New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC)

11/02/2026

Since 2006, staff at the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve have been working to manage phragmites, an invasive plant species. This spring, researchers introduced a new tool: drone mapping to better understand phragmites in the marsh. NEIWPCC’s Dan Miller shares how the approach to managing this plant has changed over time and what we’re learning from the latest technology. Dive into the story and see how innovation is shaping habitat restoration.

The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve is a NEIWPCC Program Partner.

Since 2006, staff at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR) have worked to eradicate the invasive wetland plant, phragmites (Phragmites...

10/30/2026

Stump your friends and go as a secchi disk for Halloween this year! Try out some of our homemade (and very NEIWPCC-themed) ideas for some last-minute costume planning.

10/29/2026

NEIWPCC recently convened the National Workgroup of Leak Detection Evaluations for a 3-day meeting to collaborate on new technologies, website updates, and upcoming projects. The workgroup evaluates the testing protocols for leak detection equipment used to prevent petroleum releases in underground storage tanks. Learn more:

NEIWPCC recently hosted a 3-day in-person meeting for the National Workgroup of Leak Detection Evaluations (NWGLDE) at the Lowell, Massachusetts headquarters. The workgroup evaluates the testing protocols for leak detection...

10/27/2026

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Richard Friesner, director of Water Quality Programs, and Christina Stringer, director of Wastewater and Onsite Programs, to the roles of co-deputy directors at NEIWPCC. Both will continue to lead their respective divisions while taking on these expanded leadership responsibilities. Congratulations, Richard and Christina!

NEIWPCC recently announced the promotion of two of its division directors to serve as co-deputy directors, beginning in October. Richard Friesner, who heads Water Quality Programs, and Christina Stringer, leader...

10/26/2026

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Richard Friesner, director of Water Quality Programs, and Christina Stringer, director of Wastewater and Onsite Programs, to the roles of co-deputy directors at NEIWPCC. Both will continue to lead their respective divisions while taking on these expanded leadership responsibilities. Congratulations, Richard and Christina!

NEIWPCC recently announced the promotion of two of its division directors to serve as co-deputy directors, beginning in October. Richard Friesner, who heads Water Quality Programs, and Christina Stringer, leader...

10/23/2026

Last week, 80+ students, faculty, and Lowell, MA community members attended a showing of the award-winning film "Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong," which takes you inside the often-unseen world of wastewater at Portland, Maine's East End wastewater treatment facility. The viewing was held in celebration of the Value of Water Campaign's Imagine a Day Without Water.

Following the film, a panel discussion, featuring NEIWPCC Environmental Engineer Jennifer Lichtensteiger, discussed the importance of introducing youth to the field of wastewater, current challenges facing the industry, and outdated equipment, in addition to answering audience questions.

The event was put on by the Massachusetts Water Environment Association, in collaboration with NEIWPCC, Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility, UMass Lowell, the UMass Lowell student chapter of New England Water Environment Association, Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, UMass Lowell Department of Earth and Environmental Science, and City of Lowell, MA - Government.

Learn more about the film: https://www.cardboardseagull.com/

10/21/2026

Snakes, lampreys, and striders, oh my!

Ours waters are filled with creatures that may feel a bit like creepy crawlers (but are actually really cool!). Meet three of them now:

Northern water snake: What was that?! If you thought you saw a snake in the water, it probably wasn't your imagination. These snakes hang around wetland borders to hunt for frogs and fish. But don't worry - they're nonvenemous.

Sea lamprey: Yeah, we get it. Having sharp, horn-shaped teeth and feeding on the blood of host fish might make people a little afraid of you. But lampreys also provide many benefits like helping filter water, building rocky nests that other fish can use, and providing food for many types of wildlife. Unless, of course, you live in the Great Lakes area, where they are considered an invasive species...

Water striders: Bugs aren't everyone's favorite thing. But what if the bug was able to use its hydrophobic leg hairs to walk across the surface of the water? Look out for these cool insects when you're out on the water.

10/20/2026

Meet our new Director of the Lake Champlain Programs Division and Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Mitzi Johnson!

10/16/2026

The Lake Champlain Basin Program, a NEIWPCC program partner, is seeking proposals that support stormwater property assessment programs, and projects that conserve habitat and native species and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), a NEIWPCC program partner, will support stormwater property…

10/15/2026

Water isn't just a utility—it is the lifeblood of our communities, and safeguarding it requires a collective commitment.

For , we are shining a light on the people who power water every single day. From the engineers designing resilient infrastructure and water operators on the ground to the advocates and community members demanding change, it takes all of us to ensure a sustainable future.

Today, let’s recognize and celebrate the water professionals who protect our water resources.
Learn more: https://ow.ly/kcIz50ZVrbI

US Water Alliance The Value of Water