A key component of the work of IRWA’s resiliency program is our advocacy efforts- to support, protect, and improve our River through key policy decisions and sustainable resource management efforts. However, it’s sometimes hard to talk about advocacy accomplishments because they are often incremental and don’t usually involve a ribbon cutting complete with fish-themed dessert. This week though, we reached key milestones on two of our most important advocacy efforts: the drought bill and the North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force.
Last week, the Joint Committee on Environment & Natural Resources reported the Drought Bill (H.861/S.475) out of committee! This is a key step for any bill to make its way through the legislature. The bill now moves to Senate Ways and Means. This was the second session that this bill was reported out of committee and it means that our efforts to get the bill passed during this legislative session continues.
On January 30th, 2024 the North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force met in person to continue its work to “seek consensus on regional solutions to ensure water supply resilience and improve ecosystem health in the Ipswich River Watershed.” A few key milestones were reached by the task force:
- The Joint Narrative Subcommittee presented its work and it was unanimously well-received by task force members in attendance. This subcommittee consisted of eight working members representing water suppliers, the ecological interests of the river, elected officials, and technical experts. The group worked to develop a joint narrative explaining the water supply challenges facing the region and the watershed and the potential solutions under consideration.
- Work continues on three studies paid for by funding secured by our legislative delegation on behalf of the North Shore Water Resiliency Task force, the results of which should be available this spring. Among other things, these studies will start to lay out the options for water supply alternatives in our region, and their potential to improve streamflow. We will continue to update our community as results from these studies become available.
- At this meeting the Task Force also convened a new subcommittee to start working on regional water conservation and demand management. At IRWA, we have have long been touting the need for reduced water consumption for the betterment of our river. Check out our water conservation page for tips on how to reduce water use in your home and garden. We’re excited to get to work on this subcommittee and collaborate regionally on implementing water conservation.
Thanks for your continued support of IRWA’s advocacy efforts and sign up here to receive our Advocacy Alerts to find out how you can participate in IRWA’s advocacy to protect and restore the Ipswich River.