Boston Takes On Dirty Stormwater — Sierra Club Magazine

It’s been a rainy summer, and we are seeing the negative effects this weather is having on the Charles.

In July alone, rainstorms dumped polluted stormwater and combined sewage into the Charles, making the river unsafe for recreation for five days. For more than two weeks, a toxic cyanobacteria bloom (precipitated by extreme heat and increased rainfall) has made the Lower Basin of the Charles unsafe for boating, paddling, and swimming.

This new Sierra article highlights the most significant challenge we’re experiencing regarding a clean Charles River: stormwater. To tackle this issue, we at CRWA are taking a multifaceted approach, from advocating for the elimination of combined sewer overflows to working with municipalities to install green infrastructure. Check out the article to learn more about how we’re working to achieve our mission of a clean, resilient Charles River.