Gorgeous Haw River - Photo: Chris Whitted

Dear *{{Informal Name}}*, 

Spring is in full swing on the Haw, and the most important thing you can do for the river this month is show up. The Environmental Management Commission is finalizing PFAS minimization plans that expect polluters to police themselves, and the public hearings are where we change that. We need you in the room, or on the record, before the comment period closes June 15.  Mama G has more to say about that below, and she is not mincing honks.

Our 5th annual Haw River Island Ramble is this Saturday in Saxapahaw and you can still register; today’s the last day!  You can also train as a Muddy Water Watcher, lobby in Raleigh alongside your Haw Riverkeeper, and save the date for the Haw River Festival on May 2. Apex neighbors, take note of the data center moratorium hearing on April 14, and everyone else, scroll down for a quick primer on those algae blooms you may be seeing in the river right now.

We can’t do this important work without you,

Emily, Carolyn, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Kim, Aidan, Sandra & Anita

 Saturday, April 11th, 8:30AM - 12PM: 5th Annual Haw River Island Ramble & 6K - Registration ends April 10th!

Join us as we run to protect our river! Walkers, runners, racers, and ramblers alike are all welcome.

Registered "Competitors" will participate in a 6K (3.6 mile) race around the Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail next to the scenic Haw River. Would you rather wander for your fresh air and the views? You can also register as a "Rambler" for a 1.2-mile, single loop.  Email events@hawriver.org for more information.

Wednesday, April 15: Virtual Advocacy Training, 6 to 7 pm, & Wednesday, April 22: Lobby Day with your Haw Riverkeeper 

Join HRA Executive Director Emily Sutton for a lobbying day in Raleigh to speak with elected representatives about Haw River watershed issues. If advocacy feels intimidating, don't worry. Emily, an experienced lobbyist, will prepare and guide you through the day.

Thursday, April 16: Muddy Water Watch Virtual Training, 6:30-7:30 pm

Join Emily Sutton (HRA) and Samantha Krop (Sound Rivers) for a Muddy Water Watch virtual training on identifying and reporting sediment and erosion control violations. A Zoom link will be sent 2-3 days ahead. Register at the link below.

Saturday, May 2: Haw River Festival and Saturdays in Saxapahaw Kickoff, 4-8pm

Join us for this year's Haw River Festival, kicking off Saturdays in Saxapahaw with live music, a giant puppet parade, stand-up paddleboard raffle, canoe rides, stream monitoring, river walk, food trucks, and farmers market. Thanks to Haw River Ballroom, Paperhand Puppets, and Haw River Canoe and Kayak for making this event possible. Save the date!

   Want to volunteer or  donate a silent auction item? Let us know here!

You can win a Stand Up Paddle Raft! 

This is your chance to win an inflatable raft from the Great Outdoor Provision Company at this year's Haw River Festival! The winner of the "Weekender" inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board + $200 gift card will be announced at the Festival on May 2 before 8:00pm.

You do not have to be present to win. You may purchase as many raffle tickets as you'd like. Tickets will also be available at the Saxapahaw General Store and for purchase at the Festival on May 2.

Saturday, May 30: Climate Solutions Fair at The Plant, Time TBA

The Climate Solutions Fair returns Saturday, May 30 at The Plant in Pittsboro with live music, interactive demos, kids' activities, film screening, panel discussion, and guided tours. Interested in being a vendor? Sign up HERE.

POETRY NIGHT!

Leading up to the fair, HRA and Fair Game Beverage will host a climate-themed poetry night on Thursday, May 28.  Email Melissa at melissa@fairgamebeverage.com to sign up (8 minutes or less).

There is a lot of algae in our river right now! This could be for a lot of reasons, but most likely, it is part of a natural cycle. Algae is present in our rivers and streams and is a part of a normal aquatic ecosystem.  Spring brings increased nutrient levels into our waterways from both natural causes, like the breakdown of winter foliage, remnants of last year's flower beds going into storm drains, and runoff, and manmade causes, such as increased use of fertilizers and manure spreading on farm fields.

Algal blooms are common in shallow water where water temperature is warmest. We have had very little rain, resulting in low water levels and low dissolved oxygen in our streams. This can increase heat in the little water that does flow through those smaller channels. The combination of increased temperatures, low flows or stagnant water, and higher nutrient levels is a perfect recipe for algae proliferation.

There is a big difference between isolated algae on rocks and an algae bloom, which could be harmful. In general, if the water itself looks discolored, rather than seeing isolated growth on surfaces, we could be experiencing an algae bloom.

Here are a few helpful links about algae: Q&A About Algae &  When Nutrients Overflow: Understanding Algal Blooms   If you see an algae bloom you can report it HERE.

This dashboard showcases where algal blooms and fish kills have occurred and the results of DEQ investigations.

The Triangle Water Supply Partnership proposes to increase the Jordan Lake water supply by 100 million gallons per day to meet the demands of growing development in Wake, Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties. But where will all this additional water come from?

We are working with advocates across the state to provide input on a plan for the partnership that would look at alternative supplies, reallocation measures, and inter-basin transfers to address the gaps. As water quantity decreases, so will water quality. Wastewater treatment plants are discharging the same amounts of water per day, regardless of how much water is in the receiving stream to dilute the treated effluent. As quantity in the receiving stream decreases, the stream becomes dominated by treated effluent.

These plans will be reviewed and presented to the Environmental Management Commission later this year. We are working with utilities and advocates to better understand how to manage the increased demands for water withdrawals while protecting the water quality to support the ecosystems that depend on the lake.

The Apex Town Council, in Wake County, NC, will hold a public hearing to consider a 12-month moratorium on data centers on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm.  There are three ways to participate: in person, online, or by writing in advance of the meeting. Please consider participating to show our community support, opposition to the big tech industry and concerns for widespread impacts of data centers/crypto mining on our region.

During the one year they will consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) including impacts on water consumption, energy demand, backup power generation, noise, land use compatibility, and transportation infrastructure.

Public Hearing Location: Apex Town Hall
Council Chamber, 2nd floor
73 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina

You may attend the meeting in person or view the meeting through the Town’s YouTube livestream HERE.  If you are unable to attend, you may provide a written statement by email to public.hearing@apexnc.org, or submit
it to the Office of the Town Clerk (73 Hunter Street or USPS mail - P.O. Box 250, Apex, NC 27502), at least two
business days prior to the Town Council vote. You must provide your name and address for the record. The written
statements will be delivered to the Town Council members prior to their vote. Please include the Public Hearing name in the subject line.

North Carolina is already a global hotspot for "forever chemicals," yet the EMC’s new proposal asks us to trust the very industries polluting our water to police themselves. Without enforceable limits or penalties, this plan is an empty promise that allows toxic PFAS to continue flowing into the Cape Fear and Haw Rivers, threatening the drinking water of every family downstream. The time to demand real protection is now, before the comment period closes on June 15. Read this: Daily Tarheel Article

#goHAWwild presents Mama G - Local wildlife, real issues, zero filter. 

Like geese at a hearing, these polluters don’t want your voice in the room. But unlike geese, you’re not just allowed,

You.

Are.

Essential.

The upcoming hearings on polluter-written minimization plans are your chance to demand real accountability, not rubber-stamped loopholes.

Make your comment, plan to speak. Take action here.

This is #goHAWwild in action: show up, speak out, and keep the Haw River, and our drinking water, free from corporate pollution.  Mama G says so.

Photo credit: Scott Zimmerman (Welcome to the series, Scott!) Do you have a captivating watershed wildlife photo? Send it my way. anita@hawriver.org

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

Turtle on the Lower Haw - Photo: Leah Purvis

Dear *{{Informal Name}}*, 

Right now, multiple threats exist in the Haw River watershed, and your voice matters in every single issue. The EMC (Environmental Management Commission) is finalizing regulations on PFAS and 1,4-dioxane with virtually no real restrictions, while the Southeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline inches toward construction through our communities.

Whether it's contaminated water from industrial discharge or bulldozers tearing through sensitive habitat, the forces shaping our river's future are moving fast. We need you to show up in the next five minutes by submitting a comment, and we need you in the weeks ahead as we monitor construction impacts and fight to hold polluters accountable.

Keep reading to see how you can join us and be sure to scroll to the bottom and hear from Nathan, a local nuthatch, who is concerned about the SSEP tearing through his backyard.

We can’t do this important work without you,

Emily, Carolyn, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Kim, Aidan, Sandra & Anita

For nearly a decade, The Jester Group at Baird has been a cherished friend and sponsor of Haw River Assembly. David Jester and his team have generously contributed time, resources, and family participation to our Clean-Up-A-Thon and Haw River Island Ramble. David previously served on our Board and now guides us as a financial advisor. We're deeply grateful for their model of corporate giving and proud to call them friends.

Saturday, April 11th, 8:30AM - 12PM: 5th Annual Haw River Island Ramble & 6K - Registration ends April 10th!

Join us as we run to protect our river! Walkers, runners, racers, and ramblers alike are all welcome.

Registered "Competitors" will participate in a 6K (3.6 mile) race around the Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail next to the scenic Haw River. Would you rather wander for your fresh air and the views? You can also register as a "Rambler" for a 1.2-mile, single loop. 

Email events@hawriver.org for more information.

Monday, April 20: Virtual Advocacy Training, 6 to 7 pm

Wednesday, April 22: Lobby Day with your Haw Riverkeeper 

Join HRA Executive Director Emily Sutton for a lobbying day in Raleigh to speak with elected representatives about Haw River watershed issues. If advocacy feels intimidating, don't worry, Emily, an experienced lobbyist, will prepare and guide you through the day.

Thursday, April 16: Muddy Water Watch Virtual Training, 6:30-7:30 pm

Join Emily Sutton (HRA) and Samantha Krop (Sound Rivers) for a Muddy Water Watch virtual training on identifying and reporting sediment and erosion control violations. A Zoom link will be sent 2-3 days ahead. Register at the link below.

Saturday, May 2: Haw River Festival and Saturdays in Saxapahaw Kickoff, 4-8pm

Join us for this year's Haw River Festival, kicking off Saturdays in Saxapahaw with live music, a giant puppet parade, stand-up paddleboard raffle, canoe rides, stream monitoring, river walk, food trucks, and farmers market. Thanks to Haw River Ballroom, Paperhand Puppets, and Haw River Canoe and Kayak for making this event possible. Save the date!

   Want to volunteer or  donate a silent auction item? Let us know here!

Since our founding 44 years ago, Haw River Assembly has been showing up for our river. For just about as long (since the early 90s), our annual T-shirt has been a way to wear that love out loud. Each year's design is a little piece of HRA history. This year's shirt art, featuring the Three Governor’s Bridge in Saxapahaw. Grab yours at the Haw River Festival on Saturday, May 2nd in Saxapahaw

We have a special note from the artist about her inspiration: 

"Creating this year's T-shirt was a deeply personal honor. Art is a quiet but constant thread in my life — something I've always kept close to my heart. Getting to weave those two worlds together, bringing a personal love into a place I cherish, felt like a rare and beautiful gift. I hope you feel that love every time you wear it." - Emily Sutton

Saturday, May 30: Climate Solutions Fair at The Plant, Time TBA

The Climate Solutions Fair returns Saturday, May 30 at The Plant in Pittsboro with live music, interactive demos, kids' activities, film screening, panel discussion, and guided tours. Interested in being a vendor? Sign up HERE.

POETRY NIGHT!

Leading up to the fair, HRA and Fair Game Beverage will host a climate-themed poetry night on Thursday, May 28.  Email Melissa at melissa@fairgamebeverage.com to sign up (8 minutes or less).

5 minutes.  That is all it takes to protect our drinking water.

Right now, the Environmental Management Commission is finalizing rules that will govern PFAS and 1,4-dioxane across North Carolina for years to come. Public comments are open, and every single one matters. The more voices on the record, the harder it is for the EMC to look the other way. Here is the problem: these draft rules were written by the polluters themselves, with no real restrictions or consequences for continued toxic discharges into our rivers and drinking water. That changes when we show up.

Start writing your letter now: Click HERE.   Not ready yet?  You have help!   

NC Conservation Network and partners are hosting a webinar to help folks craft their comments and ask questions before the hearings start. 

Show up in person if you can: 

April 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM: Archdale Building, Ground Floor Hearing Room, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27604

May 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM: Percy H. Sears Applied Technologies Building Auditorium, Guilford Technical Community College, 1201 Bonner Dr., Jamestown, N.C., 27282

We are asking people to show up at the in person hearings, but recognize that that is not a privilege all of us can afford. Please use this form to submit a written comment - they will be accepted from March 16 - June 15. 

 Learn more: Read this factsheet from Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).

Wednesday, April 1st, we continued sampling the Saxapahaw WWTP effluent.  We sampled in 4 locations: upstream of the effluent pipe, from the pipe itself, where the effluent reaches the Haw, and downstream where the water is mixing for E.coli.

Upstream we saw normal levels at 6.3 MPN. MPN (most probable number) is just a way to measure how much bacteria is in the water. For reference, safe swimming means we want these levels to be below 126 MPN.

From the effluent pipe we once again saw extremely high levels at over 2419.6 MPN (higher than what we can measure). This contaminated water trickles down from the pipe a short distance to the Haw River, where we found E. coli levels at 727.0 MPN. About 50 feet downstream, the levels dropped to 42.8 MPN. While still higher than the upstream levels, this is still within safe swimming range.

We need SSEP-Watch volunteers!

Haw River Assembly is conducting initial water testing to establish baseline data we can compare against potential construction violations, and we need your help. Are you a landowner along or near the Right-of-Way who can give us access to your property for photos and samples? Please fill out our interest form!

Not able to be in the field? No problem! We also need volunteers to submit data, amplify stories, and track violations remotely. And if you do want to get out there, it's simpler than you think: we'll pair you with a partner, give you all the training and tools you need, and all it takes is a photo and a quick pH test. Check out the SSEP Volunteer Monitoring Guide for information, submission links, and contacts.

Also, alongside 7 Directions of Service, we're setting up Construction Monitoring Teams and attending their Toxic Tour to learn water quality testing skills. These tools help hold corporations like Transco-Williams accountable along the SSEP pipeline route. 7DS is visiting communities with dinner, raising awareness, and collecting impact stories. Join them: Oak Ridge on Tuesday, April 7th or Greensboro on Tuesday, April 14th. Register at 7directionsofservice.com/events or email aidan@7directionsofservice.com for details and volunteer opportunities.

You may have heard that the Alamance Parks and the Haw River Trail team are moving forward with Phase 1 development of the Alston Quarter property and they want to hear from you!

This is a real opportunity for our community to have a voice in what this future park looks like.

Learn more HERE! 

Emily Sutton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell for Climate Thursday, discussing the 36th Clean-Up-A-Thon's success and broader watershed benefits. She highlighted HRA policy work on PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane regulations, guardrails around data center construction, and previewed upcoming events including the Haw River Festival on May 2.

Listen to the episode HERE.

Local wildlife, real issues, zero filter.

Neighbors in Rockingham, Guilford, Forsyth, and Davidson counties (and the Haw River headwaters) face a pipeline using the "dry-ditch, open-cut" method. Nathan, the brown-headed nuthatch, knows this is a bad idea. The method destroys and rebuilds stream channels, causing erosion, sediment pollution, habitat loss for endangered species, and threatening downstream drinking water supplies.

What we can do now is keep them on their toes.  Join our SSEP Watch teams to monitor the damage along their construction path. Contact Aidan@hawriver.org to keep watch over our precious waterways as they build this unnecessary pipeline construction.

Photo credit: Dr. Kevin Ricker - Do you have a captivating watershed wildlife photo? Send it my way.  #goHAWwild 

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*