New Mystic River Initiative video

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new video outlining the work of the Mystic River Initiative. The video includes footage with MyRWA's Executive Director, EkOngKar Singh Khalsa. 

"The Mystic River Watershed Initiative is a collaborative effort with a goal to improve water quality and environmental conditions as well as create and protect open space and public access to the Mystic River and its tributaries through safe public pathways and access points. The Initiative is guided by a steering committee composed of 22 organizations including not-for-profit community groups, local, state, and federal governmental agencies." - U.S. EPA

View the video here.

2010 EPA Report Card: Mystic Receives Grade of C-

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 4th public reporting on the condition of the Mystic River at the 14th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle event on Sunday, May 16th. MyRWA's John Reinhardt, Association President, and EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Executive Director, were joined by collaborative partners, community members, EPA staff, and the MWRA for this special announcement.

EPA's Curt Spalding addresses the crowdCurt Spalding, EPA New England’s regional administrator, stated, announced the grade of "C-". This grade is based on the percent of time the Mystic River met swimming and boating standards in 2009. Curt Spalding further elaborated that, "By pulling together, we hope to make the Mystic River Watershed one of the most vital, most usable and most valued watersheds in the country.” Fred Laskey, MWRA executive director also attended the event, adding that the MWRA is moving forward on several major projects that will benefit water quality.

We hope that this grade will improve in the future!

Thanks for attending!

14th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle

On Sunday, May 16th MyRWA hosted a very successful 14th annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect for running and paddling. We had a record number of racers this year - over 300!  Click here for the RUNNING RESULTS. Music, children’s activities, and educational exhibits by local advocacy groups added to the festivities as well as food generously provided by Whole Foods Market of Medford. Click here for the draft PADDLING RESULTS.

Congratulations to all those who ran, walked or paddled, and to those who volunteered to help make the day a success!Participants at the 14th Annual Mystic River Herring Run & Paddle

The U.S. EPA announced the 4th public reporting on the condition of the Mystic River during the Mystic River Report Card event and we are thankful to all who attended. The Mystic River received a grade of "C-" for water quality in 2009, the same grade as 2008. The grade is based on the percent of time the Mystic River meets swimming and boating standards.

MyRWA thanks our sponsors for their generous support, including: Charles River Canoe and Kayak, IES, Federal Realty Investment Trust, Exxon Mobil Pipeline, Gold's Gym, Distrigas, Winchester Savings Bank, ERM, Boston Line & Service Co., Inc, and Schnitzer Steel.

EARTH DAY RIVER CLEANUP A SUCCESS

On Saturday, April 17th over 50 volunteers spent the morning cleaning the Mystic River in Somerville despite the cold and damp conditions. MyRWA would like to give a special thanks to the Gentle Giant Rowing Club, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and ExxonMobil for providing materials and groups of volunteers. Over five truck loads of litter, shopping carts, and other debris was removed. Interesting cleanup items included: over a dozen shopping carts, a computer monitor, a hub cap, tires, a trash can and a goose decoy. Thanks again to all those that came out to lend a hand - your efforts made this day a success!

MyRWA would also like to thank Costco, Qdoba, Stop and Shop, Dunkin' Donuts, Adams Pizza, Leone's Pizza, Market Basket, the MWRA and Home Depot for donating products for the cleanup.

MyRWA RECEIVES FUNDING TO CONTINUE WORK IN CHELSEA AND EAST BOSTON

The Boston Foundation awarded MyRWA $16,400 to continue our work as part of the Lower Mystic Initiative in 2010. The Lower Mystic Initiative works in Chelsea and East Boston. Thank you for your continuing support Boston Foundation.

Water Main break in Weston MA

Water service to all MWRA customer communities east of Weston has been interrupted by a major water pipe break in Weston. Due to this break, a boil water order is being issued for drinking water for all MWRA communities east of Weston until further notice.

In addition, emergency water conservation measures are being implemented for all impacted communities. The MWRA is activating its emergency water supplies such as the Sudbury Aqueduct, Chestnut Hill Reservoir and Spot Pond Reservoir. This water will not be suitable for drinking unless it is boiled first, but can be used for bathing, flushing, and fire protection.

Updates will be posted on Mass.gov and the MWRA's website at www.mwra.com throughout the event.

A complete list of MWRA water communities affected can also be found at the MWRA site.

MassDEP has a Boil Water Order FAQ at mass.gov.

Communities affected by boil water order
Arlington Belmont Boston Brookline Canton Chelsea Everett Lexington Lynnfield W.D. Malden Marblehead Medford Melrose Milton Nahant Newton Norwood Quincy Reading Revere Saugus Somerville Stoneham Stoughton Swampscott Wakefield Waltham Watertown Winchester Winthrop

Update on 2010-05-05 15:31 by MyRWA

BOIL WATER ORDER HAS BEEN LIFTED

After extensive testing, water in the MWRA service communities is once again safe for the public. Governor Deval Patrick has lifted the boil water order for all of the 30 communities affected by the most recent major water pipe break.

Residents are now advised to flush their water in order to clear plumbing of untreated water.

• For cold water faucets, run the tap for at least 1 minute before using.
• For hot water pipes and water heaters, turn on all hot water faucets and flush for a minimum of 15 minutes for a 40-gallon tank and 30 minutes for an 80-gallon tank or larger.
• For additional details on refrigerators, dishwashers, humidifiers, food and baby formula, and ice cubes, please visit www.mwra.com.
• For instructions for food establishments, visit www.mwra.com.

Contact your local Water Department if you have any questions.

Communities affected:
Arlington Belmont Boston Brookline Canton Chelsea Everett Lexington Lynnfield W.D. Malden Marblehead Medford Melrose Milton Nahant Newton Norwood Quincy Reading Revere Saugus Somerville Stoneham Stoughton Swampscott Wakefield Waltham Watertown Winchester Winthrop



MyRWA Op-Ed in the Boston Globe

MyRWA's executive director, EkOngKar Singh Khalsa partnered with John Kassel, president of Conservation Law Foundation, to address the impacts of the spectacular March storms we received. The Op-Ed, Rain delay: reducing the devastating effects of stormwater runoff was published April 26th in the Boston Globe.

Not Your Average Cause Event in Arlington

Save the Dates! Tuesday May 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.

Eat at Not Your Average Joe's in Arlington center every Tuesday in May and 15% of your total purchase will be donated to the Mystic River Watershed Association. It's easy - all you have to do is present this COUPON to your server or mention it when you place your order.

Eat in or take out on Tuesday's to support MyRWA!

http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

Summer Internship Opportunities with MyRWA

Water Quality Monitoring Internship

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks two Water Quality Interns to monitor Cyanobacteria from June through early September.  Interns will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently. This is a part-time position with a Monday – Friday work week. Primary duties include monitoring local water bodies, collecting water samples (training provided), analysis of samples and data entry.  An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged. Having reliable transportation is preferred and mileage will be reimbursed.

Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. This is an unpaid position.

If interested, please send your resume to Patrick@MysticRiver.org.

Outreach and Education Intern

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks a part-time Outreach and Education Intern for the summer. The Outreach and Education Intern will assist with the development of outreach/education materials, help plan outreach/educational events, assist with volunteer management, and participate in outreach/education events. Must be able to work some weekends. Experience in education, communication, watershed science, and marketing is preferred. Must have excellent communication skills, be organized, flexible and have a desire to work with the public. This is an unpaid position.

The Mystic River Watershed Association is based in Arlington, MA and is accessible via several bus routes. The Mystic River Watershed Association is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, please send your resume to Beth@MysticRiver.org.

Earth Day River Cleanup: 4/17

Please join the Mystic River Watershed Association for our annual Earth Day River Cleanup! Do your part to cleanup the Mystic River at this fun, community event. Refreshments and all supplies will be provided. Bring a friend!

When: Saturday, April 17. 9:30am - 12:30pm

Where: DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville.

Bus 92 and 95 provide access to the boathouse.