Charles River flags signal to boaters the river's health for the eleventh year in a rowBoston, MA - Since summer 1998, boaters, kayakers, and sailors on the Charles River have been notified of the river’s health on a daily basis. Kicking off its eleventh season operating the Flagging Program, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) this week began predicting water quality in the river and posting results at various Charles River Basin locations, the nine-mile stretch of river from Watertown Dam to the New Charles River Dam. “This program has been key to raising the public’s awareness of the river’s improved health.” states CRWA’s Director of Projects, Kate Bowditch. CRWA uses prediction models to estimate daily water quality conditions at four sites. These statistical models are based on the relationship of E. coli bacteria to previous rainfall conditions at Logan Airport and the previous day’s bacteria concentration. Rainfall data collected at Logan Airport for the previous 24 to 168 hours is used to predict the probability of the river exceeding the State secondary contact recreation (i.e., boating and sailing) standard for E. coli bacteria. If available, the previous day’s bacteria concentration at each site will also be used in the models to make predictions and verify the accuracy of the models. Results are relayed to nine boating centers where blue, yellow or red flags are hoisted and are also posted on CRWA’s website, http://www.crwa.org/water_quality/daily/programhome.html, or by calling CRWA’s water quality hotline at (781) 788-0007 ext. 301. CRWA continues this program year after year because boaters on the Lower Basin need to know about days when the level of bacteria in the river poses a health risk, as determined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Blue flags fly on days when the estimated probability of the river exceeding the State boating standard for E. coli bacteria is equal to or less than 50%. Red flags are raised when the model predicts a greater than 50% chance of the river exceeding the boating standard, which signals elevated bacteria counts and potential health risks. Recently, CRWA added a yellow flag to this program which is flown on days when water quality conditions may or may not meet water quality standards, and not enough data is available to make a determination. On these days a public health risk may be present due either to high bacteria or cyanobacteria concentrations. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic algae that produce toxins which can potentially harm humans or animals that come in contact with the river water. Some boaters choose to stay off the river on red and yellow flag days; others choose to use the river but take the recommended precaution of washing carefully after being on the river. Boaters and the general public should look for CRWA’s flags along the river as they enjoy Boston’s 4th of July festivities! Basin boathouses and clubs displaying flags include: Charles River Canoe and Kayak at Herter Park, Henderson Boathouse (Northeastern University), MIT Sailing Pavilion, Newton Yacht Club, Riverside Boat Club, Union Boat Club (near the DCR Hatch Shell), and Weld Boathouse (Harvard University). Funding for this project is provided by Boston Water and Sewer Commission. CRWA was formed in 1965 in response to increasing concern about the poor condition of the Charles at that time. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has spearheaded major cleanup and watershed protection projects. In addition to basin testing and flagging, CRWA volunteers monitor water quality at 37 sites along the entire 80 miles of river each month. For more information on CRWA visit our website at www.charlesriver.org. |