RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Release: Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $100K to Restore Rivers and Wetlands Across Greater Boston
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2026
BOSTON, MA – Charles River Watershed Association and Neponset River Watershed Association will receive a $101,305 grant to establish the Metro Boston Partnership and advance watershed-scale ecological restoration and climate resilience projects across the 428-sq-mi Charles and Neponset River watersheds.
Phosphorus in the Charles River
After a year of more consistent sampling for phosphorus at four sites on the mainstem of the Charles – in Waltham, Wellesley, Dover, and Medway–we have preliminary results to share.
An Update on South Natick Dam
Dam removal is underway in South Natick! This update comes four years after the Natick Select Board voted in favor of removing the spillway and restoring the river back in 2022. Last week, water levels in the impoundment were drawn down in anticipation of spillway removal, which is expected to begin on July 16th. Water levels are being lowered through the use of the sluice gates, which have been opened to allow for draining.
Cheesecake Brook Meadow Maintenance Day
On June 17, following the Cheesecake Brook Public Meeting, a Meadow Maintenance training was held by CRWA staff, guided by Eric Highers, Environmental Engineer for the City of Newton; and Ahron Lerman, Newton’s Director of Parks and Open Space.
Thanks for joining us! Second Boston Green Infrastructure and Climate Social
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second Boston Green Infrastructure and Climate Social on June 1.
Is Your Home Prepared for the Next Big Storm? New Digital Tool Maps Local Flood Risks
Is Your Home Prepared for the Next Big Storm? New Digital Tool Maps Local Flood Risks
Explore Godfrey Brook!
On Friday, June 26th, CRWA published a comprehensive StoryMap highlighting the history, current conditions, and future restoration opportunities along Godfrey Brook in Milford.
Welcome, Summer Interns
Meet the interns of CRWA's summer 2026 cohort!
What’s happening at Cheesecake Brook?
On Wednesday, June 17th, CRWA hosted a public meeting highlighting our work along Cheesecake Brook. As a part of the larger Cheesecake Brook Community Celebration, Newton residents were invited into an informative presentation detailing the lifespan of the 2-year project and its significance for the Charles River and its watershed.
Cheesecake Brook Wet Meadow and Bank Restoration Maintenance
On June 2nd, CRWA and the City of Newton performed Wet Meadow and Bank Restoration Maintenance at Cheesecake Brook.
Young Professionals Board Host Film Screening at Portico
Thank you to everyone who joined the Young Professionals Board’s screening of Reconnecting Rivers at Portico Brewing in Somerville!
Submit Public Comment Today!
Tell regulators you want a stronger plan to eliminate sewage discharges once and for all! Public comments are open through September 30.
Where have you seen flooding in Milford?
The Milford Community Flooding Survey is LIVE and already doing its part to inform project partners about the areas where residents see the most flooding.
Green Projects Community Design Workshop
CRWA, in partnership with ClimateThrive and GZA GeoEnvironmental, hosted a focused resident workshop aimed at familiarizing attendees with environmental- and greenspace-centered design projects in Milford, all while directly influencing the course of these projects.
Newton Advances Stormwater Efforts With $4.3M Loan, Cheesecake Brook Restoration (Fig City News)
Newton is advancing stormwater infrastructure investments to mitigate pollution entering the Charles River and meet environmental requirements.
Welcome, Islay!
We are excited to welcome Islay Morrison to CRWA as Communications Associate!
Building Green Infrastructure Awareness in Milford
On June 13, CRWA’s Stormwater Team hosted a green infrastructure tour at Milford Town Park, giving residents an opportunity to learn about local stormwater solutions and share their perspectives on future projects in the community.
Introducing Double the Donation
Could your donations and volunteer time go even further for the Charles River? Many companies offer gift matching, payroll giving, and volunteer incentive programs that often go underutilized. Your company may have already set aside these funds for the organizations you’re passionate about.
Welcome, Rob!
We’re happy to welcome Rob Iliff to the CRWA team as Operations Associate!
Release: MWRA Plan to Continue Dumping Sewage in Boston’s Rivers Is Sent to State & Federal Regulators for Approval
For Immediate Release: On June 2, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Cities of Cambridge and Somerville presented their draft Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) to address Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in the Charles River, Mystic River, and Alewife Brook.