PRWC launched a bacteria and nitrate monitoring program in 2019. Nitrogen is an indicator of fertilizer runoff, septic failure, and animal waste. Nitrogen is also a contaminant of major concern for Long Island Sound (fed by all the rivers and streams throughout Connecticut). Sampling for nitrate provides a screening level indicator for total nitrogen. Bacteria are an indicator of general water quality degradation from septic effluent and agricultural runoff, which are the principle sources of contamination in the Pomperaug River.

The goal of PRWC’s bacteria and nitrate monitoring is to establish an improved baseline of water quality conditions near sites targeted for the future implementation of best management practices (BMP) identified in the Watershed Based Plan. The Plan addresses stream impairments identified in DEEP’s Biannual Water Quality Report to Congress through the implementation of BMPs designed to reduce non-point source pollutant loading to the Pomperaug River and its tributaries.

By sampling for E. coli bacteria and nitrate, PRWC will be able to further characterize pollutant sources and problem areas, and further bracket priority areas for non-point source pollution and stormwater runoff reduction projects. The data will also help differentiate sources of contamination in the river.