Saving the Ipswich River & Watersheds
The Lifeblood of Our Communities
Our water sources, the Ipswich River and adjacent watersheds of the Parker and the Essex Rivers, are threatened and may disappear if action is not taken. Through the work of Rotarians, Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) and Youth partners, we can support a process preventing the current loss of water and advocate for conservation efforts insuring a water supply for future generations.
The Ipswich River is #8 on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers
The Ipswich River is the main drinking water source for northeastern Massachusetts, but excessive water withdrawals are putting both the ecosystem and the region’s water security at risk. Two severe droughts in the last five years and a global climate crisis have increased the urgency to drastically improve river management. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection must fix how it implements existing laws and improve its regulations to support the river’s health, regional water security and the many communities, businesses and residents who depend on the Ipswich River.
The Problem
Several Primary Drivers of Ipswich River Low Flow problems:
Inefficient & Discretionary Water Use
Inequality between communities drawing water from the river
Climate Risks, including more hot days
Water Exports Outside Basin
The Opportunity
This global grant is hosted by the Rotary Club of Ipswich East in District 1080 and the Rotary Club of Ipswich-Rowley, in District 7930. With a budget of $34,000.00 all Club gifts will be impactful in raising the funds needed to finance this grant. All participating clubs will have a role implementing this grant in our district.
This is a joint project of the Rotary Club of Ipswich East in District 1080 and the Rotary Club of Ipswich-Rowley, in District 7930.
Rotarians will have a comprehensive suite of practical measures identified to address critical water supply on a long-term basis.
Two Year Period with sustainability via IRWA.
IRWA will train Rotarians, provide workshops and educational materials and infrastructure in order to mobilize societal change to conserve water use in Rotary District 7930.
Rotarians will participate in training activities supportive of water protection and conservation of this limited resource.
For more information, please contact PDG Joan Arsenault at the Ipswich Rotary Club (District 7930) at joan@massteximaging.com.
