Mid-Season Water Quality
Reports by Town
2016
Includes:
Bridgeport, Easton,
Fairfield, Greenwich,
Monroe, New Canaan,
Norwalk, Redding,
Ridgefield, Stamford,
Weston, Westport,
and Wilton
SC Crosby, PJ Fraboni, NL Cantatore, and JR Cooper
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Bridgeport
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Bridgeport, we have been monitoring the Rooster River. The table below shows the E. coli bacteria results in
CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Bridgeport, while those in white are sites in Fairfield. For
reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are
indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most inland sites to
those at the mouth of the river. A value of “tntc” indicates that the sample results were too numerous to count
on that day, and a value of “DRY” indicates that the river was dry at that site.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 8 sample locations on the Rooster River.
5/25/2016 6/1/2016 6/16/2016 7/6/2016
Rooster 8
500
500
560
600
Rooster 7
420
6000
460
1060
Rooster 6
420
540
730
900
Rooster 5
1000
520
2100
1300
Rooster 4
tntc
310
DRY
DRY
Rooster 3
2800
tntc
5900
4200
Rooster 2
1640
4700
7500
3900
Rooster 1
tntc
2400
200
4000
Rooster River has elevated bacteria levels and has frequently exceeded the state criteria. Our next steps for this
river include a river walk to determine the potential reasons why Rooster 4 has completely dried up. Dissolved
oxygen values have been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. We have some concern
with these elevated bacteria counts and will continue searching for sources of pollution.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Rooster River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Easton
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Easton, we have been monitoring the Mill River. The table below shows the E. coli bacteria results in
CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Easton, while those in white are sites in other towns. For
reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are
indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most inland sites to
those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates that something inhibited sample collection that
day, and a value of “n/a” indicates that the site was added at a later time during the monitoring season.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 14 sample locations on the Mill River.
5/26/2016
6/8/2016
6/21/2016 6/27/2016
Mill 13
52
52
16
no sample
Mill 12
16
64
32
40
Mill 11
no sample
no sample
52
32
Mill 10
28
24
76
72
Mill 8
64
64
132
76
Mill 7
28
40
16
28
Mill 6
92
92
100
48
Mill 5.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
56
Mill 5
68
64
168
24
Mill 4
128
224
292
30
Mill 3.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
76
Mill 3
136
60
208
28
Mill 2
232
260
900
70
Mill 1
124
196
900
2900
Bacteria levels in the Mill River have meeting the CT DEEP criteria with the exception of sites Mill 1 and Mill 2 on
the last two sampling dates. Dissolved oxygen values have been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L
on average. Overall, we express no concern with the results from our study of the Mill River.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Mill River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Fairfield
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Fairfield, we have been monitoring Sasco Brook, Mill River, and Rooster River. The tables below show the E.
coli bacteria results in CFU/100mL for these three rivers. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Fairfield, while
those in white are sites in those rivers in other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum
criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are
listed in descending order from the most inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “tntc”
indicates that the sample results were too numerous to count on that day, a value of “DRY” indicates that the
river was dry at that site, a value of “no sample” indicates that something inhibited sample collection that day,
and a value of “n/a” indicates that the site was added at a later time during the monitoring season. Sites
including “SD” in the name are taken from stormwater outfalls discharging into the river.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 17 sample locations on Sasco Brook
5/19/2016 6/1/2016
6/14/2016 6/29/2016
Sasco 13
20
140
80
880
Sasco 12
32
140
132
280
Sasco 11
100
216
34
180
Sasco 10
28
208
260
92
Sasco 9
48
224
140
212
Sasco 8
84
268
112
168
Sasco 7
44
580
88
124
Sasco 6
64
248
152
172
Sasco 5
48
288
96
84
Sasco 4
56
264
80
66
Westport SD3
0
72
4
0
Westport SD1
0
96
16
tntc
Westport SD2
0
100
20
32
Sasco 3
140
460
252
640
Fairfield SD1
52
240
tntc
460
Sasco 2
56
260
148
440
Sasco 1
12
76
16
60
Table 2. E. coli bacteria results by date for 14 sample locations on the Mill River.
5/26/2016
6/8/2016
6/21/2016 6/27/2016
Mill 13
52
52
16
no sample
Mill 12
16
64
32
40
Mill 11
no sample
no sample
52
32
Mill 10
28
24
76
72
Mill 8
64
64
132
76
Mill 7
28
40
16
28
Mill 6
92
92
100
48
Mill 5.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
56
Mill 5
68
64
168
24
Mill 4
128
224
292
30
Mill 3.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
76
Mill 3
136
60
208
28
Mill 2
232
260
900
70
Mill 1
124
196
900
2900
Table 3. E. coli bacteria results by date for 8 sample locations on the Rooster River.
5/25/2016 6/1/2016 6/16/2016 7/6/2016
Rooster 8
500
500
560
600
Rooster 7
420
6000
460
1060
Rooster 6
420
540
730
900
Rooster 5
1000
520
2100
1300
Rooster 4
tntc
310
DRY
DRY
Rooster 3
2800
tntc
5900
4200
Rooster 2
1640
4700
7500
3900
Rooster 1
tntc
2400
200
4000
Bacteria levels in Sasco Brook have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria. Fairfield SD1 has slightly elevated
levels which we will be investigated by Harbor Watch by sampling catch basins along the storm sewer line to
identify any sources of pollution. Samples taken from the Mill River have also been meeting the CT DEEP criteria
with the exception of sites Mill 1 and Mill 2 on the last two sampling dates. Out of these three rivers, Rooster
River has the highest observed bacteria levels and has frequently exceeded the state criteria. Our next steps for
this river include a river walk to determine the potential reasons why Rooster 4 has completely dried up.
Dissolved oxygen values at all three rivers have been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on
average. Overall, we express no concern with the results from our study of Sasco Brook and the Mill River and
will continue searching for sources of pollution on the Rooster River.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Sasco Brook sampling locations
Figure 2. Map of Mill River sampling locations
Figure 3. Map of Rooster River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Greenwich
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Greenwich, we have been monitoring the Mianus River and Byram River. The tables below show the E. coli
bacteria results in CFU/100mL for these rivers. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Greenwich, while those
in white are sites in those rivers in other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is
<576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in
descending order from the most inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates
that something inhibited sample collection that day, and a value of “n/a” indicates that the site was added at a
later time during the monitoring season.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 11 sample locations on the Mianus River.
5/23/2016 6/2/2016 6/22/2016
7/7/2016
7/11/2016
East Mianus 4
24
56
16
340
52
East Mianus 3
248
124
132
28
64
East Mianus 2
268
68
52
120
92
East Mianus 1
20
24
44
64
56
Mianus 7
76
40
44
76
72
Mianus 6
84
68
92
no sample
76
Mianus 5
56
48
116
96
28
Mianus 4
88
92
112
100
60
Mianus 3
88
76
136
112
104
Mianus 2
48
42
72
24
68
Mianus 1
n/a
n/a
32
56
60
Table 2. E. coli bacteria results by date for 10 sample locations on the Byram River.
5/16/2016 6/6/2016 6/23/2016 6/30/2016 7/12/2016
East Byram 3
12
160
350
420
50
East Byram 2
160
460
20
130
72
East Byram 1
64
770
620
320
290
Byram 7
52
2900
no sample
130
80
Byram 6
16
1506
60
140
24
Byram 5
16
490
20
110
28
Byram 4
24
490
110
140
120
Byram 3
52
900
30
190
80
Byram 2
72
2700
400
590
150
Byram 1
76
3600
150
160
68
Bacteria levels in the Mianus River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria and do not show any reason to be
concerned about the river’s water quality. Bacteria levels in the Byram River have shown to be impacted by
rainfall events, such as those just prior to sampling on 6/6. Dissolved oxygen values of both rivers meet the CT
DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. Overall, we express no concern with the results from our study of
the Mianus River and Byram River and will continue our monitoring throughout the season.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Byram River and Mianus river sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Monroe
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Monroe, we have been monitoring the Mill River. The table below shows the E. coli bacteria results in
CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Monroe, while those in white are sites in other towns. For
reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are
indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most inland sites to
those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates that something inhibited sample collection that
day, and a value of “n/a” indicates that the site was added at a later time during the monitoring season.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 14 sample locations on the Mill River.
5/26/2016
6/8/2016
6/21/2016 6/27/2016
Mill 13
52
52
16
no sample
Mill 12
16
64
32
40
Mill 11
no sample
no sample
52
32
Mill 10
28
24
76
72
Mill 8
64
64
132
76
Mill 7
28
40
16
28
Mill 6
92
92
100
48
Mill 5.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
56
Mill 5
68
64
168
24
Mill 4
128
224
292
30
Mill 3.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
76
Mill 3
136
60
208
28
Mill 2
232
260
900
70
Mill 1
124
196
900
2900
Bacteria levels in the Mill River have meeting the CT DEEP criteria with the exception of sites Mill 1 and Mill 2 on
the last two sampling dates. Dissolved oxygen values have been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L
on average. Overall, we express no concern with the results from our study of the Mill River.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Mill River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: New Canaan
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In New Canaan, we have been monitoring the Noroton River. The table below shows the E. coli bacteria results
in CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in New Canaan, while those in white are sites other towns.
For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is < 576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are
indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most inland sites to
those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates that something inhibited sample collection that
day.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 8 sample locations on the Noroton River
5/24/2016 6/7/2016 6/15/2016
7/5/2016
7/13/2016
Noroton 8
760
40
116
800
70
Noroton 7
380
110
16
2300
110
Noroton 6
1300
350
480
18700
500
Noroton 5
48
60
28
4500
20
Noroton 4
620
32
980
no sample
140
Noroton 3
1120
650
400
3000
680
Noroton 2
1520
300
156
9900
290
Noroton 1
2980
520
540
11300
450
Bacteria levels in the Noroton River have shown to be impacted by rainfall events, such as those just prior to
sampling on 5/24 and 7/5. On average, samples in the Noroton River are exceeding the CT DEEP single sample
maximum 40% of the time. Dissolved oxygen values meet the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5 mg/L most of the
time, with the exception of Noroton 8 where we consistently observe values below 5 mg/L. We have some
concerns about the bacteria results we are observing and will continue searching for sources of pollution on the
Noroton River.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Noroton River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Norwalk
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Norwalk, we have been monitoring the Norwalk River and Farm Creek. The tables below show the E. coli
bacteria results in CFU/100mL for these three waterways. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Norwalk,
while those in white are sites in those rivers in other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum
criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are
listed in descending order from the most inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “tntc”
indicates that the sample results were too numerous to count on that day, and a value of “no sample” indicates
that something inhibited sample collection that day. Sites including “SD” in the name are taken from stormwater
outfalls discharging into the river.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 11 sample locations on the Norwalk River.
5/24/2016 6/7/2016 6/15/2016 7/8/2016 7/13/2016
Norwalk 23
3860
240
116
96
116
Ridgefield SD1
0
0
1
0
0
Norwalk 21
2220
176
104
164
60
Norwalk 20
1360
252
260
36
64
Norwalk 15
680
356
132
3660
212
Norwalk 13
96
188
136
140
116
Norwalk 9.5
60
64
128
96
120
Norwalk 9
320
268
188
280
420
Norwalk 6
380
160
164
116
132
Norwalk 4
440
212
116
148
124
Norwalk 1
420
228
244
136
120
Table 2. E. coli bacteria results by date for 5 sample locations on Farm Creek.
5/18/2016 5/31/2016 6/13/2016
7/5/2016
7/13/2016
Farm 5
940
980
204
no sample
1000
Farm 4
8
tntc
184
tntc
11000
Farm 3
120
tntc
420
6400
250
Farm 2
52
tntc
72
1500
30
Farm 1
0
250
8
600
0
Bacteria levels in the Norwalk River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria with the exception of the upper
watershed on 5/24 which may be due to a rain event just prior to sample collection. Farm Creek sites have also
been exceeding state criteria for bacteria and are impacted by rainfall events such as the one on 7/5. Dissolved
oxygen values for both rivers have been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. We will
continue partnering with the WPCA and Public Works teams to search for sources of pollution.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Norwalk River sampling locations
Figure 2. Map of Farm Creek sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Redding
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Redding, we have been monitoring the Saugatuck River. The tables below show the E. coli bacteria results in
CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Redding, while those in white are sites in those rivers in
other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher
than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most
inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates that something inhibited sample
collection that day.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 15 sample locations on the Saugatuck River.
5/25/2016 6/2/2016 6/16/2016 7/6/2016
Saugatuck 9
200
64
48
64
Saugatuck 8
248
20
28
56
Saugatuck 7
184
24
40
80
Saugatuck 6
20
0
12
60
Saugatuck 5
68
60
104
88
Saugatuck 4
80
32
56
440
Saugatuck 3
192
24
68
116
Saugatuck 2
288
120
440
224
Saugatuck 1
480
540
160
320
West Saug 6
172
116
176
316
West Saug 5
172
80
36
176
West Saug 4
340
76
28
240
West Saug 3
184
48
no sample
180
West Saug 2
168
72
132
300
West Saug 1
120
64
116
160
Bacteria levels in the Saugatuck River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria. Dissolved oxygen values have
also been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. Overall, we express no concern with the
results from our study of the Saugatuck River and will continue our monitoring throughout the season.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Saugatuck River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Ridgefield
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Ridgefield, we have been monitoring the Norwalk River. The table below shows the E. coli bacteria results in
CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Ridgefield, while those in white are sites in those rivers in
other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher
than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most
inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. Site ‘Ridgefield SD1’ is the effluent discharge from the
wastewater treatment plant. From April through October, the plant has UV lights on to sanitize the effluent
which results in no bacteria entering the Norwalk River from the treatment plant.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 11 sample locations on the Norwalk River.
5/24/2016 6/7/2016 6/15/2016 7/8/2016 7/13/2016
Norwalk 23
3860
240
116
96
116
Ridgefield SD1
0
0
1
0
0
Norwalk 21
2220
176
104
164
60
Norwalk 20
1360
252
260
36
64
Norwalk 15
680
356
132
3660
212
Norwalk 13
96
188
136
140
116
Norwalk 9.5
60
64
128
96
120
Norwalk 9
320
268
188
280
420
Norwalk 6
380
160
164
116
132
Norwalk 4
440
212
116
148
124
Norwalk 1
420
228
244
136
120
Bacteria levels in the Norwalk River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria with the exception of the upper
watershed on 5/24 which may be due to a rain event just prior to sample collection. Dissolved oxygen values for
the Norwalk River have been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. Overall, we are not
overly concerned about the bacteria levels in the river.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Norwalk River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Stamford
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Stamford, we have been monitoring the Mianus River and Noroton River. The tables below show the E. coli
bacteria results in CFU/100mL for these rivers. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Stamford, while those in
white are sites in those rivers in other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576
CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in
descending order from the most inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates
that something inhibited sample collection that day, and a value of “n/a” indicates that the site was added at a
later time during the monitoring season.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 11 sample locations on the Mianus River.
5/23/2016 6/2/2016 6/22/2016
7/7/2016
7/11/2016
East Mianus 4
24
56
16
340
52
East Mianus 3
248
124
132
28
64
East Mianus 2
268
68
52
120
92
East Mianus 1
20
24
44
64
56
Mianus 7
76
40
44
76
72
Mianus 6
84
68
92
no sample
76
Mianus 5
56
48
116
96
28
Mianus 4
88
92
112
100
60
Mianus 3
88
76
136
112
104
Mianus 2
48
42
72
24
68
Mianus 1
n/a
n/a
32
56
60
Table 2. E. coli bacteria results by date for 8 sample locations on the Noroton River.
5/24/2016 6/7/2016 6/15/2016
7/5/2016
7/13/2016
Noroton 8
760
40
116
800
70
Noroton 7
380
110
16
2300
110
Noroton 6
1300
350
480
18700
500
Noroton 5
48
60
28
4500
20
Noroton 4
620
32
980
no sample
140
Noroton 3
1120
650
400
3000
680
Noroton 2
1520
300
156
9900
290
Noroton 1
2980
520
540
11300
450
Bacteria levels in the Mianus River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria and do not show any reason to be
concerned about the river’s water quality. Bacteria levels in the Noroton River have shown to be impacted by
rainfall events, such as those just prior to sampling on 5/24 and 7/5. On average, samples in the Noroton River
are exceeding the CT DEEP single sample maximum 40% of the time. Dissolved oxygen values of both rivers
meet the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L most of the time, with the exception of Noroton 8 where we
consistently observe values below 5mg/L. We have some concerns about the bacteria results we are observing
in the Noroton River and will continue searching for sources of pollution.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Mianus River and Noroton River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Weston
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Weston, we have been monitoring the Saugatuck River. The table below shows the E. coli bacteria results in
CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Weston, while those in white are sites in those rivers in
other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher
than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in descending order from the most
inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates that something inhibited sample
collection that day.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 15 sample locations on the Saugatuck River.
5/25/2016 6/2/2016 6/16/2016 7/6/2016
Saugatuck 9
200
64
48
64
Saugatuck 8
248
20
28
56
Saugatuck 7
184
24
40
80
Saugatuck 6
20
0
12
60
Saugatuck 5
68
60
104
88
Saugatuck 4
80
32
56
440
Saugatuck 3
192
24
68
116
Saugatuck 2
288
120
440
224
Saugatuck 1
480
540
160
320
West Saug 6
172
116
176
316
West Saug 5
172
80
36
176
West Saug 4
340
76
28
240
West Saug 3
184
48
no sample
180
West Saug 2
168
72
132
300
West Saug 1
120
64
116
160
Bacteria levels in the Saugatuck River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria. Dissolved oxygen values have
also been meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. Overall, we express no concern with the
results from our study of the Saugatuck River and will continue our monitoring throughout the season.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Saugatuck River sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Westport
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Westport, we have been monitoring Sasco Brook, the Saugatuck River, and Poplar Plains. The tables below
show the E. coli bacteria results in CFU/100mL for both rivers. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in
Westport, while those in white are sites in those rivers in other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample
maximum criteria is <576 CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are indicative of a potential human health risk.
Sites are listed in descending order from the most inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of
“tntc” indicates that the sample results were too numerous to count on that day, and a value of “no sample”
indicates that something inhibited sample collection that day. Sites including “SD” in the name are taken from
stormwater outfalls discharging into the river.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 17 sample locations on Sasco Brook.
5/19/2016 6/1/2016
6/14/2016 6/29/2016
Sasco 13
20
140
80
880
Sasco 12
32
140
132
280
Sasco 11
100
216
34
180
Sasco 10
28
208
260
92
Sasco 9
48
224
140
212
Sasco 8
84
268
112
168
Sasco 7
44
580
88
124
Sasco 6
64
248
152
172
Sasco 5
48
288
96
84
Sasco 4
56
264
80
66
Westport SD3
0
72
4
0
Westport SD1
0
96
16
tntc
Westport SD2
0
100
20
32
Sasco 3
140
460
252
640
Fairfield SD1
52
240
tntc
460
Sasco 2
56
260
148
440
Sasco 1
12
76
16
60
Table 2. E. coli bacteria results by date for 15 sample locations on the Saugatuck River.
5/25/2016 6/2/2016 6/16/2016 7/6/2016
West Saug 6
172
116
176
316
West Saug 5
172
80
36
176
West Saug 4
340
76
28
240
West Saug 3
184
48
no sample
180
West Saug 2
168
72
132
300
West Saug 1
120
64
116
160
Saugatuck 9
200
64
48
64
Saugatuck 8
248
20
28
56
Saugatuck 7
184
24
40
80
Saugatuck 6
20
0
12
60
Saugatuck 5
68
60
104
88
Saugatuck 4
80
32
56
440
Saugatuck 3
192
24
68
116
Saugatuck 2
288
120
440
224
Saugatuck 1
480
540
160
320
Table 3. E. coli bacteria results by date for 4 sample locations on Poplar Plains.
5/18/2016 5/31/2016 6/13/2016 7/5/2016 7/13/2016
Poplar 4
80
380
52
2400
80
Poplar 3
64
270
108
10000
60
Poplar 2
48
330
68
270
270
Poplar 1
24
230
52
800
90
Bacteria levels in Sasco Brook have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria. Fairfield SD1 has slightly elevated
levels which we will be investigated by Harbor Watch by sampling catch basins along the storm sewer line to
identify any sources of pollution. Bacteria levels in the Saugatuck River have consistently met the CT DEEP
criteria. Poplar Plains is also meeting the CT DEEP bacteria criteria. Elevated results observed on 7/5 are most
likely due to a large rain event prior to sampling. Dissolved oxygen values at all three rivers have been meeting
the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. The only exception is Poplar 3 which is located in a swamp
and low flow is observed here. Overall, we express no concern with the results from our study of Sasco Brook,
the Saugatuck River, and Poplar Plains and will continue our monitoring throughout the season.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Sasco Brook sampling locations
Figure 2. Map of Saugatuck River and Poplar Plains sampling locations
Harbor Watch Mid-Season Update: Wilton
Harbor Watch has been conducting water quality research on 11 waterways in Fairfield County during the
summer of 2016. Each waterway is being tested twice per month and will be monitored 10 times from May
through September. Each site is tested for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and E. coli
bacteria during each of those 10 sampling trips. The purpose of our testing is to identify potential sources of
sewage pollution to the river and provide municipalities with the information needed to conduct remediation.
In Wilton, we have been monitoring the Norwalk River and the Saugatuck River. The tables below show the E.
coli bacteria results in CFU/100mL. Sites marked in yellow represent sites in Wilton, while those in white are
sites in those rivers in other towns. For reference, the CT DEEP single sample maximum criteria is <576
CFU/100mL, so values higher than that are indicative of a potential human health risk. Sites are listed in
descending order from the most inland sites to those at the mouth of the river. A value of “no sample” indicates
that something inhibited sample collection that day. Sites including “SD” in the name are taken from stormwater
outfalls discharging into the river.
Table 1. E. coli bacteria results by date for 11 sample locations on the Norwalk River.
5/24/2016 6/7/2016 6/15/2016 7/8/2016 7/13/2016
Norwalk 23
3860
240
116
96
116
Ridgefield SD1
0
0
1
0
0
Norwalk 21
2220
176
104
164
60
Norwalk 20
1360
252
260
36
64
Norwalk 15
680
356
132
3660
212
Norwalk 13
96
188
136
140
116
Norwalk 9.5
60
64
128
96
120
Norwalk 9
320
268
188
280
420
Norwalk 6
380
160
164
116
132
Norwalk 4
440
212
116
148
124
Norwalk 1
420
228
244
136
120
Table 2. E. coli bacteria results by date for 15 sample locations on the Saugatuck River.
5/25/2016 6/2/2016 6/16/2016 7/6/2016
Saugatuck 9
200
64
48
64
Saugatuck 8
248
20
28
56
Saugatuck 7
184
24
40
80
Saugatuck 6
20
0
12
60
Saugatuck 5
68
60
104
88
Saugatuck 4
80
32
56
440
Saugatuck 3
192
24
68
116
Saugatuck 2
288
120
440
224
Saugatuck 1
480
540
160
320
West Saug 6
172
116
176
316
West Saug 5
172
80
36
176
West Saug 4
340
76
28
240
West Saug 3
184
48
no sample
180
West Saug 2
168
72
132
300
West Saug 1
120
64
116
160
Bacteria levels in the Norwalk River have consistently met the CT DEEP criteria with the exception of the upper
watershed on 5/24 which may be due to a rain event just prior to sample collection. Bacteria levels in the
Saugatuck River have also consistently met the state criteria. Dissolved oxygen values in both rivers have been
meeting the CT DEEP minimum criteria of 5mg/L on average. Overall, we express no concern with the results
from our study of the Norwalk River and Saugatuck River and will continue our monitoring throughout the
season.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Sarah Crosby at (203) 557-4403 or [email protected].
Figure 1. Map of Norwalk River sampling locations
Figure 2. Map of Saugatuck River sampling locations