BRONX RIVER WATER
How healthy is
the Bronx River?
Many people often ask us how clean the water is in the Bronx River.
That's a great question and we're glad you're curious!
The answer is a little more challenging because first we have to
define what we mean by clean.
Is it clean enough to drink?
No! History tells us that the river was being considered for a drinking water source for NYC back in the early 1800s, but not long after, the river began to show effects from urbanization, from input of human wastes, and from channelizing parts of the river. In fact, the river was once described as an “open sewer.”
Is it clean enough to swim?
Not yet! But groups like the Alliance and SWIM (Stormwater Infrastructure Matters) are working with agencies, community groups, nonprofits, and other interested groups to improve water quality citywide.
Why Community Science?
Projects and programs that incorporate the general public into scientific research are part of a broader movement called Community Science. Through Community Science, participants gain scientific knowledge, learn the scientific method, and gain positive experiences in outdoor settings. In return, we get a wealth of data that can then be used to help protect the Bronx River.
Project WASTEProject Water DROP
Project WASTE
Project WASTE (Waterway And Street Trash Elimination) is our
largest community science program. Project WASTE engages
volunteers by having them participate in real science,
through hands-on experiences to address floatable trash,
one of the three major water quality issues on the Bronx
River. The information we collect helps find the source(s)
and stop trash from entering the river in the first place.
To date, we have removed over 210,000 items weighing over
7 tons from within and around the river! To learn more
about Project WASTE ».
Find out how else you can get involved on the Bronx River by visiting
our volunteer portal! Please click here »
to learn more about volunteer and stewardship opportunities!
Project Water DROP
Project Water DROP (Detecting River Outfalls and Pollutants) is our next
main community science program. Project Water DROP engages dedicated river
stewards in scientific research through water sampling and observation
recording. Water samples are collected and processed to determine the
amount of Enterococcus bacteria present, an indicator of raw sewage.
These data help us to fight against violations of the Clean Water Act
in the watershed and protect the Bronx River and its ecosystem!
To learn more about
Project Water DROP ».
Find out how else you can get involved on the Bronx River by visiting
our volunteer portal! Please click here »
to learn more about volunteer and stewardship opportunities!
CONTACT US!
Bronx River Alliance
One Bronx River ParkwayBronx, NY 10462
Christian Murphy, Ecology Coordinator
t. 718.430.4692 | e. christian.murphy@bronxriver.org
To learn more about the Bronx River Alliance
as well as how you can get involved, please click here:
www.bronxriver.org
as well as how you can get involved, please click here:
www.bronxriver.org
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Note:
If you are here for the first time, we are pleased to welcome you to the new interface.
We have prepared a manual for you that will help you use this interface better. We hope you
will enjoy using the new system.