The Delaware River Basic Commission (DRBC) manages the water resources in the 13,539 square mile Delaware River Watershed- which drains portions of New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania- without regard to political boundaries. The basin provides water for the lives and economy of nearly 15 million people (approximately five percent of the nation’s population), including about seven million living outside of the watershed’s borders. The DRBC was created by the Delaware River Basin compact in 1961, marking the first time that the federal government and a group of states joined together as equal partners in a river basin planning, development and regulatory agency. Prior to the 1960’s the Delaware valley was an arena of interstate conflict over water rights. The U.S. Supreme Court had to resolve these disputes on more than one occasion until the creation of the DRBC ended an era of costly litigation. The members of the DRBC include the governors of the four basin states as well as a federal representative appointed by the President of the United States. Commission programs include water quality protection, water supply allocation, regulatory review (permitting), water conservation initiatives, watershed planning, drought management, flood control, outreach/education, and recreation. Its headquarters is located in West Trenton, N.J.

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