Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition

Founded in 1999, Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC) is dedicated to the protection and restoration of our most valuable natural resource – water. PRWC is the only organization in the local community that uses scientific data to understand how human activity impacts the quality and quantity of water both in the rivers and the aquifer (underground water supply). PRWC’s mission is to ensure plentiful high quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities through the use of science and education. PRWC shares its knowledge and expertise with others committed to the protection of water resources for future generations.

PRWC's work includes 20+ major scientific research initiatives and monitoring of aquatic life, bacteria levels, streamflow, groundwater levels, precipitation, and stream temperature at 15+ sites each season. PRWC conducts Ambient Water Quality Monitoring, performs streamwalk surveys, participates in the Riffle Bioassessment by Volunteers with CTDEEP and follows NAACC's protocols for assessing stream crossing conditions. Scientific data collected supports climate resiliency planning and review of potential impacts to water resources, local land development, and water use needs including withdrawals and discharges.

PRWC works with coalition partners to implement actions to correct stream impairments and remediate groundwater contamination. PRWC protects and restores instream habitats and streambanks along multiple stretches of river prioritized using scientific data. These projects include the installation of rain gardens to collect storm water runoff, planting vegetated buffers to protect streambanks, and removing invasive plant species to improve habitat. PRWC conducts clean-ups in and along streams each year collecting as much as two dumpster loads of trash. As a pollution prevention strategy, PRWC has installed 2000+ stormdrain markers along roads in Southbury, Woodbury, Bethlehem, and Watertown. Through workshops, webinars, outdoor adventures and the Woodbury Earth Day Festival, PRWC teaches community members about water conservation, water testing, stewardship practices, and more. PRWC prepares the next generation of environmental stewards through its student internship and conservation programs. All of PRWC's programs and activities underscore our collective roles as stewards of our environment and promote good habits to keep our watershed and rivers healthy.