| Study reveals unprecedented contamination levels in Central New Jersey waterway |
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edb: Eat Drink and Be By Julian Martin April 23, 2010 A new study by a Central New Jersey water authority revealed that the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed in Pennington, N.J., which provides drinking water to hundreds of thousands of nearby residents in 26 towns, is currently facing unprecedented contamination levels. The first “State of the Watershed Report,” by the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, examined data from 42 points around the area, and found that with the exception of water near the town of Millstone, the watershed contained E. coli levels higher than allowed under state standards. Although the type of present E. coli strain is generally harmless, it can act as an indicator of more harmful bacteria. The watershed also contained high levels of phosphate and nitrate, which can cause health complications for infants younger than six months. “The report, unfortunately, identifies problems across the region,” said Jim Waltman, executive director of the watershed association, to the Allentown Examiner. “Most areas’ data do not meet state standards for a number of different factors.” Sixty percent of the pollution can be attributed to storm-water runoff, including household wastes, debris and pesticides, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The association’s findings suggest the contamination in the watershed is not due to large factories, but rather the actions of ordinary citizens, Waltman said to the Allentown Examiner. “It’s the result of people fertilizing their lawns, not cleaning up after pets, not maintaining septic systems, using a lot of phosphorous laden cleaning products,” he said. “These are all little things. So for us, this is a call to action on everyone’s part. We need to become river friendly.” In response to the report, 16 towns have agreed to a watershed association evaluation of their water conservation policies. For area residents, the association recommends several actions that could reduce contaminant levels, including directing downspouts toward gardens instead of pavement, keeping farm animals fenced away from waterways, picking up after pets and keeping septic systems properly maintained. Source: Allentown Examiner. “Central New Jersey water threatened as never before,” http://examiner.gmnews.com/news/2010-04-22/Front_Page/Central_New_Jersey_water_threatened_as_never_befor.html; 22 April 2010. |
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