The Second Monograph in a series of graphic reports on the condition of rivers, lakes and coastal waters in Massachusetts. For perspective on the slow progress in cleaning up the Housatonic River, the history of similar attempts at remediation in Boston Harbor, the Ten Mile River, the Hudson River in New York, and Neponset Reservoir in Foxboro, Massachusetts were examined. Proposals for new approaches to river restoration, such as the need for a Precautionary Approach, and Charges for Discharges were outlined.