By Endurance Laryea, LRWP Summer Research Intern and J.M. Meyer.
The final pathogen monitoring session of the month took place on Thursday, July 30th. Each week 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. 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 30th, 2026, show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at four of our regular monitoring sites this week. The problem sites are indicated by the red frown on the map and chart and include Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville).
This was the worst result since May 21st, and the high failure rate is largely attributable to the rainfall we received in the previous 24 hours.
Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation and include the following: 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy), and South Amboy Waterfront Park.
We tested just after high tide on Thursday; if not for the tidal flush of Raritan Bay, Perth Amboy would have also likely failed to meet the EPA standard for safe primary contact.
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway has been our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream. On July 30thj, we sampled the canal at Five Mile Lock, Easton Avenue, a third time since we started pathogens monitoring this season. The lab analysis produced 50 enterococci cfu per 100mL which passes the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL. Again, this site passed the test, as it has every week that we’ve tested it.
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!
The lines of sediment across this Piscataway pier reached about 55 inches above the floor of the river bed, underscoring the dynamic power of watersheds during rainstorms. Last week, the river at this spot was only 8 inches deep, and it was only 19 inches deep at the time of testing. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
Ashley and Paula record data from the sonde at high tide at Rutgers Boat House, New Brunswick. — Photo by Olyesa Nabokova.
For the second year in a row, South Amboy grandfather brought his grandson to South Amboy specifically to learn from our water monitoring team.– Photo by Olyesa Nabokova.
We collected eight gallons of trash off the beach in Perth Amboy. Much of the material, unfortunately, was sanitary products flushed from the sewage. We also found a diaper tucked among the rocks. Perth Amboy: don’t be like that. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
This small honey locust shrub could grow into a good sized tree after just a couple of years if human left it alone.
Mike and Olyesa clean trash from the drift wood and mud lodged into the upstream side of Edison Boat Basin.
By Endurance Laryea, LRWP Summer Research Intern and J.M. Meyer.
The third pathogen monitoring session of the month took place on Thursday, July 16th. Each week 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. 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 16th, 2026, show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at two of our regular monitoring sites this week. The problem sites are indicated by the red frown on the map and chart and include Riverside Park (Piscataway), and Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation and include the following: 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy), and South Amboy Waterfront Park.
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway has been our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream. On July 16th, we sampled the Queen’s Bridge, Bound Brook site a third time since we started pathogens monitoring this season. The lab analysis produced 220 enterococci cfu per 100mL which crashes into the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL. Again, this site failed the test, as it has every week that we’ve tested it. In contrast, the D&R canal has passed all six of its tests.
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!
Nilesh, one of our key Sewa International volunteers at last year’s Green Brook project, is working with Olyessa and other team members to plan a riparian restoration effort in Piscataway! In the above photo, Nilesh receives feedback on his proposal from Mike and Ruby.
In this photo, Mike is cleaning litter out of a backwater pool, an important part of the Riparian Zone. This backwater is particularly interesting because it is situated beneath a bridge.
Have you ever noticed reddish, slimy water seeping out of the shale layers in western Middlesex County? You might have seen iron-rich bacteria! These tiny creatures are microorganisms that get energy by oxidizing dissolved ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) into ferric iron (Fe³⁺), which creates rust-like, reddish-brown, slimy deposits in water and soil. These bacteria are common in iron-rich groundwater, streams, and wells, and while generally not harmful to humans, they can cause foul odors, staining, and pipe blockages. Ancient peoples used these invisible critters to gather iron which could then be processed into a crude iron ore.
Mike, Eddy, and John installed new guards around the recovering honey locust trees.Photos by Endurance Laryea.
Thanks to the wonderful folks at New Brunswick Parks, we met with the lead steward of Boyd Park, Eddy, to discuss strategies for growing more shade trees in New Brunswick. Boyd Park is a huge tract of land separated from New Brunswick by state route 18; despite limited walking paths between New Brunswick and Boyd Park, the city currently struggles to maintain the park with extremely limited resources. The LRWP is currently lobbying the D&R canal to stretch an additional three miles to encompass the historic downstream Raritan lock. This would enable the D&R State Park, one of New Jersey’s greatest treasures, to reach our diverse, community-oriented citizens in eastern New Brunswick.
In the above photo from Mike Orsini, we can see the thick blanket of wildfire smog that smothered much of the mid-Atlantic this week. Breathing in fine particulate matter is associated with a myriad of health problems, including dementia. Please consider breaking out those pandemic-era n95 masks before going outdoors.
As the summer progresses, it is not unusual for chlorophyll counts to explode and for oxygen levels to drop. In Middlesex County, it is still common practice to fertilize parks and gardens, even in the riparian zone. By this time in the summer, the fertilizer has washed into the Raritan and out into Raritan Bay, where it feeds numerous aquatic plants; when those plants die, the bacteria that feed on the dead plants rapidly consume much of the oxygen in the water. The state’s ariel monitoring of Raritan Bay shows increasing evidence of chlorophyll.
Remote sensing map of Raritan Bay from NJDEP on July 15th, 2026, the day prior to our water monitoring. The red color indicated an estimated level of chlorophyll greater than 50 micrograms per centimeter — that is extremely high!
Remote sensing of Raritan Bay on July 16th, 2026 — the day of our sampling.
At the time of sampling, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were below average at all of our sites except Perth Amboy. Dissolved oxygen is important for aquatic life. The lower the DO level the more stressful it is for fishes. On the other hand, higher DO levels support spawning, growth and activity of the fishes.
All the sites visited this week, except Perth Amboy, experienced low levels of oxygen in the ‘stressful’ range according to the EPA. If the oxygen levels do not increase in the next 48 to 72 hours, we may see our first fish die off of the season.
It is important to note that dissolved oxygen levels change throughout the day and waterbody, hence, the values we took at the time of sampling may not reflect the overall levels of the water at the sites.
Algal bloom and duckweed growth sighted on the tidal flats of Piscataway. An indication of low oxygen levels and possible high phosphorous levels.Photo by Endurance Laryea.
Did you know that goslings can grow as big as the parent geese in 8-12 weeks? We can no longer tell the difference between the goslings we saw when we started monitoring this season. Photo by Endurance Laryea.
Ashley holds up a Eurasian Watermilfoil plant, an invasive species in large parts of the United States but native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. Photo by Endurance Laryea.
Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem but can reproduce very quickly and out compete native organisms. The issue with this is that it erases the biodiversity in the ecosystem. Why is biodiversity important? In simple terms, different species in the ecosystem play different and important roles. If all other species were wiped out by one species, the system becomes imbalanced, and the equilibrium that holds the ecosystem together may crash. Though non-native plants may play a similar role in an ecosystem to native plants, they may
Mike was impressed with the neatness of this campfire ring under Queens Bridge! Photo by Endurance Laryea.
Melting hearts is what they do: Meet Bow and Junior, brothers who captured the hearts of the team at Edison. Photo by Endurance Laryea.
Baby ospreys at Sayreville confirmed! We couldn’t tell how many though. Photo by Endurance Laryea.
South Amboy is always giving us souvenirs. Today’s was a shell of an oyster, maybe? Photo by Endurance Laryea.
Last but not least, geese were sighted for the first time at Perth Amboy. Photo by Endurance Laryea.
The geese understand the importance of water monitoring, so they politely made way for our team. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
The session came to an end on a happy note and Ruby, from the Interstate of Environmental Commission (IEC) picked up the samples to take to the lab in Brooklyn. Ruby joined the team today to audit the sampling and monitoring session. Photo by Endurance Laryea.
The first pathogen monitoring session of the month took place on Thursday, July 1st. Each week 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. 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 1st, 2026 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at one of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart: Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Edison Boat Basin (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville), Raritan Bay Waterfront Park (South Amboy), 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). For South Amboy, we were unable to analyze enough fluid to complete the membrane filtration process required to measure Colony Forming Units. We have therefore marked that site with an asterisk. Statistical analysis of the sample produced a ‘Most Probable Number’ of 63 enterococci per 100 mL, and we were unable to assess fecal coliform.
Typically, whenever Rutgers Boathouse fails the pathogens test, we see the upstream site (Riverside Park) fail too. This makes the July 1st results somewhat surprising! Our team did notice that on July 1st there was an unusual amount of bird waste on the dock at Rutgers Boathouse, and this may have contributed to the site’s failure.
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway is our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream, as well as in the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal. On July 1st, we sampled Five Mile Lock in Somerset County, which is in the canal just across from Riverside Park. The lab analysis produced an estimate of 58 enterococci ‘colony forming units’ per 100 mL, and 60 fecal. We find it interesting that all of our canal sites have had less entero and fecal than the adjacent river. The waters in the canal appear relatively stagnant and we expected worse results than we see.
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!
By Endurance Laryea, LRWP Summer Research Intern and J.M. Meyer.
The last pathogen monitoring session of the month took place on Thursday, June 25th. Each week 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. 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 25th, 2026, show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL atone of our monitoring sites this week. The problem site is indicated by the red frown on the map and chart: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville). Rutgers. Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation and include the following: 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy), and South Amboy Waterfront Park.
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway has been our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream. On June 25th, we sampled the Lock site a second time since we started pathogens monitoring this season. The lab analysis produced 80 enterococci cfu per 100mL which flies beneath the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL. Once again, the D&R Canal has proved cleaner than the site at Riverside Park, Piscataway.
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!
The first pathogen monitoring session of the month took place on Thursday, June 4th. Each week 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. 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 4th, 2026 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at one of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart: 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 (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville), Raritan Bay Waterfront Park (South Amboy), 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). For South Amboy, we were unable to analyze enough fluid to complete the membrane filtration process required to measure Colony Forming Units. We have therefore marked that site with an asterisk. Statistical analysis of the sample produced a ‘Most Probable Number’ of 63 enterococci per 100 mL, and we were unable to assess fecal coliform.
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway is our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream, as well as in the Raritan-Delaware Canal. On June 4th, we sampled Five Mile Lock in Somerset County, which is in the canal just across from Riverside Park. The lab analysis produced an estimate of 60 enterococci ‘colony forming units’ per 100 mL, and 6 fecal. We find it interesting that our first two canal sites have had less entero and fecal than the adjacent river. The waters in the canal appear relatively stagnant and we expected worse results than we see. The pH level of the canal read as 8.35, so perhaps the canal receives some kind of chemical treatment? We know that the canal is treated with the acidic herbicide fluridone, but that would not explain the high pH level on its own.
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!
Did you know that geese chasing is a job?! The Geese Chasers are hired by municipalities across the world to ward off geese. Their colleagues include a pack of border collies. The border collie in this car stayed in the vehicle because 1) its gosling season and they are not allowed to chase goslings, and 2) the geese ran off as soon as the vehicle appeared. We spotted this interesting event at Riverside Park, Piscataway. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
Heather and Rose prowl for trash along the banks of Riverside Park. In the foreground you can see a flag left by a chemical company. Typically, chemical treatment companies use a mix of broad leaf herbicide and fertilizer for grasses. We continue to advocate for Piscataway to establish a ‘no mow’ zone along the banks of the Raritan. A ‘no mow’ zone would help filter the runoff, discourage the geese, provide habitat for pollinators … and help prevent herbicide and fertilizer from spilling into the Raritan River. — Photo by J. M. Meyer.
A dead striped bass, stripped to the fins, floats in the water at Edison Boat Basin. A bait fish (commonly called ‘bunker’) protrudes from its gut. A local fisherman explained to our volunteers that this particular fish looked ‘oversize’, which means it exceeds the 31″ permitted by law. A common tactic to avoid enforcement is to immediately filet the fish, keep the meat, and toss the remainder into the water. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
In Sayreville we met Denise. Denise is an animal advocate who traps, neuters, and returns stray cats. This helps control the population of stray cats, and protects the avian population. If you know of any strays in Sayreville, you are welcome to contact Denise via the card pictured above. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
By the end of last season, we had persuaded the sewage management team in Perth Amboy to use tarps to cover their catch of baby wipes, clay, and feces to prevent the smell from reaching the nearby beach and schoolyard. Unfortunately, they have buried the tarps under more sewage, and the smell is back in full force.
In the background you can see children on the playground at Robert M. Wilentz elementary, directly downwind of several tons of sewage and sediment. — J.M. Meyer.
The second pathogen monitoring session of the season took place on Thursday, May 28th. Each week 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. 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, May 28th, 2026 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at one of our monitoring sites this week. The problem site is indicated by the red frown on the map and chart: 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 (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville)2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy).
Interestingly, while the presence of fecal coliform indicates the presence of fecal matter, it is not considered to be a good predictor of disease causing bacteria. Thus, our sites in New Brunswick, South Amboy, and Perth Amboy all received green smiley faces even though our samples had thousands of fecal colony forming units…
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway is our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream. On May 28th, we sampled the Raritan Canal, Lock 11 in South Bound Brook. The lab analysis produced an estimate of 41 enterococci per 100 mL. That’s good news for folks who fish or paddle in the canal!
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!
The ebbing tide leaves Eastern mud snails (Ilyanassa obsoleta) and baby wipes on the beach at Perth Amboy. Perth Amboy is believed to have the only remaining combined sewer outfalls in Middlesex County. During dry weather, their sewage gets pumped across the river to the Middlesex Sewage Authority’s sophisticated modern plant. During wet weather, the pumps get overwhelmed and the sewage gets discharged into Raritan Bay. Ergo the numerous baby wipes on the beach.
May is a wonderful time to spot horseshoe crabs along the shore. As this carcass attests, not all horseshoe crabs survive mating season, as they sometimes die of exhaustion and stranding. The shell of this large horse shoe crab stands sentinel as our volunteers (Art, Sofi, Paula, Endurance) gather the sample and record the data.
This summer, we have asked some of our pathogen monitoring volunteers and interns to share their story of encountering the Raritan River during out sampling sessions. Our first contributor is Rutgers student Endurance Laryea.
May 28th, 2026.
Today was a lovely, clear, and sunny day. It was about 65°C when we started calibrating the measuring probe used to collect data. Calibration started around 7:30 AM and was done by 8:00 AM.
By 8:00 AM, all participating volunteers had arrived, and we began sampling the water at our first site. Riverside Park was calm and beautiful. Some parent geese guided their goslings across the playground and the parking lot close to us, and we were surprised that they didn’t hiss at us.
Canada goslings march past. — Photo by J. M. Meyer.
We also noticed a disturbance in the middle of the river — Art told us it was two carp rushing through the water together.
Sofi and Paula record data from the YSI sonde. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
This site does not have a dock that extends very far into the current, so whoever is taking the sample must put on waders and a pair of gloves to get into the water. The person with the measuring probe in the water reads out the values of temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen saturation, etc., while another records the values. As I stepped into the river to collect a sample and take measurements, my colleagues noticed a carp swim around my leg, and it moved too fast for anyone to get a picture. It was a nice start to our day.
While preparing to take a sample the river, I look for the carp swimming past me. — Photo by J.M. Meyer.
The next site was the canal at South Bound Brook. The first thing you notice when you get there is the loud noise of the water rushing through small outlets and falling steeply into a lower canal–it sounds exactly like a natural waterfall. The speed of the water is also faster compared to the previous site; hence, it is very dangerous to get into the water! We collected the sample by dipping a sampling rod into the canal along with the measuring probe.
The third site was at the Rutgers Boat House in New Brunswick. There Dr. John thought he spotted two bald eagles on the other side of the river across from the dock. One of the volunteers used his binoculars to verify and lo and behold, two bald eagles! Unfortunately, they were so far away that we could not take clear pictures of them.
At Edison Boat Launch, groups of men were gathered under a pavilion at the bank conversing, a couple of them in their cars, and two men with their line and hook in the river as they sat at the dock to wait for their catch. We had not observed any human interactions with the river at the previous sites, so this was a lovely sight for me. I was happy to see people relax and enjoy the river, and I was reminded of the reason this pathogen monitoring program is so important. Our goal to monitor the conditions of the lower Raritan is to preserve it for the organisms whose habitat is the river and ensure that it is safe enough for individuals such as these men to enjoy.
Our next site at Sayreville also a couple of men and kayaks at the dock. My view of the water was beautiful and wide, and I wondered how freeing it would feel to be on the water. At this site, the three-hour mark for pH calibration on our probe had been met so, we recalibrated it and went on to take our samples and measurements. At the parking lot, a huge osprey nest has been built on an electricity pole, and I learnt that it had been there for a long while. Ospreys are fish-only eating birds, known for their notorious habit of building nests on poles.
The next site, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy made me feel as though I was at the seashore. But I must emphasize that there are many rocks at the bank. It is the site closest to the sea, and our salinity measurement for this site is testament to that fact. It also has the highest tides of all the sites. Once again, one of the volunteers got to put on the wader and get into the water for the sample and measurements. At the bank of the river we discovered a mysterious looking animal part; Art later told us that Jenna from Save Coastal Wildlife believed it was the gills of a striped bass. She explained that fishermen may have discarded the heads and guts on the beach.
Photo (and hand) by Art Allgauer.
We made our final stop at 2nd Street Park, Perth Amboy. This side of the river also has beachy vibes to it because of how wide it is and its salinity, but the tides are lower than they are at the South Amboy site. The same sampling method as the previous site was used here. I was told by one of the volunteers that they had encountered schoolchildren from a school nearby exploring this site with their teachers in the past. The team got to share information about their work, and the children were genuinely happy to learn about it.
By the time we finished our work at about 11:48 am, the sun was fully out, and it was about 78°F. We dried our waders and recalibrated the measuring probe. It was an exciting day out, and it was heartwarming to be able to communicate so easily with volunteers I barely knew prior to today.
The first pathogen monitoring session of the season took place on Thursday, May 21st. Each week 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. 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, May 21st, 2026 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at four of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, and include the following: 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). For South Amboy, we were unable to analyze enough fluid to complete the membrane filtration process required to measure Colony Forming Units. We have therefore marked that site with an asterisk. Statistical analysis of the sample produced a ‘Most Probable Number’ of 97 enterococci per 100 mL. If this estimate is correct, it would place South Amboy right at the border of acceptable levels of bacteria, so please proceed with caution.
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, pet waste, wildlife waste, and runoff from manure storage areas.
Rainy weather, such as the Thunderstorm we saw on Wednesday evening, often flushes fecal matter into our waterways, and so it is not surprising that so many of our sites failed to meet the safe standard for primary contact.
In order to better understand why Riverside Park, Piscataway is our worst performing site over the past six years, we have started sampling further upstream. On May 21st, we sampled the Queen’s Bridge in Bound Brook. The lab analysis produced an estimate of 2,909 enterococci per 100 mL.
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!
Before sampling begins, Christina calibrates the sonde. Photo credit: — J. Meyer.
Once calibrated, the sonde provides a rich array of data about each our sites. This week, we noticed unusually low levels of oxygen at Riverside Park. — Photo credit: J. Meyer.
A fisherman bags a large American eel at the Edison Boat Basin. Eels are an important part of the diet in many cultures, but they are also extremely vulnerable to environmental degradation and climate change. Photo credit: — J. Meyer.
Despite the rain, Susana and Olesia continued to record crucial data in South Amboy.
Paula grips the sonde in the chilly waters off South Amboy Waterfront Park.
This past Monday, the Interstate Environmental Commission joined us to train our volunteers. We learned how to collect samples and data with safety and scientific rigor.
Having completed this training, our volunteers will be able to sign-up to help with sample collection, sample preparation, analysis of findings, and science communication. Thank you to all our volunteers, and to the Interstate Environmental Commission!
The Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, working in partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County and the Interstate Environmental Commission, will add four new monitoring sites for intermittent water quality monitoring starting May 2026 (register now to join us for monitoring training on May 18). These sites include the non-bathing public access Queens Bridge Recreational Access/Kayak Launch site along the Raritan River in Bound Brook, and three sampling stations along the Delaware & Raritan Canal.
By adding these sites we aim to better understand why, year after year, presence of enterococcus and fecal contamination is highest at our current most upstream monitoring location: Piscataway’s Riverside Park. In including sites further upstream of Riverside Park we hope to be able to pinpoint the source(s) of contamination and identify specific sanitary sewage infrastructure for repair.
By sampling from the Delaware & Raritan Canal, we will begin to improve our understanding of how water quality results differ based on the “bathtub” like conditions of the canal vs. the moving riverine flows of the Raritan. 2026 sampling at these D&R Canal sites will serve as a baseline for future testing for presence of Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS), which occur more often in still, stagnant or slow-moving water bodies like lakes, ponds, and canals.
Filamentous Mat Algae on the Raritan River, 2011 – photo by John Jengo
1. The Queens Bridge Recreational Access/Kayak Launch site.
There are three big steps in our process. First, we collect a sample of the water to send back to the lab at the Interstate Environmental Commission. The sample must be kept in an ice chest to keep it cool until it can be analyzed by technicians back at the lab. Second, we use a device called a sonde to collect data on pH, temperature, oxygen levels, sediment, chlorophyl, salinity, and more. Third, we also conduct a quick habitat assessment, and then pick up any litter we see.
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.
The sonde disappears into the Raritan River at our site in Riverside Park, Piscataway. Photo credit: J.M. Meyer.
