The purpose of the RiverWatch Water Quality surveys are to determine whether or not sites along the North and South Rivers have exceeded colony concentration numbers for Massachusetts’ swimming and shellfishing standards. Enterococcus colonies were collected at nine sites along the North and South Rivers, while fecal coliform samples were collected in shellfish growing areas (none of which are open at the moment for harvest). According to Massachusetts’ swimming standards, enterococcus levels may not exceed 104 cfu per 100mL of water sampled. The Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries shellfishing standard is 14 cfu per 100mL of fecal coliform.
For samples collected on July 10th, water at the Washington Street Bridge, Corn Hill Lane, the Union Street Bridge, Driftway Park, North River Marine, Damon’s Point, and the Keville Footbridge exceeded the Massachusetts’ swimming standard for enterococcus.
Shellfish beds are closed from May 31 until November 1 so the information presented in this section is purely for informational purposes. Concentrations of fecal coliform exceeded the shellfish standard at Driftway Park, North River Marine, Damon’s Point, and Julian Street Bridge. Some caution must be taken as many designated shellfish areas still exceed the standard for consumption per Massachusetts regulation.
Compared to the week of July 1st, the enterococcus levels at several of the locations increased. The enterococcus level at Keville Footbridge had the largest increase, almost doubling in cfu. Alternatively, most fecal coliform levels dropped. Damon’s Point had the largest decrease, dropping to almost half of its previous levels.
Please note that all shellfish beds in the North and South Rivers are closed from May 31 until November 1. The next round of sampling will be conducted on Monday, July 29.