RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
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.
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.
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.
“Now you see it, now you don’t: Canterbury Brook could be key to flood mitigation efforts in Mattapan” —Dorchester Reporter
Check out this recent Dorchester Reporter article about the ongoing restoration of Canterbury Brook, “the Brook has seen better days, but its meandering underground and above-ground channel could become a critical piece in efforts to set up stormwater mitigation for a large portion of Mattapan.”
Fed up, groups demand solution to sewer overflows — State House News Service
Great to read this new article by State House News Service (SHNS) featuring local efforts to eliminate combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from Massachusetts waterbodies, featuring CRWA’s Cut the Crap campaign.
Governor Healey Launches Nation-Leading Biodiversity Initiative
Earlier this month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a nation-leading 25-year biodiversity initiative that will help restore rivers, forests, and habitats across the state.
CRWA on Jim & Margery: "We need to be angry that we can't swim in the Charles River"
On Wednesday, August 20, Senior Stormwater Program Manager Max Rome was a guest on Boston Public Radio to discuss the water quality of the Charles River
Boston Takes On Dirty Stormwater — Sierra Club Magazine
A new Sierra article highlights the most significant challenge we’re experiencing regarding a clean Charles River: stormwater.
‘New initiatives aim to make Charles River and Mass. beaches more swimmable” —Read More in The Boston Globe
CRWA featured in a new Boston Globe article highlighting state-wide initiatives to increase waterbodies’ swimmability.
MA Appeals Court Defends Common-Sense Outdoor Watering Restrictions During Droughts (Press Release)
BOSTON, MA– The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a ruling today that will allow state regulators to continue limiting non-essential outdoor watering during periods of drought, a critical tool to protect rivers and streams from running dry.
Cyanobacteria Bloom Reported in Lower Basin of Charles River (Press Release)
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) this afternoon confirmed a significant cyanobacteria bloom in the lower basin of the Charles River and recommended a public health advisory.
Cheesecake Brook Restoration Project Receives National Attention—Read More In Yale Climate News
Thanks, Yale Climate Connections, for highlighting CRWA's Cheesecake Brook project in Newton this week!
Boston rivers are cleaner. But sewage, climate change threaten progress. —WBUR
“School’s out, and grades are in for Boston’s three major rivers,” writes WBUR Environmental Reporting Fellow Vivian La on this year’s Charles River Water Quality Report Card Grades. Read the full article
Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton to Host Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle (Press Release)
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton are co-hosting the third annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle on Saturday, June 28 on the Auburndale section of the Charles River.
Herring Migration and Festival Coming to Charles River — Waltham Times
“The number of herring making the annual run is an indicator of whether the river is running as it should. To help determine that, the Charles River Watershed Association will work with volunteers to monitor the migration.”"
Op-Ed: “A Swimmable Charles River? It’s possible.” (Boston Globe)
“In just the past two years, more than 100 million gallons of sewage flowed into the river from 63 storm events. Swimming is prohibited except by special permit, and even rowers, paddlers, and sailors are warned to stay out of the water for 48 hours after a sewage discharge.” Read more in the Boston Globe.
“Is MassDOT ready to admit that Allston needs more trains and fewer lanes?” CRWA Featured in Streetsblog Mass
We are thankful to Christian MilNeil for including CRWA in his Streetsblog Mass article, “The Path Forward for Allston’s Highway Megaproject Is Getting Narrower.”
Federal Budget Cuts Impact on Massachusetts' Climate Efforts—Read More in the Boston Globe
On April 1, 2025, CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton spoke before fellow environmental leaders and state Senator Cynthia Creem at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming. Read more in the Boston Globe
Oil Spill In The Muddy River — Read more from WCVB Channel 5 Boston, WGBH, and more
CRWA Senior Restoration Program Manager Lisa Kumpf spoke with WCVB Channel 5 Boston and WGBH about the Muddy River oil spill and what it means for the water quality of the Charles River tributary.
Critical Drought in Charles River Watershed — CRWA In the News
This month the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in Massachusetts' Central and Northeast regions, including the entirety of the Charles River watershed. Read more in Universal Hub and the Revere Journal.