Source Information
In the summer months, The Watershed Institute’s StreamWatch Program monitors freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in Central New Jersey for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Total coliform. E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. The presence of this bacteria indicates that disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites of a fecal origin may be contaminating the water. Swimming or wading in streams with high E. coli levels is considered to be a health risk.
StreamWatch volunteers collect water samples once a week on Sundays over a 15-week period from Mid-May through August. All samples are processed in-house by Watershed Institute staff and/or interns using the IDEXX/Colilert method.
A result is marked Red if it exceeds the New Jersey single sample surface water quality standard of 235 colonies / 100 mL water.
A result is marked Green if it is below the single sample standard of 235 colonies / 100 mL water.
A site is marked Gray if there is insufficient data to make an assessment.
A site is marked with a special warning if the E.coli score is "poor," meaning that 1) in a 5 week testing range, 3 or more samples were greater than 235 colonies/100 mL AND the geometric mean was greater than 126 colonies/100 mL or 2) there is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) present that has been confirmed by NJDEP. If the latter is the case, it will be stated in the description of the site, otherwise it is the former reason.
Results are published as part of our Clean Water Report Cards or disseminated directly to stakeholders as recommendations. The raw data is available upon request. Use the contact information below. Please note that all results are for informational purposes only and does not guarantee site are safe for recreational activities. In general, we do not recommend swimming and/or recreating in any waterbody within three (3) days of heavy rainfall.
Please contact us at streamwatch@thewatershed.org or (609) 737-373 ext. 54 if you have any questions or to report any issues.
