Advocates Push for Removal of Defunct Charles River Dams

Dam removal efforts aim to reduce flood risk and restore ecosystems along the 80-mile waterway.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and natural flow of a river ecosystem.Advocates push to remove defunct dams and restore the natural flow of the Charles River, unlocking its potential as a thriving ecosystem.Watertown Town Today

Efforts are underway to remove several defunct dams along the Charles River in Massachusetts, with advocates arguing the aging structures pose flood risks, disrupt ecosystems, and no longer serve a critical purpose. The Charles River Watershed Association is leading the push to remove nearly 20 dams that are remnants of the region's industrial past, saying the benefits would include reduced flood risk, improved fishing and recreation, and a more sustainable watershed.

Why it matters

The Charles River has long struggled with a 'dirty water' reputation, but significant cleanup efforts in recent decades have improved its environmental conditions. Removing the defunct dams is seen as the next phase in restoring the river's natural ecosystems and mitigating flood risks posed by aging infrastructure.

The details

The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is advocating for the removal of dozens of 'defunct' dams across Massachusetts, including nearly 20 along the 80-mile Charles River. Many of these dams are relics of the region's industrial past, with ownership and purpose changing over time. While some dams serve critical purposes like flood protection and water supply, CRWA says the dams along the Charles River no longer serve a useful function and are actually exacerbating environmental concerns like poor fish passage, harmful algae blooms, and impaired water quality.

  • In the summer of 2022, the Natick Select Board voted for the removal of an aging dam in South Natick.
  • The Watertown dam, built before the American Revolution, is currently being studied by the Department of Conservation and Recreation for potential future actions.

The players

Lisa Kumpf

The river restoration director for the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), an organization leading the push to remove defunct dams along the Charles River.

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)

A non-profit organization advocating for the removal of dozens of 'defunct' dams across Massachusetts, including nearly 20 along the 80-mile Charles River.

Department of Conservation and Recreation

The state agency currently studying potential future actions for the Watertown dam, the first dam built on the Charles River before the American Revolution.

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What they’re saying

“You remove the dams, get that free-flowing state of river, you can have those ecosystem conditions to support a healthy thriving area.”

— Lisa Kumpf, River Restoration Director, Charles River Watershed Association

“80% of those is a hell of a lot of dams that are no longer serving a purpose and posing a flood risk as well as disrupting our ecosystems.”

— Lisa Kumpf, River Restoration Director, Charles River Watershed Association

“The real driver for dam removal in that location is to restore the aquatic ecosystem.”

— Lisa Kumpf, River Restoration Director, Charles River Watershed Association

What’s next

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is expected to release the findings from its analysis of alternatives for the Watertown dam in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Removing the defunct dams along the Charles River is seen as a critical next step in restoring the river's natural ecosystems and mitigating flood risks posed by aging infrastructure. This effort highlights the broader push across Massachusetts to address the thousands of dams that no longer serve a useful purpose.