Water Quality
STAFF: MARGO GHIA
Water quality protection is an integral part of our regional planning efforts. While protecting the quality of our lakes, rivers and wetlands is important on its own, it intersects and influences many other planning programs such as emergency planning, community resiliency, transportation and land-use development.
VT’s Department of Environmental Conservation writes, “Vermonters and our visitors love the state’s streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands – they help define our Green Mountain landscape. We know our quality of life depends upon access to clean and healthy water.” The Windham Regional Commission is committed to doing its part in helping Vermonters protect and preserve our water resources.
The Vermont Clean Water Initiative
Since 2015 and the passing of Vermont’s Act 64, also known as VT’s Clean Water Act (VCWA), the comprehensive statute mandated an “all-in” approach, and created new standards and requirements that will reduce polluted runoff, nutrient loading, and sedimentation from developed lands (including highways, roads and other impervious surfaces), farms, and certain wastewater and drinking water facilities.
To support our communities in creating a clean water future for Vermont, the WRC has been working with State agencies to provide both municipalities and Vermonters with education and outreach, technical assistance, and planning.
We look forward to working with you to achieve clean water in Vermont!
For more information about these water quality initiatives and the Vermont Clean Water Act, please contact Margo Ghia: mghia@windhamregional.org or (802) 257-4547 ext. 116.
Stormwater
WRC has been working with municipalities and other clean water partners to identify and prioritize stormwater projects that will reduce erosion, promote clean water, and make communities more resilient during high water events.
The following Stormwater Master Plans, which identify potential stormwater remediation projects, have been completed in our region.
- Bellows Falls Regional Stormwater Master Plan, 2023, PDF
- Brattleboro Stormwater Master Plan, 2023, PDF
- Londonderry Stormwater Master Plan, 2025, PDF
- Wilmington Stormwater Master Plan, 2025, PDF
Clean Water Advisory Committee (CWAC)
Formed in 2018, the Clean Water Advisory Committee is a WRC group that “serve(s) in an advisory capacity to the Commission and its Executive Board, relating to activities and policy development regarding the waters of the Windham Region.” The CWAC also, “provide(s) local and regional input regarding project priorities and water quality issues important to the Windham Region, and serves in an advisory capacity to the WRC Executive Board and Full Commission.”
The CWAC is comprised of WRC Commissioners and representatives from organizations in the region that work on water quality projects such as the Connecticut River Conservancy, Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District and the Vermont River Conservancy.