Water Quality Reports and Data
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CRWA’s Volunteer Monthly Monitoring (VMM) program analyzes river samples once each month at 35 locations in the watershed for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, an indicator of human health risks. Water is also analyzed every 3 months at a subset of 12 sites for additional water quality parameters such as nitrogen, phosphorus, total suspended solids, and plant pigments. This robust dataset drives allows us to analyze trends over time and space.
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Flagging Program
CRWA’s Flagging program notifies boaters of current river health during peak recreational season from Watertown to Boston. Blue (safe for boating) and red (not safe for boating) flags are updated hourly on our website and social media, and physical flags are flown at 11 boathouses on the river. Red flags are flown when: CRWA’s models estimate bacteria levels that exceed the state boating standard; a combined sewer outflow occurs (spurring a 48 hour warning); and/or the appearance of a cyanobacteria bloom.
CRWA’s Flagging Program has ended for the 2019 season and will resume in 2020.
CRWA’s Flagging Program has ended for the 2019 season and will resume in 2020.