Protecting Clean Water Through Policy and Advocacy
Raritan Headwaters Association is a science-driven, nonpartisan advocate for laws, regulations, and public policies that protect clean water and healthy watersheds. Because the Upper Raritan River watershed supplies drinking water to hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents and more than a million people downstream, sound public policy is essential to our mission.
We actively monitor legislation, rulemaking, and regulatory proposals at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. We support measures that strengthen water quality protections, climate resilience, land preservation, and science-based decision-making, and we oppose policies that weaken safeguards for our streams, aquifers, reservoirs, and communities.
Our Advocacy is Grounded in Science
Our policy positions are informed by:
- Long-term stream monitoring data and watershed science
- Community well-testing results and emerging contaminant research
- GIS analysis and land-use impact modeling
- Restoration and dam removal experience across the watershed
- On-the-ground knowledge of Highlands source water and reservoir systems
We bring credible, data-driven analysis to decision makers, not rhetoric.
How We Engage
RHA advances clean water policy through:
Formal Comments and Testimony
Submitting detailed comments on proposed rules and permits and providing expert testimony before planning boards, county commissions, and state agencies.
Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
Working with elected officials and agency leaders to strengthen protections for forests, headwater streams, floodplains, wetlands, and drinking water supplies.
Watershed Planning and Regional Partnerships
Participating in statewide councils, advisory committees, and regional coalitions to advance proactive water management and climate resilience strategies.
Local Land-Use Review
Providing objective, science-based input on development proposals that may affect water quality, groundwater recharge, Category One streams, and sensitive habitats.
Empowering Citizen Advocacy
Clean water protection depends on engaged communities.
We provide residents with:
- Clear explanations of proposed laws and regulations
- Action alerts and talking points
- Template letters and testimony guidance
- Educational forums and public briefings
Our goal is to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed, effective contributions to public decision-making.
Protecting the Headwaters to Protect Everyone
Policy decisions made upstream affect communities far beyond our watershed. By advocating for strong protections in the headwaters, we help secure drinking water supplies, reduce flooding risks, preserve critical habitat, and build climate resilience for generations to come.
Raritan Headwaters stands ready to partner with policymakers, agencies, and community members to ensure that clean water remains a defining value and a protected resource in New Jersey.