While critical, stopping the flow of raw sewage into the river wasn't a cure-all. Unfortunately, after the opening of the Buckman Street treatment plant, people tended to slap each other on the back and think we had cleaned up the river. The river continues to deteriorate and much needs to be done to save it. Effluent from sewage treatment plants puts a heavy load of nutrients into the river. Water re-use plans and better treatment of the effluent are needed or we face losing the river's vital grass beds.
Septic tanks continue to leak raw sewage into the river.
Runoff from farms and our own yards add to the nutrient load. With the runoff come polluting chemicals and pesticides. The summit, if it is successful, will begin to establish concrete plans for dealing with these and other problems. The future of the river depends on numerous acts from governments, from businesses, from all of us. Enter words describing a concept or keywords.