At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, there were some people that saw the novel corona virus as a “great equalizer.” The virus spread across every state and was affecting every demographic, from the common person to celebrities alike. However, as time progressed and more data was collected about the communities hit hardest by COVID-19, it became clear that while the virus itself is incapable of discrimination, systematic inequalities are forcing marginalized populations to shoulder the brunt of the impact.

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the day-to-day lifestyles that we have all known for years. Though it’s largely been a dim time with rapid change, not all change has been negative. This pandemic has opened doors for people to have time and reason to visit the outdoors and enjoy nature more frequently. This surge of nature-based activities was the perfect platform to highlight the importance of clean water across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While physical distancing requirements have limited meetings with legislators in Harrisburg and in their district offices, we can’t stop advocating for our the watersheds that we all rely on.

On May 5th, Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Senator Jen Metzger (NY-42), Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (NY-100), the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, the Upper Delaware Council, and the Delaware River Basin Commission hailed the placement of fourteen signs in Broome, Delaware, and Sullivan County by the New York State Department of Transportation. For the first time in New York’s history, signage has been erected to highlight the boundaries of the Delaware River Watershed, a significant region that is home to 8 million residents and provides drinking water to 13.3 million people in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Stormwater runoff is water from rainfall or snow melt that flows over roads, driveways and other paved surfaces that don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants from the ground and nutrients from the soil that flow into nearby creeks, streams, and rivers. This runoff is a major contributor to water pollution, especially in urban area.

At a time when it’s so important to be connected, despite not being able to be social in person, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) is continuing to work to connect the watershed through roadside signage! In conjunction with State Lead organizations, CDRW is advancing “Entering the Delaware River Watershed” signs to be erected along major roadways that intersect with the watershed’s boundaries in four states.

Looking for a way to escape your house and reduce your screen time? The increasing the effects of COVID-19 have resulted in large scale travel restriction, forcing many people in the United States to stay at home and practice social distancing, including those in the Delaware River Watershed. Cancellations of large events, and the closing of schools and many businesses have many people dealing with the new reality of restricted activity. The number of places in which we can travel to has lessened significantly, but one thing that we can still do is go outside and enjoy the great outdoors!

Getting used to this “new normal” yet? There are a lot of dos and don’ts I’m sure we can all recite by now. Wash your hands frequently. Don’t touch your face. Flatten the curve. Don’t hoard groceries. Speaking of groceries, it’s time for some real talk about reusable bags. We can continue to reduce our plastic waste by reusing our cloth and polypropylene shopping bags during these challenging times.

On March 10th 2020, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and member organizations journeyed down to the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C for the Coalition’s annual Delaware River Watershed Hill Day. We met with every Member of Congress that represents the Delaware River Watershed states (32 offices total). We had 22 member organizations attend and about 40 attendees. The Hill closed 2 days after our Hill Day due to concerns over coronavirus – we just made it! We thanked Members of Congress for supporting federal clean water funding and protection as well as advocating for our 2020 policy priorities some of which include; the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Clean Water Funding and the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.