Meadow Brook Water Sampling
In mid-August, NepRWA staff conducted hotspot sampling along Meadow Brook in Norwood.
NepRWA staff visited Meadow Brook in Norwood to conduct hotspot sampling as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to identify and address water quality problems.
The reason for the testing? Meadow Brook is one of the worst-scoring tributaries in the Neponset Watershed, based on water quality data gathered from our Community Water Monitoring Network (CWMN). Read the Neponset River annual water quality report.
The team collected water samples and measurements along the brook and at stormwater outfall pipes.
Conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured using handheld probes, and water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of E. coli and other bacteria.
Site information was also recorded using a survey app to support mapping and analysis of the results.
Sampling dry-weather flows from outfall pipes helps identify potential illicit discharges, such as sewer leaks or illegal connections, which are common pollution sources in the Neponset Watershed. Elevated E. coli levels would trigger a follow-up with the Town to resolve any issues.
For more information, contact NepRWA River Restoration Director, Sean McCanty, at mccanty@neponset.org
