Perhaps you heard that the EPA announced the 2013 water quality grade for the Mystic River Watershed last month. Unfortunately, for the fourth year in a row the watershed received a “D” water quality grade based on bacterial contamination. (Read the EPA press release here.) Luckily, there is also good news about efforts to improve water quality throughout the watershed!
Also last month, the state legislature acted to empanel a commission to investigate water quality conditions in the Mystic River Watershed and to determine the ways in which water quality can be improved to support a healthy ecosystem and recreational opportunities. The thirteen member commission will include one member appointed from the Mystic River Watershed Association, the US EPA, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and members from the House and Senate, among others. The commission will submit a report with its findings and recommendations by July 31, 2017. Read the Bill here.
Finally, the Mystic River Watershed Association was selected as a Root Cause Social Innovator. This honor allows the Association – one of seven nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston selected – to receive more than $135,000 in cash and capacity-building services from Root Cause and its partners. This opportunity provides the Association access to a network of funders, business leaders, and social issue experts while accelerating their mission to protect and restore the Mystic River Watershed. Read more here.
I wanted to keep you updated in regards to these important announcements concerning our local water resources.
Sincerely,
Karen L. Grossman
MyRWA’s Clean Water Campaign