A sister organization to the DuPage River Coalition, the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW) is a not-for-profit organization focused on addressing water quality issues in the East and West Branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek. Its membership includes local representatives from communities, wastewater treatment plants, consultants and environmental organizations. DRSCW has brought these groups together to address the Total Maximum Daily Load studies (TMDLs) developed by the Illinois EPA for these three watersheds. The TMDL program is a part of the Clean Water Act that focuses on waters that do not meet state water quality standards and expectations.

As the DRSCW has evolved, the role of the DuPage River Coalition has shifted to make an efficient use of resources, both financial and staffing. Although both organizations have the same goal, to improve the water quality of the DuPage River, each has different target audience. The DRSCW works more at the community/watershed level on larger scale projects and studies to address specific water quality issues. The DRSCW also oversees the long-term bioassessment monitoring program and a continuous dissolved oxygen monitoring program. The DRC’s main role is to work with the people of the watershed at the grass roots level through education and outreach programs as well as coordinate the DuPage River Watershed Plan.

Please visit www.drscw.org for more information about the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup.