Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association

What is a Riverkeeper? 

There are Riverkeepers all over the world - advocates united for clean, healthy, and abundant water for all people and the planet. The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper patrols and protects the waterways within an 8,500 square mile jurisdiction known as the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed, which includes all the waterways in Lancaster County and 21 others.

About the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper and LSRA.

Now in our 20th year, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (LSRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Wrightsville, PA. Our staff is driven by law, science, and the passion for engaging communities in protecting their waterways. We do not rely on state or federal funding. We rely on like-minded individuals, members, donors, businesses, and grants to support our advocacy and programs benefitting the 2.5 million people living within the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed. What we do:

• advocate for your right to clean waterways 
• investigate pollution threats and enforce environmental laws like the Clean Water Act
• prosecute polluters
• monitor water quality and the health of aquatic life in the Susquehanna River and its tributaries
• educate the next generation of waterway stewards to cherish and care for their waterways

• build partnerships to create sustainable solutions to watershed issues and threats to the Chesapeake Bay
• engage community volunteers in stewarding impaired waterways
• host educational on-the-water events and talks

 

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Advocacy Wins

Conowingo Dam - Cecil and Hartford County, MD

Due to years of poor water quality management at the dam, its ability to trap harmful sediment and nutrients from flowing from the Susquehanna River into the upper Chesapeake Bay have been compromised. The impacts are devastating to the aquatic habitat and people who earn their livelihoods fishing these waters. After more than a decade of fighting for better water quality compliance at the dam, in 2025 LSRA, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, and Maryland Department of the Environment reached a $341 million settlement agreement with Constellation Energy, the dam’s owner. The terms will reduce and mitigate the impacts associated with the dam’s discharge and operation on the Susquehanna River, the Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries for the next 50 years. The settlement does not reimburse LSRA expenses. Listen to this landmark announcement.

Cuffs Run - Chanceford Township along the Susquehanna River, York County

In 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) failed to adequately consider widespread opposition to a proposed $2.3 billion Susquehanna River hydroelectric project when it granted a preliminary permit. The project threatens 580 acres of state-listed Conservation Landscape, 340 acres of active farmland, and 50 family residences adjacent to an area of the River already monopolized by power production. LSRA, landowners, and environmental stakeholders including the Lancaster Conservancy and Chesapeake Bay Foundation have filed a petition against permitting for this facility. Oral arguments were presented in July. We await a decision by the end of the year or in early 2027.

Westlake Pipe & Fittings Corporation - Leola, Lancaster County, PA

Early this fall, LSRA issued a Notice of Intent to bring a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit against Westlake for continued unauthorized discharges of “forever chemicals” into an unnamed tributary flowing to Mill Creek and ultimately the Conestoga and Susquehanna Rivers. Westlake has been found in violation of permit limits 179 times between October 2021 to June 2026. Our intent to sue should be a clear signal for Westlake to immediately remedy their noncompliant discharges for the betterment of Lancaster’s waterways. We remain vigilant in enforcing compliance through law.

All LSRA advocacy

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Public Health & Community Science

Our Water Watchdogs programs keep you informed of water quality and aquatic life health throughout the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed. Led by our army of trained volunteers from Lancaster and other counties, we engage everyday citizens in community science for public benefit. You can join the force, too!  Water Watchdogs

Education

LSRA's educators partner with school districts, teachers, volunteers, and environmental partners throughout Central PA to bridge the gap between K-12 classroom learning and re-world experience. In programs aligned with new PA science standards, students paddle the river by kayak, collect data from local streams, study aquatic life, learn about impacts to clean water, and so much more. Our goal is to expand these programs so even more students can grow curiosity, understanding, and a lifelong connection to their watershed. 

LSRA Education