Raritan Bay Waters to be Monitored for Pathogens

March 22, 2016

Great news for our waterways! NY/NJ Baykeeper has been awarded a New York New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program grant to monitor Raritan Bay waters for pathogens this summer! Project partners include the Bayshore Regional Watershed Council, Raritan Riverkeeper, and Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership.

Volunteers will collect water samples and test for pathogen indicators at several pre-selected sites along the shores of Raritan Bay, from Perth Amboy to the Highlands – the entire New Jersey Bayshore!

Pathogens are microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, or viruses commonly found in raw sewage discharged in our waters. You may not be surprised that people can become sick if they come into direct contact with pathogens.

Thus, this project will provide communities the opportunity to gather credible data, on the health of our waterways. The data could then assist government agencies make decisions about water quality improvements, habitat restoration, and recreational use.

In the upcoming weeks we'll be planning our sample sites and recruiting volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering contact Meredith at [email protected]‪. A volunteer training will be provided in May.

Meredith Comi

Restoration Program Director