Initiative to provide Additional Data in Hudson to OARS 3 Rivers’ Water Quality & Bacteria Monitoring Program

October 09, 2025

OARS River Log | By Abby McCarthy, OARS’ Water Quality Program Manager | Published Oct 9, 2025

Gabriel Marques Viana Oliveria (left) and Madison Green (right) participate in OARS water quality monitoring as community science volunteers during the September river sampling.

This summer, OARS 3 Rivers worked to provide additional water quality and bacteria measurements in the Town of Hudson. The goal of this initiative was to sample additional areas along the Assabet and its surrounding tributaries. Collecting additional data points can help identify potential pollution issues in Hudson’s waterways. Stay tuned for an analysis that will provide information on topics such as eutrophication, dissolved oxygen levels, bacteria, phosphorus, algae, mercury, and invasive plants. Identifying potential sources of waterway impairments can support efforts to remediate and restore the health of the Assabet River and surrounding watershed areas.

Left to Right: Ecological Restoration Specialist Heather Conkerton collects macroinvertebrate samples from a net with Callie Sties and Grace Bellavance at Baiting Brook in Framingham.

River Log

~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

>40%

of the land within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers watershed is publicly accessible, providing endless opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife exploration.