Despite its small size, the Ipswich River is important to the region's economy and ecology. Almost 350,000 people and many businesses rely on the river for their water supply, as do fish such as brook trout and blueback herring, and wildlife like river otter and mink.
Water use is extremely heavy. Pollution from hazardous waste and insufficient recharge of groundwater endangers the river's ability to satisfy the excessive demands made upon it. A growing demand comes from the eco-tourism industry, attracting thousands of beach goers, birders, canoeists, anglers, and hikers.
At Perkins Island, near Topsfield, the Audubon Society maintains a wildlife sanctuary with over 10 miles of interconnecting trails that invite exploration of the sanctuarys forests, meadows, and wetlands. Canoeing is pleasant along the eight miles of the Ipswich River that run through the sanctuary.