Head of the Charles Course Not Under Advisory (Press Release)
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) on Thursday announced its recommendation to rescind the cyanobacteria bloom advisory in the Charles River upstream of the MIT boathouse, no longer affecting the Head of the Charles Regatta course.
CRWA Launches Young Professionals Board
We are excited to announce the launch of our Young Professionals Board! Join our November 5 info session to learn more.
CRWA and Town of Milford Receive $65K State Grant to Create Habitat Restoration Plan for Upper Charles Watershed
CRWA, in partnership with the Town of Milford, has secured a $65K state grant to develop a habitat restoration plan for the 9.1-square-mile Upper Charles watershed, including six miles of key river habitat.
Farewell, Max!
We are sad to bid farewell to Senior Stormwater Manager Max Rome.
Biological Monitoring Season Most Successful To Date!
This year’s Biological Monitoring season was our most successful to date! Together, with the help of our dedicated volunteers and school partners, we were able to sample from 19 sites throughout the watershed (compared to 12 sites last year).
Cyanobacteria Bloom In Charles River Expands (Press Release)
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) on Monday announced that the cyanobacteria bloom in the Charles River — now in its 10th week — has expanded to all areas downstream of the Cambridge Street/River Street bridge.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day
On Monday, October 13, 2025, we’ll celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honoring Indigenous peoples and commemorating their history and culture. We invite you to join one of these events throughout the watershed!
New FEMA flood maps prompt questions, concerns across Massachusetts— CRWA in the CommonWealth Beacon
In July, FEMA released updated flood maps across the Charles, Nashua, and Merrimack watersheds, and many residents are finding that their homes are now included in flood zones for the first time. Read the CommonWealth Beacon article featuring CRWA.
Welcome, Fall 2025 Interns!
Meet the newest CRWA Interns. These hardworking individuals will support CRWA’s mission in various ways throughout the fall. Welcome, Rowan, Audrey, and Ilsiia!
Charles River Watershed Association Named Official Charity Partner of the Boston Marathon (Press Release)
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is excited to announce that it has been named an official charity partner of the 130th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America.