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The home for VPR's coverage of health and health industry issues affecting the state of Vermont.

Online Guide Tracks Bacteria Levels Along Connecticut River And Its Tributaries

The Connecticut River.
Ric Cengeri
/
VPR File
The "Is It Clean?" webpage from the Connecticut River Conservancy highlights the results of testing done at sites along the Connecticut River and its tributaries.

Those who swim or boat on the Connecticut River and its tributaries can go online to check the water quality at their favorite spots.

The Connecticut River Conservancy’s "Is It Clean?" webpage lists results from weekly or bi-weekly testing done at nearly 200 sites in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

“We hope that the public uses it ... and uses it in a way that helps them make a decision about the place that they go — does it tend to be high bacteria? Low bacteria?" said Andrea Donlon, river steward with the conservancy.

Samples taken from the river sites are tested for E. coli bacteria.

The conservancy says as a general rule, it’s a good idea to stay out of the water for 24-to-48 hours after a heavy rain because bacteria levels often rise due to polluted runoff flowing into rivers. 

Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world. Prior to working with VPR, Steve served as program director for WNCS for 17 years, and also worked as news director for WCVR in Randolph. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Steve also worked for stations in Phoenix and Tucson before moving to Vermont in 1972. Steve has been honored multiple times with national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his VPR reporting, including a 2011 win for best documentary for his report, Afghanistan's Other War.
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