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NepRWA members, staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and supporters work to protect and restore the Neponset River, its tributaries and surrounding watershed lands for the benefit of present and future generations. NepRWA accomplishes this mission through: 

Environmental monitoring, science, research and planning;

Outreach and education to the general public and targeted audiences;

Demonstration projects that highlight new and existing best practices; 

On-the-ground cleanup, restoration and preservation projects; and

Advocacy at the local, state and federal level.

Water Quality

Water Quality has improved tremendously along the Neponset River, with the river and its tributaries at their cleanest in over 300 years.  Nevertheless, leaking sewers and stormwater runoff continue to plague local streams. 

NepRWA's Citizen Water Monitoring Network collects water samples from around the watershed.  The data collected helps NepRWA to identify trouble areas and to work with local communities on cleanup measures. Click here to learn more.

 

NepRWA is also working with communities to implement components of Low Impact Development to clean-up local water. Learn more.

Streamflow & Water Supplies

Over 200,000 watershed citizens receive drinking water from local wells in the Neponset Valley, but because most homes are sewered, only a small percentage of this water recharges local water supplies.  With the population continuing to grow, water losses are magnified, threatening long-term sustainability.

NepRWA has taken a leadership role in studying how increasing water losses impact local fisheries, wildlife habitat and drinking water supplies. Click here to learn more.

Fisheries Restoration

With the New World's second dam constructed along its banks in 1634, the Neponset River served as an important source of water power for the fledgling factories of the industrial revolution.  Unfortunately, two of New England's most productive shad and herring runs were disrupted by the dams, while a smelt run has survived despite two dams cutting it off from a large portion of its spawning habitat.

NepRWA is examining a variety of options for restoring fish habitat in the Neponset, like removing dams that have outlived their utility. Learn about river restoration. 

Additionally, the Neponset Estuary's salt marsh is being restored! The Neponset salt marsh provides food and shelter for an array of wildlife and plant-life. Learn more about this local salt marsh restoration.

Land Use & Open Space

Quality of life in the Neponset valley depends on a delicate balance between well planned development and accessible open spaces.  As more subdivisions, office parks and roads are built each year, it is important to monitor development to ensure that growth is channeled to appropriate locations and that critical open spaces are preserved.

NepRWA works to have key parcels acquired, in addition to advocating for public access to the river. View a conceptual Riverwalk plan for Quincy and East Milton, on which Wendy Ingram, NepRWA, the Friends of the Neponset Estuary, and other local environmentalists and businesses have worked very hard. NepRWA reviews and comments on development projects in the 14 communities of the Neponset River Watershed to maximize environmental enhancements. Read some of NepRWA's comment letters.