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Srping 2002 Currents

2001 SRWC Water Quality Report The Saugus River Watershed Council has just published a report summarizing water quality conditions in the Saugus River Watershed for the period 1998 - 2001. Sampling indicates that despite continuing improvements in dissolved oxygen levels, water quality in the watershed continues to be significantly impaired by bacterial pollution. Monthly water quality samples were tested for levels of E. coli bacteria, an indicator of the potential for pathogens which can cause public health problems. During 2001, only 48% of samples throughout the watershed met the federal water quality criteria for swimming, while 62% of the samples met the boating criteria. Two sites - the dam at the Sheraton Colonial in Wakefield, and Point of Pines in Revere - met the EPA’s geometric mean criteria for swimming. The outlet of Strawberry Brook into the Saugus River in Lynn, and Trifone Brook which drains into Town Line Brook in Revere, experienced the highest levels of E. coli bacterial pollution during 2001. Despite recent sewer separation work associated with removing a combined sewer overflow, water quality problems continued at Strawberry Brook, with eight out of nine samples exceeding the test maximum of 2,500 E. coli/100 ml. SRWC will continue to work with Lynn Water and Sewer Commission to address remaining stormwater pollution at this site, and determine whether additional sewer separation work is needed. Bacteria levels at Trifone Brook in Revere and the Town Line Brook in Malden and Everett were also extremely high, with several samples having bacteria levels that were too numerous to count. SRWC is working with the cities of Revere, Malden, Everett, and Melrose to address water quality, flooding, and public access in the Town Line Brook watershed. This effort has included storm drain sampling projects to pin point areas of highest pollution, pet waste education, cleanups of illegal debris, and stormwater management projects to reduce stormwater pollution. Other locations with high levels of bacteria were Shute Brook in Saugus, and the Saugus River at Boston Street in Lynn. Moderate to high levels of bacteria were also found at Lake Quannapowitt and the Mill River in Wakefield. Dissolved oxygen conditions have continued to improve throughout the watershed. During the past four years, dissovled oxygen levels met the state standard for a cold water fishery greater than 90% of the time. This improvement supports our efforts to restore fisheries. During 2001, 90% of the samples collected were within the pH range for Massachusetts water quality standards, and temperature levels were well within the standards needed to support warm water fisheries throughout the year. Flow conditions in the Saugus River improved moderately during 2000 and 2001, with fewer occurences of the river running dry during the summer months. Call 781-233-5046 for a copy of the report. Many thanks to our volunteer water quality monitors and to Lynn Water & Sewer Commission for processing the samples!

Spring 2002 Currents

2001 SRWC Water Quality Report
Boy Scouts Rebuild Partridge Island Boardwalk at Reedy Meadow
Stormwater and Murky Waters
SRWC Tracks Watershed Projects
General Electric of Lynn Funds Public Access Projects
SRWC Holds 2002 Annual Meeting
Editorial: Regional Drought Watch
Water Conservation Tips!
SRWC Hosts Signs of Spring Program in Saugus
SRWC Offers Marsh Ecology Youth Education Programs
Special Thanks for Grants Received
Adopt-a-Trail Breakheart Reservation
Around the Watershed
Saugus River Watershed Council Up and Coming Events
Other Watershed Events