Our Mission

Since 1959, Raritan Headwaters Association has focused on one thing — clean water.
We engage citizens and decision makers in the protection of our watershed and beyond
through science, education, land preservation and advocacy.

RHA serves as the watchdog for the 470-square-mile North and South Branch Raritan watershed, a region covering
38 municipalities in New Jersey’s Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris counties.

Throughout this beautiful region, countless pristine tributaries merge and flow into the North and South Branches of the Raritan River. Safeguarding these “headwaters” means clean, safe water for 300,000 watershed residents and 1.5 million New Jerseyans living downstream in more urban areas that depend on the water that comes from our rivers and reservoirs.

Raritan Headwaters is a member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates under the guidance of a Board of Trustees. We have 20 staff members, joined by an AmeriCorps watershed ambassador, nature educators, interns and a large and enthusiastic corps of volunteers.

Our Vision

Our vision is that everyone within our reach has access to safe, clean water that is swimmable, fishable, and above all, drinkable.

Our Core Values

Protecting the health and resilience of the Raritan Headwaters region guides our work. We are committed to these fundamental principles:

Clean Water for All: Access to clean, safe water is essential for the health of our residents, the vitality of our local communities, and the ecological integrity of the watershed.

Strength in Diversity: Embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthens our organization, fuels innovation, and enhances our ability to effectively serve all communities connected to our water resources.

Science-Guided Action: We rely on the best available scientific evidence and understanding to inform our conservation strategies, advocacy, and policy recommendations, ensuring the most effective stewardship of the watershed.