January 19, 2017 - New Jersey · PowerPoint Presentation Author: Angela Gorczyca Created Date:...
Transcript of January 19, 2017 - New Jersey · PowerPoint Presentation Author: Angela Gorczyca Created Date:...
January 19, 2017
www.raritanheadwaters.org
Our Watershed 470 square miles: 43% of the Raritan Basin
located in 3 Counties: Hunterdon, Somerset & Morris: 3 of 7 Highlands Counties
includes all or parts of 39 municipalities
home to nearly 250,000 people
contains large areas of undeveloped, environmentally significant land
provides drinking water to more than 1.5 million citizens beyond the region into NJ’s urban areas
part of the Highlands Water Supply, which serves more than half NJ’s population
As headwater streams, water should be pristine
www.raritanheadwaters.org
Our Mission“Raritan Headwaters is on a mission to protect
clean water in the north and south branch region of the Raritan River through science, education, advocacy, land preservation, and
stewardship.”
www.raritanheadwaters.org
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program
www.raritanheadwaters.org
Purpose for Stream Monitoring
Screen for impaired water bodies
Identify the source and severity of the problem
Detect trends in water quality over time
www.raritanheadwaters.org
Water Quality Rankings in 2016
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
No Data
www.raritanheadwaters.org
Water Quality Summary
Changes between 2015-16
# of sites
Remained Full Attainment 26 (42%)
Remained Non-Attainment 12 (19%)
Improved 7 (11%)
Declined 11 (18%)
New 5 (8%)
No Data 1 (2%)
Fair, 39%
Good, 48%
Excellent, 10%
Poor, 2%
No Data, 2%
www.raritanheadwaters.org
What if a stream is found to be impaired?
Educating the landowners
Advocating to local municipalities
Stewardship
If two years of data show continued impairment or degradation…
Chemical Testing
Nitrates
Phosphates
pH
Dissolved Oxygen
Turbidity
Conductivity
QUESTIONS?
Kristi MacDonaldScience [email protected](908) 234-1852 x322
Angela Gorczyca Surface Water Specialist [email protected] (908) 234-1852 x315