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

Speak Up!

IRWA's Kerry Mackin and Congressman Jack Tierney discuss the future of the river prior to a federal hearing about clean water law enforcement

The Ipswich River Watershed Association is an organization of citizens like you. Together, we are the voice of the river!

Every year, government officials make decisions about water use, park funding, wastewater treatment, environmental law enforcement, and other matters. Add those decisions up, and they go a long way towards determining how clean and healthy the river will be in years to come.

That why IRWA periodically contacts our members and supporters, asking you to sign petitions and actions to let elected officials know that voters like you want them to do right by the river and the future generations that will enjoy it.

We make it easy for you to exercise your freedom of speech on behalf of the river. You can add your name to the petition and write a personal note to show your support! But don’t worry, you won’t have to answer any questions from the officials! You can leave that to our professional staff.

Here’s a sample of some of the officials who sometimes need a reminder that voters love the river and want it protected:

State Elected Officials.

The Massachusetts Governor and state legislators have a central role in setting water policies, under laws such as the Water Management Act and Interbasin Transfer Act, and through state implementation of federal laws such as the Clean Water Act. For more information on IRWA’s recent policy and advocacy efforts, please read here.

Find your state legislator by city/town.

State Agency Officials

There are many state agencies and commissions whose responsibilities and authorities touch the Ipswich River:

Town Government

Town bodies — Boards of Selectmen, Planning Boards, Zoning Boards of Appeals, and Conservation Commissions, as well as Departments of Public Works — make decisions every day that affect the river and its water. Here are the websites for cities and towns that are located within the Ipswich River Watershed and/or use the Ipswich River for water supplies:

Other Resources