Advancing clean water in the Northeast since 1947.
NEIWPCC was formed to tackle water quality issues that couldn’t be solved by any one state on its own – whether it was developing water quality standards, creating the first wastewater operator training program in the region, or facilitating interstate collaboration around key topics.
NEIWPCC has been instrumental in engaging and convening water quality professionals from New England and New York to collaborate on water, wastewater, and environmental science challenges.
Our roots stretch back to the post-World War II era, when pollutants often flowed unchecked into lakes, rivers, and bays. To address the bleak state of our waterways through a united approach, Congress established interstate water pollution control commissions, such as NEIWPCC (originally known as the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission) in 1947.
A watershed year
In 2022 we celebrated two “watershed” moments in one year. In addition to NEIWPCC’s 75th anniversary, 2022 also marked the 50th anniversary of the passage of the federal Clean Water Act of 1972. This landmark environmental legislation has defined how we protect and restore our water resources to this day.
Join the journey
Explore NEIWPCC’s rich history through a collection of personal narratives and perspectives shared throughout our anniversary year.
Reflections
Read stories from staff, commissioners, and partners as they commemorate NEIWPCC’s role in the Northeast.
- Former New Hampshire commissioner Nelson Thibault shares his experience working on the first fully integrated sludge composting system in Durham, N.H.
- NEIWPCC leadership share their perspectives on the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act in the spring issue of our “Interstate Waters” magazine.
- The fall issue of “Interstate Waters” focuses on the anniversary, featuring commissioner stories and reflections, a timeline of important NEIWPCC and national milestones and events, and much more.
Commissioner video series
Hear from NEIWPCC Commissioners about their personal experiences in the water industry and the role NEIWPCC has played in their career.
Explore our archives
- Read our first Annual Report, from 1948.
- The 2002 Water Connection celebrates “The Year of Clean Water,” which marked the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.
- Ordering the Waters, tells how work begun in the 1940s continues to guide today’s efforts for clean water.
- 50 Years of Training Excellence celebrates the first wastewater training courses and what followed.
NEIWPCC history
An evolution of challenges and opportunities
From rivers dyed orange, purple and red from industrial practices, to creating standards for wastewater treatment, to climate change and “forever chemicals,” NEIWPCC’s work continues to evolve to respond to present-day water issues.
Looking ahead: Our Water Program Priorities
NEIWPCC’s Water Program Priorities articulate the near- and medium-term programmatic goals of the organization and are updated every five years.
Our 2020-2025 Water Program Priorities include the following five topics:
- Contaminants of Emerging Concern/PFAS
- Watershed Planning and Waterbody Protection
- Infrastructure and State Revolving Fund
- Clean Water Act Reauthorization
- Training and Certification
State Recognition
Thank you to our member states for your recognition of this significant milestone!
- State of Connecticut Proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont.
- State of Maine Proclamation from Governor Janet Mills.
- Governor’s Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Letter of congratulations from Vermont Governor Phillip B. Scott.