Connecticut River Pollution: Understanding The Key Contaminants

The Connecticut River is the longest river in the New England region of the United States, flowing through four states. Despite improvements in water quality over the past few decades, the river still faces several environmental challenges. These include pollution from combined sewer overflows, direct municipal or industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff. High levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, and nutrients that contribute to cyanobacteria blooms, are a concern for recreational users and can impact the health of the river's ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of man-made dams affects the natural flow regime, fish passage, and water temperature. Climate change and outdated infrastructure also play a role in the river's health, with sewage systems in certain areas contributing to pollution.

Sewage overflows

The consequences of sewage overflows can be severe. In May 2024, following Memorial Day rainfall, a combined sewer overflow incident occurred in Holyoke, Massachusetts, resulting in six million gallons of sewage discharged into the Connecticut River. This volume of sewage can have a significant impact on the river's water quality and poses a risk to human health. It is advised that individuals avoid contact with the water within 48 hours of a sewage overflow to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses, such as stomach cramping and diarrhoea.

The issue of combined sewer overflows is not unique to Holyoke. Several communities along the Connecticut River, including Springfield, Massachusetts, have similar outdated sewage systems. Environmentalists have criticised the use of outdated federal permits, which allow storm drains to flush rainwater into pipes that can mix with raw, untreated sewage. This results in nitrogen-contaminated water being released directly into the river.

The impact of sewage overflows extends beyond the immediate area of the incident. In the case of Springfield, the nitrogen-heavy pollution flows downstream, affecting not only the Connecticut River but also Long Island Sound. This has led to the creation of "dead zones" during the summer months, where oxygen levels are insufficient to support marine life.

To address the issue of sewage overflows, significant upgrades to the sewer systems are necessary. This includes separating stormwater and sewage pipes and implementing effective treatment processes. Some communities, like Holyoke, are working on fixing this issue with a $43 million plan to separate sewage and rainwater pipes, sanitise the waste through a treatment plant, and convert it into compost manure. However, these upgrades require time and substantial financial investments, and until they are completed, sewage overflows will continue to pose a threat to the health and ecological integrity of the Connecticut River.

E. coli bacteria

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has a water quality monitoring program that provides scientific information to help people and various partners understand the health of the river. Volunteers and staff collect water samples from the Connecticut River and its tributaries during spring and summer, which are then tested for several parameters, including E. coli bacteria.

E. coli is a type of bacteria found in the guts of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, it is often tested for as it indicates the presence of other pathogens that may cause waterborne illnesses.

The Connecticut River and its tributaries are much cleaner today than they were decades ago due to the Clean Water Act, smart investments, and the efforts of conservation organizations, local and state agencies, and volunteers. However, the river is still susceptible to pollution from combined sewer overflows (CSOs), especially during and after wet weather. CSOs occur when stormwater drains and sewage drains are connected, resulting in sewage overflows into the river during heavy rains or flooding. This can lead to elevated E. coli levels, making the river unsafe for recreation.

To address this issue, the CRC provides an online tool called "Is It Clean?" that allows users to check bacteria levels at different locations along the Connecticut River. This tool helps users make informed decisions about where and when it is safe to swim or boat, reducing the risk of contracting waterborne illnesses.

By understanding and monitoring E. coli levels, the CRC, local communities, and government agencies can work together to improve the water quality of the Connecticut River and ensure the safety of those who enjoy recreational activities on and in the water.

Nitrogen-contaminated water

The impact of nitrogen-heavy pollution from sewage systems is far-reaching. Environmentalists warn that it flows downstream into Long Island Sound, contributing to the creation of "dead zones" where oxygen levels are too low to support marine life. This issue has led to disputes between Connecticut and Massachusetts, with Connecticut officials claiming that pollution from upstream in Massachusetts violates their state's water quality standards.

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has been actively addressing this issue. They collect water samples from the river and its tributaries, testing for various parameters, including nitrogen. These efforts provide vital data that helps inform advocacy, restoration, and recreation access decisions. The CRC's water quality lab plays a crucial role in processing these samples, and their "Is it Clean?" website offers users information about bacteria levels to ensure safe recreation in local waterways.

While progress has been made over the years, with the Connecticut River's water quality improving due to clean water legislation and the efforts of conservation organizations, local agencies, and volunteers, ongoing monitoring is still necessary. This is especially important given the challenges posed by outdated infrastructure and the potential for increased pollution due to climate change.

To address the issue of nitrogen-contaminated water in the Connecticut River, there have been calls for updated permits and improvements to sewage systems. However, implementing these changes can be complex and may require significant upgrades to meet updated pollution standards, particularly regarding nitrogen levels, which have become a more significant concern in recent years.

Stormwater runoff

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has been actively addressing this issue through their water quality monitoring program. Volunteers collect water samples from various locations along the river, testing for parameters such as E. coli, nitrogen, phosphorus, and microplastics. These efforts provide valuable data that helps inform advocacy, restoration, and recreation access decisions. The CRC also maintains a website, "Is it Clean?", where users can access bacteria level information to make informed decisions about their recreational activities in the river.

In addition to the CRC's efforts, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is also working to address stormwater runoff. They have formed the Connecticut River Stormwater Committee, a coalition of 19 municipalities and the University of Massachusetts, to collaborate on meeting the requirements of the federal stormwater permit (MS4 permit). Additionally, the PVPC facilitates the Connecticut River Clean-up Committee (CRCC), an inter-municipal partnership, to address the negative water quality impacts of CSOs.

While progress has been made, stormwater runoff remains a challenge. Climate change and outdated infrastructure continue to impact the river, requiring ongoing monitoring and collaborative efforts to ensure the health and safety of this valuable natural resource.

Cyanobacteria blooms

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria found in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams worldwide. While they occur naturally and often go unnoticed, excessive nutrient pollution and climate change are causing water bodies to experience more frequent and larger cyanobacteria blooms. These blooms can produce and release toxins, which can be harmful to both humans and animals.

In Connecticut, cyanobacteria blooms typically occur from mid-summer to early fall. During this time, the water may appear cloudy or thick, with a green or brown colour, and there may be a mat of algae, scum, or foaming on the water surface. While cyanobacteria do not currently pose a serious threat to the Connecticut River watershed, there have been cases of blooms, which could become more common in the future due to increasing climate extremes and agricultural nutrient runoff.

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has been monitoring cyanobacteria levels since 2022 and continues to do so in the 2024 field season. Their 2023 Cyanobacteria Monitoring Report found that 2 out of 8 lakes and ponds tested in Massachusetts had active cyanobacteria blooms. This research is ongoing, with new reporting expected in the fall of 2024.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) also plays a crucial role in monitoring cyanobacteria blooms. They regularly monitor 21 state beaches for cyanobacteria blooms during the summer months and close any beaches with confirmed blooms in consultation with the Department of Public Health. DEEP also participates in regional and national work groups to stay updated on the latest science and collaborates with the U.S. EPA Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative to track and understand cyanobacteria blooms and their relationship with toxins and pollutants.

To protect public health, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with water experiencing a bloom. If you believe you have been exposed to cyanobacteria and are experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention or contact the Connecticut Poison Control Center.

Frequently asked questions