There are currently 21 groups who are active in Vermont's 3-year-old River Action Network. The New Haven River Watch group was formed in 1993 with financial aid from the New Haven River Anglers Association. In 1993, New Haven River Watch pooled their financial and technical resources with the Otter Creek River Watch group, the water chemistry testing of the two rivers is conducted on 5 test dates occurring every other Saturday beginning with the last Saturday in June. In 1993 NHRW collected 35 samples from seven sites. 50 samples were collected from ten sites in both 1994 & 1995. These samples were analyzed for water temperature, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, PH and Escherichia coli bacteria. (E. coli) is the most fecal specific of the coliform indicators.

DATA

Dissolved Oxygen: The New Haven River is blessed with high dissolved oxygen levels. D.O. readings taking between 93-95 on the NHR were between 10.1-12.1 (mg/l). The NHR has many seepage areas contributing to a cool well-oxygenated river which help support an above average trout fishery. PH is a measure of the acidity of the water. It is measured on a scale from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline) with 7 considered neutral. The scale is exponential, i.e. a ph of 6 is ten times more acidic than a ph of 7 The NHR ph readings range from 5.5 to 8.0. The lower acidic readings on the NHR are prevalent in the higher elevations, which have less buffering capacities from "sweet soils" such as limestone. Total Phosphorus is essential to the growth of organisms and is the nutrient that limits the primary productivity of a river. The discharge of raw or treated wastewater, agricultural drainage or certain industrial wastes will stimulate the growth of photosynthetic aquatic organisms (algae) in nuisance quantities. There is no water quality standard for total phosphorus. Acceptable limits are when phosphorus readings are below .05. Impacts are likely above .05 and are certain when levels exceed .10. In 1993 phosphorus levels were within acceptable limits. In 1994, excessive phosphorus was detected in 30 per cent of the samples. In 1995 phosphorus levels were excessive in 34 percent of samples. E. Coli are bacteria that indicate the presence of sewage, manure, or fecal matter excreted from animals such as beaver. The Vermont water quality standard for E. coli bacteria in class B waters is 77 colonies per 100 milliliters. (app. 3000 colonies per gallon) In 1993-94 about 50% of the readings for E. coli were above state standards for class B. waters. In 1995, 87 per cent of the samples were above state standards for E. coli.

QA/QC Testing

The Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures and protocol for each water chemistry test is explained in the Otter Creek River Watch 1995 Quality Assurance Plan on file with the EPA. The New Haven River Watch shares the same lab and technicians for water quality testing. In general the QA/QC test results compared favorably with the acceptance criteria published in the Quality Assurance Plan. In designing our studies, we continue to work towards procedures that produce reliable measurements. Copies of the QA/QC plan may be obtained from Paul Scaramucci (802-388-7324)

Data Analysis 1995

The drought conditions in the summer of 95 put many of Vermont's' river ecosystems under considerable stress. Higher water temperatures and ph readings coupled with low water flows (high flows help to scour substrate) created higher densities of nutrient loading which helped create the nuisance algae that coated much of the substrate of the NHR. Total Phosphorus: In general high phosphorus levels correspond to high water flows. Much of the phosphorus is contributed from surface run off, however water flow information provided by the USGS gauging station in Brooksville, Vt. showed many of the test dates were done on low flows. Several exceptions in 1995 may suggest that there are other sources of phosphorus loading; however in part due to abnormal conditions it is very difficult to determine a clear trend or pattern.

E.Coli: Bacteria is perhaps the most significant data for recreational users and particularly swimmers. This specific fecal microbial indicator does not live long in water however there is a quantifiable relationship between the density of this indicator in the water and the potential health risks involved in the waters recreational use. Illness symptoms may be grouped into such categories as gastrointestinal, (vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, nausea) respiratory (sore throat, bad cough) and others such as runny nose, earache, runny ears and red or itchy eyes. In 1995 most of the high bacteria counts occurred in low stream flows. This suggests that in addition to storm runoffs and erosion sources of bacteria there are indeed specific "point sources." These sources maybe derived from fecal contamination from animals or through failed septic systems. Simply stated, low stream flows in the summer of 95 equated to lower water quality. In 1995, bacteria counts were extremely high, higher than any other years of testing. Only five sites on two sampling dates were within the state water quality standard for class B water. The geometric mean 77 colonies per milliliters translate to a single sample equivalent to 352 colonies. Many samples were five to ten times higher than this measurement. The acceptable water quality standard (77 col./ml) for class B waters translates into swimming-associated Gastroenteritis rate of 6/1000. The high number of bacteria count should be of concern considering many of these sampling sites were frequented by swimmers. The river monitoring plan for 1996 should include provisions for publishing these E. coli results throughout the summer.

Summary and Future Goals

Three years of River Watch data is only a "snap shot" of the rivers condition. The water quality on most parts of the NHR is of high quality and valued by all users. Clean water is essential and clearly a resource of great public value. To protect water quality you need to know when changes are occurring and to be able to identify the sources creating those changes. Long term data is essential not only to determine a "pulse" but also to see if things are getting better or worse and to rectify any underlying problems. Good monitoring can create a rational stream upgrade and protection policy. Lower water flows do not necessarily have to mean lower water quality.

In conclusion ultimately the State of Vermont has the responsibility to protect water quality but in reality town governments and local watershed groups are in a better position to protect water quality. Some towns in the New Haven River watershed specifically value water quality and other towns value the surrounding natural resources as stated in their respective town plans, however not one or two but all these towns should specifically write into their town plans that water quality be part of their central theme. These small towns have a long history of volunteer professional organizations such as fire departments and rescue squads. River monitoring groups should become standard features of the community with similar support as other organizations have enjoyed. A proactive approach by these towns will only help to strengthen community ties. These towns should build upon a "one to many philosophy" albeit concerted efforts for better storm run off ditches or plowing techniques to educating landowners on better land use practices. Empowerment of the communities in the New Haven River watershed will help all to become better stewards of the land which is essential to improving water quality. In part, high water quality mirrors the quality life in our communities.

Written by Pete Diminico.

Many thanks from supported material from Otter Creek River Watch, River Watch Network Montpelier VT, and The Vermont Water Quality division.

If you would like to participate with NHRW this summer you may call Pete Diminico at (802) 453-3899.