Public Engagement is Key to Pennsylvania's Clean Water Goals

Pennsylvania is preparing its Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan to meet pollution reduction goals by 2025. With nearly 20,000 miles of impaired streams and rivers across the Commonwealth, this plan must focus on cleaning local waters, not just the Chesapeake Bay.

Local governments, planning commissions, county commissioners and state legislators all need to be involved in the WIP process. State agencies should work closely with nongovernmental organizations and community groups to reach stakeholders. The Department of Environmental Protection and WIP Steering Committee must engage the public extensively, encouraging public‑private partnerships and innovative strategies to gather input and develop local action steps.

Public engagement is essential to achieving clean water goals. By involving communities and stakeholders across Pennsylvania in the planning process, we can build a strong Watershed Implementation Plan that restores our waters and meets the state’s pollution reduction goals by 2025.