By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan River. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday July 25, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at only ONE of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following: Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison), South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy) and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you are planning on recreating on the Raritan this weekend, stay safe by properly washing up after any activities!

Turbid and scummy waters at LR1- Riverside Park this Thursday morning, pathogen results showed high Enterococcus levels only for this site. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

A tremendous amount of debris washed up at the Edison boat launch, Photo Credit: Frank Dahl

SEWA volunteers have worked closely with the LRWP over the last couple weeks on the Pathogens Monitoring Team, they are becoming excellent water quality professionals! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Overcast and gloomy skies on Thursday morning, however, no precipitation was recorded 24 to 48 hours prior to monitoring. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Special thanks to our monitoring team of volunteers who joined us this week: Frank Dahl, Thulasi Nambiar, Sanil Nambiar and Nibav Velan! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan River. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

After multiple days of precipitation and thunderstorms, our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday July 18, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at FIVE of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison), and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following: South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you are planning on recreating on the Raritan this weekend, stay safe by properly washing up after any activities!

Cloudy skies and light rain over the Rutgers boat docks during our monitoring session this week, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Sanil Nambiar collected our samples for the week with our new and improved sampling stick that we use to retrieve our bottles, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Canadian geese were present at all of our monitoring sites Thursday morning, which was noted in our visual habitat assessment as it may have contributed to some of the fecal matter in our samples, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

With such heavy precipitation on Wednesday night, the stormwater runoff left trails on the sand of its path leading right into the water at LR5 and LR6, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Nibav helping Thulasi gear up before wading into our last site of the day, Perth Amboy’s 2nd. Street Park! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan River. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday July 11, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at THREE of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following: Edison Boat Basin, Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison) and the South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you are planning on recreating on the Raritan this weekend, make sure to stay safe and wash up after any activities!

Volunteers Nibav, Thulasi and Sanil collecting data from each other while on the docks at the Rutgers Boathouse, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Before heading to the next site, Sofi and Jocelyn picked-up trash that had been washed up at the Edison Boat Basin, Photo Credit: Sanil Nambiar

Plenty of boating activity at our monitoring sites along the Raritan this Thursday, please be sure to properly wash-up after all water-related activities for safety! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

While at the South Amboy Waterfront, we observed a large cargo ship out in the distance right behind the lighthouse- Sofi was able to get a pretty good view since she volunteered to wade in. Looking good out there Sofi! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

MANY THANKS to the volunteers who joined us this week: Nibav Velan, Thulasi Nambiar, Sanil Nambiar, and Sofi Grossman! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan River. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

In anticipation of the upcoming holiday this Thursday, the LRWP Pathogens Monitoring team collected samples on TUESDAY July 2, 2024. Our samples taken show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at FIVE of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick) , Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville), and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following: South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. If your plans for the 4th of July holiday include recreation on the Raritan, please keep these results in mind and be sure to clean up properly after all water-related activities.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact while recreating on the river. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

We provide this data to offer residents peace of mind when planning their weekend and summer activities on the Raritan, we hope you enjoy your Fourth of July holiday in a safe and cautious manner!!

Sanil, Shely and Art cooperating diligently at our first site of the day, LR1 Riverside Park in Piscataway. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

The vibrant colors of the American flag blowing from the winds at the Edison Boat Basin, HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

At our Sayreville site (Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park), we got a good look of the osprey nest that rests above the power line. We often see the parents hunting for their young, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Sewa volunteer Shely Dash took her turn at wading into our downstream sites, managing both the YSI and sample catching. Thank you Shely! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Very low tides at LR6 allowed the team to witness an extreme overflow of untreated sewage directly entering the water at Perth Amboy’s 2nd. Street Park. As always, please be sure to wash up after water-related activities on the Raritan, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday during the summer, from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan River. We collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory, and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday June 27, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at FIVE of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick) , Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville), and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following:, and South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you are planning on recreating on the Raritan this weekend, make sure to stay safe and wash up after any activities!

Long-time volunteer Frank Dahl showing first-time water quality volunteer Art Allgauer the ropes on conducting a visual habitat assessment at our monitoring sites, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

This year, we implemented a new role for volunteers to perform “mini clean-ups” of our sites while the rest of team collects samples and field data, it gives us an opportunity to leave our sites a little cleaner each week, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

We were also joined by our friends from Sewa International Central Jersey Chapter who were a great contribution to catching our samples for the week: Shely Dash, Thulasi Nambiar and Sanil Nambiar!

Water quality monitoring is indeed a team effort- big thanks to all our volunteers this week for coming out to do their part for the benefit of the community and environment!! Photo Credit: Frank Dahl (left) and Jocelyn Palomino (right)

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

During the summer, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan river that takes place every Thursday, from May to October. We collect water quality samples at SIX non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory, and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on June 13, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at only one of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation and include: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick) , Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison), and South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you are planning on recreating on the Raritan this weekend, make sure to stay safe and wash up after any activities!

A large flow of debris, geese poop and trash in the waters at the Rutgers Boathouse docks, Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

An osprey nest at Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park we have observed over the years, only a fraction of the abundant wildlife out on the Raritan! Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

Sofi Grossman threw the waders on for the first time in South Amboy Waterfront Park, thank you Sofi!! Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

Jocelyn Palomino and Sofi Grossman collecting data for the weekend at 2nd. Street Park with the Perth Amboy Carnival in the back, be sure to stay safe by the water! Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

During the summer, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan river that takes place every Thursday, from May to October. We collect water quality samples at SIX non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory, and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on June 6, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at 5 of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which include: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison), and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation and include: South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. Please be sure to wash thoroughly after any activities on the Raritan this weekend!

Sofi Grossman, Frank Dahl and Rose Lawless are a perfect example of how monitoring is done in teamwork at Riverside Park! Photo Credit: Heather Fenyk

Dark, cloudy skies over the Raritan on Thursday morning… Our volunteers grab the samples right of the Rutgers Dock at our second monitoring site, Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

A beautiful shot by Rose Lawless of the old coal power plant in Sayreville near our fourth monitoring location, Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

Sofi Grossman checking out the waters at our South Amboy site to take note of any recreational activities! Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

Our sixth monitoring site is at the end of 2nd Street Park in Perth Amboy, right near the combined sewer outfall. Heavy rain events can cause untreated sewer to overflow into the waters where local residents recreate, Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

During the summer, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan river that takes place every Thursday, from May to October. We collect water quality samples at SIX non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory, and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

After the rainfall experienced on Wednesday, our lab results for water quality samples taken on May 30, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at 4 of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which include: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin (Edison) and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation and include: Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison) and South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you decide to recreate on the Raritan this weekend, please do so safely and be sure to wash thoroughly after all activities!

We encounter all types of wildlife during monitoring, we always make sure to record data on which animals are present at the time of our sample collection, as it could possibly contribute to the fecal bacteria in the water. Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

Don’t forget to keep an eye-out for our stickers with a QR code that directs you to the weekly water quality results on our website! Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

Volunteers Andrew Gehman and Rose Lawless working together to collect the data on this week’s water conditions at Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park, THANK YOU!! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

From collecting samples to conducting field observations, water quality monitoring takes teamwork to successfully gather the appropriate data to better understand what our results mean. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Speaking of wildlife… we had a visitor lurking by at 2nd St. Park in Perth Amboy who was enjoying the sand! Photo Credit: Rose Lawless

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

On Thursday May 23, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County kicked-off the 2024 Summer Pathogens Monitoring Program! This volunteer-based program runs from May to October and takes place every Thursday monitoring along the Raritan River. We collect water quality samples at SIX non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory, and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. We are looking forward to sharing our data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Unfortunately, the beginning of our 2024 season was cut short due to heavy rains and lightning, and we only collected 3 of 6 samples during our first run. Lab results for water quality samples taken on May 23, 2023 show that Enterococcus bacteria levels do not exceed the EPA federal water quality standard at the three upstream sites we collected at this week. Green smiles on the chart and map indicate sites with bacteria levels below the standard safe for recreation which only includes three sites this week: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick) and Edison Boat Ramp (Edison).

Please note that two of our samples were taken prior to the rain event (Riverside Park and Rutgers Boathouse), and keep in mind that the Raritan River receives significant stormwater runoff during rain events, often contributing to pollutant loading in our waterways.

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you decide to recreate on the Raritan this Memorial Day Weekend, please do so safely and be sure to wash thoroughly after all activities!

BIG thanks to Sofi Grossman and Frank Dahl, our first volunteers of 2024! Thanks also to Interstate Environmental Commission Intern Ruby Alcorn and IEC Environmental Analyst Samantha Wilder for coming out to help kick things off! Photo credit: Maya Fenyk

Our team collecting samples and data as the rainfall started early Thursday morning. The rain couldn’t stop us, but lightning could! Photo credit: Heather Fenyk

Our Quality Assurance Protocol Plan (QAPP) requires us to conduct pre and post-calibration of the monitoring equipment to ensure that our YSI is reading parameters, like pH and salinity, as accurately as possible. We use Project Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino’s car trunk as a makeshift lab. Photo credit: Heather Fenyk