Downloadable Forms «Surface Water Testing Areas
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The Farmington Valley is a popular destination for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, tubing and swimming. In a recent survey by the CT Department of Environmental Protection*, swimming in freshwater or saltwater is ranked 4th among outdoor recreational activities.
Water samples are routinely collected from public bathing areas in the District to assess sanitary water quality. Sampling usually begins after Memorial Day and continues until Labor Day.
Samples are sent to the Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory for E.Coli analyses. An advisory will be posted in this section in the event that a bathing area is closed due to elevated bacterial levels. Factors that may cause an elevated bacterial level include: fecal contamination, raw or partially treated sewage discharge, runoff from heavy rainfall, and waterfowl.
*Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreational Plan (SCORP) 2005 - 2010
Links
Farmington River Watershed Association
http://www.frwa.org/
CT Department of Public Health Recreation Program
Location Testing Map:
Click map above to view the surface water testing areas currently monitored by the District. (987kb PDF) Contact us for complete test results or further information regarding a specific bathing area.
Advisories:
There are no warnings at this time.