Connecting with Our Watersheds During the 10th Annual Lancaster Water Week

Seeing the community rally around our waterways during the 10^th annual Lancaster Water Week this June was truly inspiring. You showed up bigtime for our streams and rivers, whether paddling out on the water, diving into rain gardens, exploring underwater life, cleaning up trash along the Conestoga, learning about ongoing restoration projects, taking home a native plant or seeds, or celebrating with fellow clean water advocates.

We know that Lancaster County’s streams and rivers continue to face serious challenges. Over 90% of them are considered impaired, or unhealthy, according to the 2026 Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Report. But your support and action during Water Week give us hope for the future of our waterways.

Thank you to the many sponsors and partners who make Water Week possible and advocate for our streams and rivers all year long. And thank you to everyone who joined us during Lancaster Water Week 2026!

Check out more photos from the week on our Facebook page:

With your help, we can keep the momentum going beyond Water Week! There are three main steps you can take to help care for our waterways:

1.) Create Habitat

Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to capture rainwater. (The birds and the bees will thank you too!) Native plants prevent runoff, protect the quality of our water, provide habitat for wildlife, and so much more. Learn more with our Community Wildlife Habitat resources.

2.) Protect Water

Find out which watershed you live in, and learn how you can take care of the cricks and creeks closest to home – and every other waterway downstream! Here are 10 ideas for protecting water to get you started.

3.) Explore Outdoors

Hike, paddle, fish, and explore the beautiful waterways and natural lands of Lancaster County. Remember to practice Leave No Trace ethics and recreate responsibly!