LOCATED AT: 143 COUNTY ROAD, IPSWICH MA MAIL: P.O. BOX 576, IPSWICH, MA 01938 PHONE: 978-412-8200 FAX: 978-412-9100

History & Accomplishments

A non-profit organization incorporated in 1977, IRWA has developed a range of programs and projects aimed at protecting and restoring the water resources of the Ipswich River Watershed. Over the past decade, IRWA has focused its efforts on assessing and publicizing the condition of the Ipswich River. Major accomplishments include:

Scientific studies
IRWA started the Ipswich River Task Force, later formalized as the Ipswich River Watershed Management Council under the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Watershed Initiative. The Task Force spearheaded key studies of the Ipswich River. The first study investigated the causes of low-flow episodes of the Ipswich River (USGS 2000). A companion study addressed the relationship between flow quantity and aquatic habitat, and documented the loss of key river fish species from the river ecosystem (USGS 2001).

Water quality/river monitoring
IRWA developed the RiverWatch monitoring program, which is run by volunteers under a quality assurance plan. Monthly monitoring since 1997 has documented frequent periods of very low dissolved oxygen, in violation of Massachusetts Water Quality Standards. IRWA also monitors the annual herring run, has sampled macroinvertebrates, and has assisted state agencies in fish community and 5-year assessments. IRWA’s volunteer Stream Teams seek to protect and restore the river and its tributaries in several watershed communities through local action.

Advocacy
IRWA’s ongoing advocacy ensures that water withdrawal permits under the MA Water Management Act are protective of river flows during periods of low-flow stress. IRWA input has helped shape state water policy, including the Massachusetts Water Policy adopted by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Massachusetts Water Conservation Standards.

Watershed Management
Under the Watershed Initiative, IRWA conducted a “capacity-building” project and oversaw the development of the Ipswich River Watershed Management Plan. IRWA also wrote the Ipswich River Regional Water Conservation Plan, which was unanimously adopted by the Watershed Management Council in 2003, and oversaw implementation of a series of water conservation demonstration projects in communities throughout the region. IRWA developed a Water Supply Protection Planning Project for the Towns of Danvers and Middleton, focusing on preventing stormwater contamination of its reservoirs.

Education and outreach
IRWA’s educational initiatives have raised awareness of the Ipswich River and the threats it faces among town officials, community members, the media, and students. IRWA’s Planning for Growth, and Hydrologics curricula are used by teachers at local schools. IRWA also offers training programs for town selectmen, planning boards, and conservation committees, and has conducted outreach to state and local legislators.

Demonstration projects
IRWA has developed numerous projects to demonstrate innovative strategies for low impact development and water conservation, such as environmentally friendly landscaping and gardens and distribution of rain barrels. IRWA is currently working with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to implement a three-year project to demonstrate low impact development and water conservation techniques for new residential developments in the watershed, and measure and model their benefits. This project is funded by an EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant.