Our People

Ben Wetherill

Water Quality Scientist

WaterScience@oars3rivers.org (978) 369-3956

Service & Expertise

Environmental Data Analysis
Environmental Sensor Technologies
Water Quality Science

Ben leads the river science program for OARS, running the water quality and bacteria monitoring programs, and conducting special studies to address water quality issues throughout the watershed. He has been a freelance consultant supporting water monitoring projects and specializes in water data analysis and water monitoring sensor technologies. He worked for several years managing the lab and leading water quality monitoring projects at the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research, and he has worked for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority analyzing water quality in Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. Ben has a BA from Wesleyan University, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master’s in Environmental Science & Technology from UMass Boston. Ben loves canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and hiking and actively advocates for safe biking infrastructure in Boston.

~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

Our People

Ben Wetherill