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FAll 2001 Currents

Saugus River Water Quality Update This season, 64% of the samples collected so far meet the state’s water quality standard for boating.   Many thanks to all of our volunteers who have been collecting monthly water quality samples throughout the Saugus River watershed. So far this season, 91% of the samples were at or above the state’s water quality standard for dissolved oxygen with an average of 7.2 parts per million dissolved oxygen. All of the samples collected were within the Massachusetts water quality standards for pH in Class B waters. During June and July, water temperatures were slightly above the maximum for a cold water fishery, but well within the standards needed to support warm water fisheries. Despite continued positive dissolved oxygen readings, the Saugus River watershed continues to experience elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria. So far this season, only 43% of the samples met the swimming standard while 64% met the standards for boating. These results are similar to those for the entire 2000 season when 40% of the samples met the swimming standard and 70% met the boating standard. Bacterial pollution is likely a result of stormwater runoff, illegal sewer connections, and/or improperly disposed of pet waste.

LWSC to Develop Water Supply Protection Plan
Volunteers Remove 14 Tons of Debris from Town Line Brook
Editorial: MDC Purchase on Wiley Street a Winning Solution
Exploring Nature with Children
Saugus River Water Quality Update
SRWC Public Outreach
New Education Coordinator
New Education Programs Begin
Saugus River Flow Study
25 Years for “Areas of Critical Environmental Concern”
Fishing News
Identifying Brownfields
Arsenic Use in 1960s Still Impacts Lake Quannapowitt
Around the Watershed