What's new at Mass Rivers?

At the beginning of January the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection released updates to the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) and the Massachusetts 2024/2026 Integrated List of Waters for public comment. The updates included the removal of the lowest water quality classification for waterbodies (Class C), as all of the waterbodies in Massachusetts have now exceeded that threshold.

We are thrilled to announce that the Board has selected David McGlinchey as the next Executive Director of the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance. Dave brings exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, deep experience in climate science, and a passion for river protection that inspired us.

Last week, our Dam Busters Bel Air Dam site visit in Pittsfield became the first US site to be feature on a livestream hosted by the World Wildlife Fund (Netherlands) and Dam Removal Europe with support from the European Open Rivers Programme!

if you’re wondering, “what can I do about it?” here are three tangible things you can do to help our rivers, the environment generally, and human and wildlife health here in Massachusetts.

On July 31, 2025 Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a lower court's decision that the state can legally require registered water users to restrict nonessential outdoor water use during droughts!

Our esteemed Executive Director, Julia Blatt, will be stepping down at the end of this year after 16 dedicated years with Mass Rivers.As we prepare for this transition, Mass Rivers’ Board of Directors is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful succession process. We thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission during this period of change.

Massachusetts is experiencing an unprecedented drought. See images showing drought across the state from local watershed organizations.

Massachusetts rivers and streams are not adequately protected under state rules, according to a letter issued by the U.S. EPA on Oct 18th.

The Massachusetts legislative session just ended. Learn about Mass Rivers advocacy work and where our priorities ended up!

The EPA is moving to limit PFAS in drinking water. Learn about the history of PFAS and other steps needed to be taken to ensure clean water.

In 2023 Mass Rivers helped secure $40 million in new state money for the environment! Read on to learn more about our budget advocacy.

Mass Rivers, together with the Ipswich River Watershed Association, and the Parker River Clean Water Association, jointly notified the EPA o

Late on January 12, Governor Baker signed H.4921 into law! This is an excellent step in protecting public health, water quality, and a...

Last week the legislature's budget conference committee released their budget proposal for FY21 - including significant budget increases...

Yesterday the Senate and House signed off on a budget for FY20 that included increases for our three top river-related budget priorities!...

“We’re a different breed in the Berkshires.” “I wish people wouldn’t talk about ‘the towns’ as if they’re completely separate. The towns...

This past Thursday, Mass Rivers hosted our second Lobby for the Rivers Day. This day of advocacy on Beacon Hill provides an opportunity...