Raritan Pathogens Results 6.05.25

June 6, 2025

by Danielle Bongiovanni, J.M. Meyer, and Jocelyn Palomino

Our sampling on Thursday, June 5th began the second month of the Pathogen Monitoring 2025 season. 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 5, 2025 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at two of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns 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: Edison Boat Basin (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville), South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy), and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy).

A rectangular table with five columns showing lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday June 5, 2025. The table states that Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at two of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: 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: Edison Boat Basin (Edison), Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Sayreville), 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, make sure to stay safe and wash up after any activities!

The low water level at Riverside Park reveals the eroded bank and forces the dock ramp to rest on the ground. Photo credit: Rose Lawless.
John and Ashley record data under bright skies at the Edison Boat Basin. Photo credit: Rose Lawless.
The nice weather provides a clear view of the landfill across from the Edison Boat Basin. Photo credit: Rose Lawless.
Low tide at Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park reveals bricks left over from Sayre & Fisher Brick Company Sayreville manufacturing plant, which closed in 1970. Photo credit: Rose Lawless.
An Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) left a piece of molted shell behind on the bank in South Amboy. Photo credit: Rose Lawless.
Anchored boats bob on gentle waves at Perth Amboy. Photo credit: Rose Lawless.

In Perth Amboy, the team encountered a large pile of dredged sediment, sanitary products, and feces a few paces from the Robert N. Wilentz elementary school playground. The liquid leaking from the pile flowed directly into an outflow pipe leading to Raritan Bay. NJDEP is now aware of the situation; please check our website in 1-2 weeks for further updates. Photo credit: J.M. Meyer.