By Emily Norton, Executive Director, Charles River Watershed Association
The Charles River has come a long way since its “Dirty Water” days. Thanks to decades of public investment and tireless community leadership, we’ve seen remarkable progress. But right now, that legacy is under threat.
On February 25, 2026, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Board of Directors approved a long-term plan that is dangerously inadequate. Instead of finishing the job and eliminating Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), this plan allows raw sewage to keep flowing into the Charles River indefinitely.
Let that sink in: After billions of dollars spent to clean up our waterways, the MWRA has voted to lock in pollution for the foreseeable future.
The Situation
When heavy storms hit, the outdated infrastructure in Boston and Cambridge causes stormwater to mix with raw sewage from homes and businesses. This overwhelming surge discharges millions of gallons of untreated waste directly into the river.
This isn’t what the Clean Water Act promised, and it’s not what we expect from a water authority tasked with protecting public health. The most frustrating part? The cost difference between this plan and a sewage-free alternative is estimated at less than a few dollars per household per month. Learn more about the current status of CSOs in the Charles By visiting Cuthecrapcharles.org
We need your Help!
The February 25 vote was a setback, but it isn’t the final word. State and federal officials (MassDEP and the EPA) have not yet finalized this proposal. There is still a critical window for community members across the Commonwealth to demand a more protective approach for our river and our residents.
If you believe the Charles River should be truly swimmable (not just ”cleaner than it used to be“) we need you to act now.
How to get involved
Join the Charles River Watershed Association in organizing community members, local groups, and local elected officials to end sewage discharge in the Charles River.
- Pass a Resolution: Urge your local elected officials to support a resolution calling for the complete elimination of sewage discharges into the Charles.
- Stay Informed: Sign up to be notified when the public comment period opens this spring. Fill out this Google Form to be alerted the moment it opens.
- Speak Up: Submit your own comments to state leadership, including Governor Healey, and demand a stronger plan. Do so by visiting Cutthecrapcharles.org
Other cities have proven that clean, swimmable urban rivers are possible. There is no reason why Boston and its surrounding communities should settle for anything less.
Join us in telling our leaders that it’s time to cut the crap going into the Charles River, once and for all.
For questions, feel free to reach out to Tara Corpuz, Clean Water Organizer, at tcorpuz@crwa.org.
