RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Charles River Watershed Reenters Significant Drought
It’s been just announced that most of the Charles River watershed is in a significant drought. But when we look at precipitation, we see that rainfall isn't far off the year-to-date average; in fact, statewide, 2025 has been rainier than average. In Boston, we are about 3 inches behind the cumulative average for this time of the year. So why are these typical variations from the average leaving us with completely dry riverbeds?
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.
CRWA Defends Drought-Related Water Conservation Measures in Court
CRWA was in the Massachusetts Court of Appeals on April 14 to defend common sense water conservation requirements during times of drought.
Drought Update: Improved Conditions
Following a rainy few weeks, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced improved drought conditions for the Charles River Watershed.
Charles River Watershed Enters Month Six of Drought
In October 2024, the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a drought across the state. As of March 2025, drought conditions remain dire. Here’s what this means for residents.
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.
Much of Charles River Watershed In Level 1 Drought
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a Level 1 Mild Drought for much of the Charles River watershed.
Massachusetts Senate Unanimously Prioritizes Climate Adaptation (PRESS RELEASE)
During today’s formal session, the Massachusetts Senate voted on its comprehensive 96-page Climate Omnibus Bill. Notably, the Senate unanimously adopted the CRWA’s priority amendment, Statewide Flood Risk Assessment and Standards, filed by Senator Marc Pacheco. Additionally, the Senate approved Senator Jamie Eldridge’s Drought Management amendment, supported by the CRWA and its allies.
Charles River Watershed Association Celebrates Climate Chief Hoffer’s Recommendations, Calls for Watershed Planning and Restoration (PRESS STATEMENT)
We are pleased to see first-in-the-nation Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer’s urgent report, which outlines dozens of recommendations for state action to coordinate efforts across agencies to meet the Commonwealth’s ambitious climate goals and reduce emissions.
Water for Rivers, Not Lawns
We are pleased that MassDEP’s new Water Management Act Regulations have been approved! CRWA has long advocated for these changes.
December Drought
Even though it’s winter, half of our watershed is still in a drought, worsening to Level 2–Significant Drought in November.
Speak Up for Water Conservation
More than 50% of non-essential public water supply doesn't have water conservation requirements, even in drought. Now, MA DEP is creating new regs that will apply to ALL withdrawals, not just new and increased ones.
Drought Remains, Even in Fall
October may be here, but drought persists in our watershed with over half our watershed still in Level 2- Significant Drought.
Drought Persists
Our watershed, like all of the state, continues to be in a significant drought, affecting water supplies and having devastating impacts on aquatic life.
Severe Drought– and what you can do about it.
After weeks of little rain and record-breaking extreme heat, the Charles is a mere stream in Millennium Park, tributaries are disappearing, brush fires are spreading, and our volunteer water quality monitors recorded river depths under half a foot in Bellingham, Needham, Newton, and Waltham, usually below defunct dams.
Drought Crisis– Streams Run Dry
Drought conditions continue to worsen, now affecting the entire state, with no relief in sight. What does that look like? In some cases, empty streambeds.