Why We Monitor
The Federal Clean Water Act mandates that rivers and streams be monitored for water quality, but there is no guarantee that enough funding will be supplied to do the job. Local rivers and streams may only be checked once every several years (if at all) by State or Federal agencies. A serious pollution problem could go undetected unless local people are alert to the river’s day-to-day condition. Citizens’ groups like HooRWA meet an important need by conducting volunteer based monitoring programs.
What We Do
HooRWA has been monitoring water quality since 1996. Under the direction of our first Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator, Dick Schlesinger, staff and volunteers took water samples at up to 20 locations on the Hoosic’s branches or mainstem, several times a year. These were analyzed (in our lab or in state-certified labs) for bacteria, common pollutants, and suspended solids.
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Results
The following reports are PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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Hoosic River Shoreline Survey. In the summer of 2012, the summer interns for the Hoosic River Watershed Association conducted Shoreline Surveys along the Hoosic River. The river was broken down into various sections based on characteristic changes in the stream and riparian habitat. The surveys identified human impacts on the river that require immediate attention for the health of the river. They also provide a documentation of other human impacts, like outflow and drainage pipes, and natural qualities for reference in the future.
Hoosic Report for 2011This report summarizes the 2011 stream biomonitoring results from nine locations and provides a brief comparison of these results to previous studies. The overall water quality of the Hoosic River, based on stream insect communities, is slightly impacted. Comparative analysis to previous NYS DEC data shows that water quality has not changed appreciably since 1997. The most likely sources of impact are nonpoint source nutrient and organic inputs.
Hoosic 2010 The overall water quality of the Hoosic River, based on stream insect communities, indicated slightly impacted conditions; comparison with historical MA DEP and NYS DEC data suggest water quality conditions have not changed appreciably since 1997.
Hoosic_2009
Reports the results from sampling benthic macroinvertebrates at 6 locations, one in Vermont and five in Massachusetts.
2008 report for the Hoosic in Vermont – Discusses the results from benthic macroinvertebrate sampling of 8 tributary streams, 2 in the Pownal area connecting with the main Hoosic and 6 in the Bennington region connecting with the Walloomsac.
2007 Hoosic Report – Provides the results from a follow-up water quality survey in the vicinity of Hoosick Falls, New York.
Get Involved
Small lab. Big job.
You can support the monitoring program by:
- Volunteering. Training and equipment provided.
- Become a member.
- Underwriting part of the monitoring program.
Join Us!
Contact us by phone (413-458-2742) or e-mail with your questions or ideas.