Charles River Watershed Association

In 1965, a group of concerned citizens formed Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles River. CRWA is one of the country’s oldest watershed organizations and has figured prominently in major cleanup and protection efforts. Since our earliest days of advocacy, we have worked with government officials and citizen groups from 35 Massachusetts watershed towns from Hopkinton to Boston.

Today, the Charles is once again a living river—and a living river in the heart of a city is a glorious thing, connecting people to nature and enriching lives. Over fifty years of progress by CRWA has transformed the “Dirty Water” of the past to a “Clean Charles.” CRWA strives to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.