Macroinvertebrate Survey

A Water Quality Prologue

The PRWC is one of a number of volunteer groups statewide who contribute data to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) annual “Rapid Bioassessment in Wadeable Streams & Rivers by Volunteer Monitors” (RBV) program. The DEP is mandated by the Federal Clean Water Act to monitor water quality of the State’s rivers and streams. With close to nearly 5,500 miles of rivers and streams, the DEP certainly can’t monitor every stream on its own. As such, the DEP’s Mike Beauchene developed the RBV as a one-day training and survey program for citizen groups to rapidly assess the water quality in their local streams and rivers using benthic macroinvertebrates. Benthic macroinvertebrates are small organisms that spend a large part of their life cycle clinging to the undersides of rocks in river riffles. Some are fussy about their environment and their presence is a strong indicator of clean water. The presence of at least three of the “most wanted” (i.e., fussiest) organisms is an indicator of excellent water quality. The RBV program aids the State in identifying either high or low quality water and augments less frequent, but more thorough studies by DEP scientists. For more information about the statewide RBV program, please visit the DEP’s website and in particular the interesting document explaining the Field Identification Cards.

Further Information:

2009

    The PRWC expanded the survey to a total 11 sites adding the Nonnewaug tributary of East Spring Brook and the Weekeepeemee tributary Wood Creek. A summary of the project by volunteer coordinator Ingrid Davis will be forthcoming. View the projects picture gallery.

    The overall water quality of the 3 rivers within the Watershed showed a slight improvement over the prior year and ranges from Very Good to Exceptional. The year was marked by above average precipitation, primarily occuring during the spring and summer.

View 2009 Results: For our 3 rivers As summarized by the PRWC. The statewide report provided by CT DEP will be provided here once it has been compiled and published.

2008

    The PRWC expanded the survey to a total 8 sites. Read a summary of the project by volunteer coordinator Ingrid Davis and view the projects picture gallery.

    The overall water quality of the 3 rivers within the Watershed is quite good. But, while the surveying time period is still too short to substantively quantify results, the water quality trend of the past 3 years appears to be deteriorating. Many varying factors may be responsible for this situation. The PRWC will maintain a vigilant eye on its progress and this alone is reason enough to continue our annual macroinvertebrate survey.

View 2008 Results: For our 3 rivers As summarized by the PRWC, on a statewide basis As provided by CT DEP.

2007

    The PRWC expanded the survey to a total of 5 sites. Two new survey sites were added, but one site included in 2006 was excluded this year.

Even in a year marked by drought and low stream flows, the water quality was quite good. There was a slight decrease in the number of "Most Wanted' macroinvertebrates, but the data interpretation still yields good water quality in each of the 3 rivers. The PRWC is concerned about the condition of Transylvannia Brook and will continue to survey this stream in the future.

View the 2007 Results: For our 3 rivers As summarized by the PRWC, on a statewide basis As provided by CT DEP. Enjoy the projects picture gallery and project highlights .

2006

    The PRWC began participating in the DEP's RBV program and surveyed 4 sites in the watershed.