Programs and Projects
Water-Friendly Demonstrations

Water-friendly demonstration projects are taking root around the Ipswich River watershed. These projects showcase techniques that residents and businesses can use to conserve water, recycle rainwater, and treat and recharge stormwater on their property.

Riverbend
Visitors are welcome to view a number of features at Riverbend, our new headquarters on the Ipswich River, to learn more about living better using less water. Projects include a native plant garden, permeable parking area, green roof, rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fixtures and appliances, and rain gardens (click to learn more).

The installation of these demonstration projects was made possible by a generous Keeping Water Local grant from the Massachusetts Riverways Program.

Rainwater harvesting system like those installed in Wilmington and Hamilton. Photo: DCR

Across the Watershed
Other projects demonstrating innovative water conservation and low-impact development (LID) techniques have been implemented across the watershed in Towns including Reading, North Reading, Ipswich, and Wilmington. Projects include a porous parking area, rain gardens, a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and weather-based irrigation controllers to reduce outdoor water demand. The US Geological Survey is collecting data on the water quantity andquality benefits of these projects and modeling the effects if these techniques were implemented across the watershed.

These projects are made possible through a Targeted Watershed Grant for Ipswich River Restoration. IRWA is a partner on this project, which is funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency and managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Visit the project website to learn more about these demonstration projects and the Targeted Watershed Grant for Ipswich River Restoration.