Our Community Water Monitoring Network enables us to collect water samples throughout the Neponset Watershed.
The NepRWA Community Water Monitoring Network (CWMN), established in 1995, provides us with annual water samples from 51 sites across the Neponset Watershed.
CWMN is foundational to our work. With the help of volunteers, we use data to pinpoint pollution sources, track water quality trends, and measure the success of pollution reduction efforts.
When we identify pollution sources, we work with communities to get them cleaned up.
Please email NepRWA River Restoration Director Sean McCanty at mccanty@neponset.org if you have any questions about the CWMN program.
Volunteers Make CWMN Possible
The success of our water testing program is due to a team of volunteers who collect water samples at sites throughout the Neponset River Watershed from May through October. NepRWA provides all training and supplies.
CWMN Volunteer Resources: click here for data sheets & manuals
Water Quality Results
CWMN water samples are sent to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority lab to be analyzed.
Each year, the data is used to create a Water Quality Report Card for the Neponset River, showing long-term trends and highlighting areas that need attention.
While NepRWA monitors water quality in local streams and ponds, the collected data reflects overall patterns over time rather than daily conditions.
For the most up-to-date information on water quality in your town, check with your local board of health or town website.
Samples are lab tested and monitored for:
- E.coli
- Total Phosphorus
- Total Nitrogen
- pH
- Dissolved Oxygen
- Ammonia
- Temperature
- Chlorophyll A
Water samplers assess the sites and water for:
- Depth of the water body
- Rate of water flow
- Clarity, color, and odor of the water
- Temperature of the air & water
- Current and prior weather
- Dissolved oxygen levels
Where We Sample
Our sampling network spans the Neponset Watershed—from small ponds to major river segments:
- Boston: Mother Brook, Sprague Pond
- Canton: Beaver Meadow Brook, East Branch, Massapoag Brook, Mainstem of the Neponset River, Pecunit Brook, Ponkapoag Brook, Pequit Brook, Reservoir Pond
- Dedham: Mother Brook
- Foxborough: Crackrock Pond
- Medfield: Mine Brook
- Milton: Mainstem of the Neponset River, Pine Tree Brook, Unquity Brook, Balster Brook
- Norwood: Ellis Pond, Germany Brook, Hawes Brook, Meadow Brook, Mainstem of the Neponset River, Traphole Brook
- Sharon: Beaver Brook, Mann’s Pond, Sucker Brook, Massapoag Brook
- Stoughton: Pinewood Pond, Steep Hill Brook
- Walpole: Turner’s Pond, Mainstem of the Neponset River, Spring Brook, Traphole Brook, Willett Pond
- Westwood: Petee’s Pond, Purgatory Brook, Mill Brook
Explore the Neponset Watershed Water Quality Map
Explore the map to see water quality monitoring sites and results across the Neponset Watershed. Click on a site to learn more about the location and water quality data collected there.
