Earth Day 2023

This Earth Day, it is important to reflect on the state of our planet and consider how we can invest to address and overcome the many challenges the environment faces, from climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity and the depletion of our natural resources. This year's theme, "Invest in Our Planet," highlights the need for increased investment in sustainability and environmental protection, including efforts to manage, protect and improve our shared water resources.

DRBC's Role

The DRBC has been doing just that since it was formed in 1961. Over 13 million people depend on the waters of the Delaware River Basin for drinking, agriculture and industrial use. DRBC regulations, programs and comprehensive planning efforts help ensure a clean, sustainable water supply for all water users in and out of the Delaware River Basin and also for aquatic life.

What are some of the DRBC's accomplishments?

  •  DRBC regulations first implemented in the 1960s have helped to dramatically increase dissolved oxygen levels in the Delaware Estuary, allowing for resident and migratory fish populations to thrive

  •  The DRBC's Special Protection Waters program works to protect the existing high quality waters of the river’s non-tidal watershed

  •  The DRBC's Pollutant Minimization Plan regulations have helped to significantly reduce PCB loadings to the river

  •  The DRBC's comprehensive water conservation, flow and drought management and watershed planning programs have worked to ensure a sustainable supply of water even during dry conditions.

Here is a shortlist of a few projects the DRBC is currently working on:

  •  Water Quality: The DRBC is currently working to further improve oxygen levels in the Delaware Estuary to better support fish populations. Learn more: https://www.nj.gov/drbc/programs/quality/designated-use.html

  •  Climate Change: The DRBC is studying how climate change will impact the water resources of the Delaware River Basin. Sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns and increased temperatures will affect water quality and water supply. Learn more: https://www.nj.gov/drbc/programs/flow/climate-change.html

  •  Water Supply: DRBC staff has developed water supply projections based on water use and is continuing to look at groundwater and surface water withdrawals to ensure they are sustainable. Additional storage capacity in the Basin is also being studied. Learn more: https://www.nj.gov/drbc/programs/supply/

Working Together

We know that managing, protecting and improving water resources requires collective action and cooperation at all levels. Businesses, communities and individuals also have a role to play in safeguarding water resources. Businesses can adopt sustainable practices to reduce water consumption, manage wastewater, and prevent pollution. Communities can raise awareness about water issues, participate in water conservation programs, and work together for sustainable water management. Individuals can adopt simple practices like reducing water usage, fixing leaks and using less single-use plastic. One way that the DRBC helps support these actions is through public outreach.

Outreach to our publics and stakeholders is an essential aspect of the DRBC's work. Through outreach, the DRBC helps educate the public on the importance of water resources and the role they play in our daily lives. Another important aspect of the DRBC's outreach work is building relationships with local legislators and community leaders. Through these relationships, the DRBC is able to hear directly about what is needed in their districts and neighborhoods to ensure equitable access to clean and sustainable water resources for all.

Investing in our planet means supporting those working to protect our natural resources, be it through volunteering with a group, financial donation or simply helping spread the word. But it also means making changes in our own lives to reduce our impact on the environment. We can all take small steps that add up to big, meaningful changes! 

This Earth Day, let’s put that thought into action and invest in our shared water resources, for today and for the future.