PRWC Presents on Water Quality Conditions

PRWC invited residents and other interested individuals of Bethlehem, Woodbury, Southbury, Washington, Roxbury, Watertown, Morris, and Middlebury to attend one of three presentations to learn about the water quality conditions of local rivers and streams flowing through the Pomperaug Watershed. The presentations provided an update and overview of the stream conditions as described in Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Integrated most recent Water Quality Report to Congress (2016) as well as the results of a geospatial computer model used to estimate the volume sediment, nutrients, and bacteria that have potential to find their way into nearby rivers and streams during a rain storm or during snow melt. PRWC and the environmental consulting team of Fuss & O’Neill described the local impairments and the nuances of the data supporting the designation of these stream segments, provided an updated look at the land cover conditions in the watershed, explain the results of the pollutant loading model, and discussed strategies that could be implemented to reduce the volume of bacteria entering local streams. PRWC sought community input to help refine the Plan which will serve as a road map for state and local agencies to implement measures to further protect and enhance local water resources. The reduction of bacteria to local rivers and streams also supports a state-wide initiative to reduce the amount of bacteria and nutrients flowing into Long Island Sound.

A fourth presentation, one that integrates the community input during the July presentations and overall strategies included in the updated Watershed Pan, is scheduled for Wednesday August 22 at 7:00 PM at the Woodbury Senior Center.

Additional information about the local water quality conditions and the Watershed Plan update can be found at www.pomperaug.org. Questions or comments may be directed to Carol Haskins at 203-263-0076 or outreach@pomperaug.org.