Monitoring and Studies

OARS monitors the conditions of the SuAsCo rivers to ensure that decisions affecting them are based on reliable science and management changes—like wastewater treatment plant upgrades—to effectively improve our rivers’ health.

1992—Present

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In 1992, OARS began testing water quality to assess the effects of upgrades made to wastewater treatment plants in the late 1980s. Since then, OARS volunteers have been monitoring water quality every summer. Currently, OARS monitors sites in the mainstem and tributaries of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers from Westborough and Saxonville to Lowell. In 2020, OARS also monitored water quality in Hop Brook, Sudbury.

OARS collects data under the Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) to aid regulatory decision-making. The data is submitted to the Mass DEP and included in their “Integrated List of Waters” report, as well as OARS annual Water Quality Report. Understanding the data and how OARS calculates the Stream Health Index is crucial for assessing river health. Read about how we interpret our data here.

2019—Present

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In 2019, OARS initiated a E. coli monitoring program to evaluate the safety of our rivers for swimming and recreation. As part of this program, we started a source-tracking project in Lowell in 2020 with the aim of identifying the sources of bacterial pollution in the lower Concord River.

2018—Present

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In 2018, OARS began monitoring chloride levels and in-situ conductivity to measure salt concentrations in waterways, which are associated with adverse effects in rivers.

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OARS monitors water quality and bacteria on Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord rivers using an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

BACK TO RIVER SCIENCE

BACK TO OUR WORK

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues

Monitoring and Studies

Providing a Foundation of Science

WATER QUALITY & STREAMFLOW

BACTERIA HEALTH SAFETY

CONDUCTIVITY & CHLORIDE

QUALITY ASSURANCE