May 6, 2011
Dear Friend of the Neponset River,
The Neponset River is cleaner than it has been in decades, maybe even a century, but summer streamflows on the river are low—and getting
lower.
In August 2010, the river fell to an astounding 88% below normal August levels. New research from state and federal agencies highlights the Neponset as one of the most “hydrologically stressed” rivers in the Commonwealth.
More troubling still, climate change will make these problems worse over time.
Low streamflow is the most urgent challenge our river faces: tributaries have run dry; paddling can be a bumpy experience; low flows will make it more difficult to restore shad and herring runs to the river; and less water means more concentrated pollution.
The causes are many, but it comes down to the solvable problem of wasteful water use. Our aging and sometimes ill-conceived infrastructure takes too much water out of the ground and allows too little rain back in. This depletes the underground aquifers that sustain our streams, river and drinking water supplies during droughts and the dry summer months.
On our new
Understanding Streamflow webpage, I summarize why our flows are so low, and outline our strategy for addressing the problem. A lot is happening at both the state and local levels. NepRWA has a special role to play through advocacy, education, research, and hands on implementation.
Help speak for the river! Become a NepRWA member, renew your membership or make a special donation, at the most generous level you can consider this spring. Do your part to help raise $40,000 over the next six months for streamflow education and advocacy programs.
Your generosity will restore a healthy Neponset River for all to enjoy!
Sincerely,
Ian Cooke
Executive Director
P.S. As an added incentive, everyone who makes a gift, this
spring, will be entered to win a kayak from LL Bean, the perfect way to explore your river!
A contribution is not
required to participate in the kayak drawing. Please refer to the complete rules.
