On April 30, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Cities of Somerville and Cambridge submitted a draft plan that proposes dumping sewage into the Charles River for decades to come.

Let that sink in.

After decades of progress and billions invested to clean up our waterways, this team recommends  a plan that would continue to allow sewage overflows during heavy rain. 

Instead of finishing the job of cleaning up the Charles, they propose using it as an open sewer for the foreseeable future.

This isn’t what the Clean Water Act promised. Our rivers were supposed to be fishable and swimmable decades ago. And it’s not what residents expect from a water authority whose very mission includes protecting public health and the environment. 

We deserve sewage-free rivers!

The cost difference between this plan and a stronger, sewage-free alternative? Less than a few dollars per household per month for most households in Greater Boston.

This Plan is not final, and we need your help to ensure we come to a better outcome. State and federal regulators must still review the plan, and public voices will matter. 

Public comment is open until September 30, 2026. Don’t wait! Make your voice heard by sending a message to our leaders, letting them know we deserve a sewage-free Charles. 

If you believe the Charles River should be truly swimmable, not just cleaner than it used to be, now is the time to speak up. Join us in telling our leaders that it’s time to “cut the crap” going into the Charles River, once and for all.