Source Tracking Lowell

Over the past four years, OARS has consistently found higher than acceptable levels of E. coli, a fecal indicator bacteria, in the Concord River at the Roger’s Street bridge in Lowell. A study conducted in 2020 identified River Meadow Brook as the likely source of this bacterial pollution. From 2020 to 2022, with funding support from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, we have been conducting intensive studies of River Meadow Brook to identify the sources of bacterial pollution.

River Meadow Brook flows from Westford and Chelmsford through Lowell into the Concord River just above the Rogers St. bridge. By the time it enters the Concord River, it is heavily polluted. Water samples collected by volunteer citizen scientists during the summers of 2020, 2021, and 2022 were analyzed to identify the distribution of E. coli bacteria. The results showed that rather than a single “smoking gun,” there are several probable sources of bacteria that may include sewage, stormwater, dogs, and geese. For detailed results and analysis, check out our 2022 Report on River Meadow Brook Bacteria Monitoring Results.

2022

Click to read Report

OARS conducted DNA analysis on samples collected from the downstream site of River Meadow Brook. These samples, taken when bacteria levels were high, were tested for DNA from four species: human, beaver, goose, and dog. The results showed that humans are the main source of bacteria in the brook. Surprisingly, a significant amount of DNA came from beavers, while a relatively small amount came from dogs.

A survey was conducted to measure detergent levels in River Meadow Brook and in the outfall pipes that empty into it. Detergent surveys are an inexpensive way to identify water sources that come from buildings where detergents or soap are used. As a result of this survey, we were able to identify three pipes with elevated detergent levels. These pipes could also be sources of bacteria pollution. We are sharing the location of these pipes with the Lowell Wastewater utility.

OARS is collaborating with the City of Lowell and neighboring towns to eliminate bacterial pollution in our waterways. Our goal is to make River Meadow Brook and the Concord River safe for recreational activities such as swimming, wading, and exploring. While the Concord River is currently safe for boating and fishing, it is important to note that the fish caught from these waters should not be consumed.

**This work was made possible through funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.**

RETURN TO BACTERIA HEALTH & SAFETY

RETURN TO MONITORING & STUDIES

~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

Source Tracking Lowell

Tracking Bacteria Pollution in the Lower Concord River

RIVER MEADOW BROOK BACTERIA MONITORING

2022 River Meadow Brook Bacteria Report Highlights

DNA Analysis

Detergent Survey

Bacteria Reports Repository

SPECIAL STUDY BACTERIA MONITORING REPORTS

BACTERIA MONITORING SUMMARIES

**This work was made possible through funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.**