Conestoga Cleanup, Lancaster Water Week 2026

What is Water Week?

Heading into its 10th year, Lancaster Water Week celebrates the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. These waterways are the source of our drinking water, drive economic and agricultural growth, and allow us to escape into nature to fish, paddle, and swim. Many of these beautiful streams are polluted, but there is an incredible effort underway to bring them back to health in our lifetime.

Join the us as we celebrate Water Week 2026, River of the Year, and the Community we share for one of our favorite ways to start a weekend…. A Conestoga River Cleanup!

No, seriously, tramping around along the river, pulling tires, removing trash, and taking care of the place we live with neighbors is one of the coolest things ever.

Here’s the important stuff…

Let’s rally for the river! Join us at Lancaster County Central Park Pavilion 1 at 9 A.M. to enjoy community, snacks, and coffee as we hear from speakers before heading out to our Conestoga Cleanup sites. The Conestoga has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania River of the Year! We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this than by stewarding this community treasure as a part of the 10th Anniversary of Water Week! All cleanup groups will launch following the rally.

CRC is heading to Sunnyside!
We'll gather at the Sunnyside Mennonite Church (337 Circle Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602), then head out from the Church.

This is a on land and wade in clean up. As such, we encourage everyone to find a way to help that they are comfortable with. There will be mud, nettles, poison ivy, and unstable footing in some areas, but there is plenty to pick up in more comfortable, family friendly areas. Gloves, trash bags, pickers will be provided. Comfortable shoes, with good support and traction are encourage, as well as long pants and sleeves to protect against noxious plant life.

During check-out, you will be asked to select from these options based on the type of volunteer effort to expect. You will be prompted to select either:

• Blue Team for in the water wade in waste removal.

• Green Team for roadside and shoreline waste and litter removal, or

• Wrecking Crew for those who have already committed to specific event staff roles. 

• Wherever you need me!

You will be prompted to e-sign the waiver before final "check out". It is important to note that each person attending must provide their name, age, and gender as well as individually review and sign the waiver attached to "terms and conditions’. Minor children must have a parent/guardian sign as well.

Volunteers are required to sign in and out of the worksite to ensure safety, and a group safely brief will be provided.

Parking is on site, please follow directional signage.

Lancaster Water Week is an annual celebration of the 1,400 miles of waterways in Lancaster County, PA. Join us for over 60 events as we paddle, explore, volunteer, and take action for the streams and rivers of Lancaster County! Learn more: www.lancasterwaterweek.org