Groundwater Guardian Community Profile

Ramapo River Watershed Intermunicipal Council, NY  -  US

Years Designated: 2008, 2007, 2006

Community Profile:

The Ramapo River Watershed is a U.S. EPA designated Sole Source Aquifer and a New York State designated Primary Aquifer and is home to over 500,000 people. It is the primary contributing source of water for over two million people in both New York and New Jersey. The aquifer is comprised of fractured bedrock and a productive shallow sand and gravel area. The entire 163 square mile watershed is located within 50 miles of New York City, and is becoming more urbanized. It is crossed by several major highways and very active commuter and freight railroads and is stressed during dry summer months. The Ramapo River Watershed Intermunicipal Council is a confederation of citizens and officials from local, state, and federal agencies who recognize the need to protect the watershed. The team uses Groundwater Guardian to help educate the public about the threats to the watershed and secure funding for studies and protective measures.

Result Oriented Activities:

• Developed a website to allow public access to Council materials, including watershed maps, water conservation materials, and groundwater maps.
• Began working with area planning departments to develop watershed maps and GIS map layers, including watershed boundaries, aquifer boundaries, well locations, wellhead protection areas, roads, and municipal boundaries.
• Applied for funding to share existing GIS programs and technical data with municipalities throughout the watershed, identify and map open space and sensitive lands, analyze existing land and water protection ordinances, and conduct outreach and education.

Community Contact:

Christopher St. Lawrence, Chairman
Ramapo River Watershed Intermunicipal Council
c/o Town of Ramapo, 237 Route 59
Suffern, NY    10901    US

Phone:845-357-5100

Fax:845-357-3800

E-mail: supervisor@ramapo.org

Website: www.ramapowatershed.com