The MRWC was formed in 1976, at a time when the health of the Merrimack River was in dire straits. Although the Merrimack serves as the primary drinking water source for 600,000 residents, the river was considered among the most polluted in the nation. It was also generally unsafe for recreation, and had been used as a dumping ground for garbage, junk and pollutants for decades.

Local citizens created the MRWC to push for changes to improve the river's health. It quickly gained recognition and support from local officials and businesses who saw the economic and environmental value of improving the river. Our goal sought to provide scientific baseline data to measure problems and progress, and to work with public officials to improve water quality. It also organized river clean-ups, and as the river's health improved it added river-based recreational programs and education.

Today, our mission and programs provide services that are contemporary to today's Merrimack Valley residents.