Bacteria in the Winooski River

            In the 2008 Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat Assessment Report on the Winooski River Watershed, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources illustrates a fine description of the Winooski River, its vast array of uses and values, the significant natural communities which inhabit the river, and an informational water quality assessment.

            With the source of the River located in the northeast corner of Washington County in Cabot, Vermont, the Winooski River's drainage area encompasses approximately 1,080 square miles- making up about 11.9% of the state of Vermont. Part of that 11.9% is in the Winooski's seven important tributaries and accounts for diverse land use and land cover of the Winooski River Watershed. The diverse land use and cover account for the plethora of activities, uses, and values many Vermont residents experience with regards to the Winooski River itself. A study on Waterfalls, Cascades, and gorges of Vermont, particularly in the Winooski River and its tributaries, depicts such natural sites as a "local importance," (VANR 2008) where swimming, boating, fishing, and leisure activities take place around the area. A closer look at each heading details the specifics of each activity: from water temperature to important fish populations, to potential boatable "quickwater streams," (VANR 2008).

            While the various activities taking place on and in the Winooski River may seem ideal, recent studies by biologist Steve Fiske reveal a not-so-ideal situation. Fiske, in collaboration with the Friends of the Winooski River and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation completed water quality monitoring in the Upper Winooski River Headwaters with a particular focus on bacteria.

           In 2007 and 2008, a fecal coliform bacteria survey along the main stem of the Winooski River revealed that the bacteria level "exceeded the Vermont and sometimes the Federal EPA water quality standards on all sites" except the Upper Cabot area (Fiske 2010). New samples were taken in 2010 and revealed excess bacteria yet again. Authors were able to identify the loading of bacteria may be coming from Jugg Brook, the Ceramery Street in Marshfield Vermont, or from Plainfield village based on main stem sampling sites. In order to examine how the operation of the Winooski River Hydro Facility during generation flows affect the bacteria levels of the River, another sample was collected. Immediately after the hydro station began generation, the bacteria levels "doubled during hydro generation flows at RM 83.6," (Fiske 2010). The most likely reason for increased bacteria is the re-suspension of sediments from the river bed. This sample depicts one of the negative effects of dams and their role in river health. Fiske did not identify a possible solution to the re-suspension of riverbed sediments and organic matter. I personally, am not sure what a possible solution to this dam problem might be (no pun intended). Because bacteria may increase the risk of gastrointestinal health problems, the high amounts of bacteria discourage and decrease river swimming and fishing.

        However, because canoeing, kayaking, and boating don't involve prolonged exposure to bacteria-ridden river water, the presence of those activities may increase. Though Fiske identified potential sources of bacteria pollution, his study failed to provide an accurate identification or potential solutions to the excess bacteria. The presence of excess bacteria in the Winooski River not only reduces the recreational opportunities, but also has significant impacts on the organisms which live in and rely on the River. Because bacteria consume oxygen, it can lower the dissolved oxygen levels. Low dissolved oxygen can decrease fish populations, decrease the presence and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, decrease riverbed vegetation, and generally decrease the overall health of the Winooski River.

            In order to protect and restore the Winooski River, we must be aware of the striking data and its impacts on our health, our lifestyles, the ecosystem, and the health of the planet. To begin doing this, we must analyze data brought to our attention by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and by Fiske, find potential solutions, and implement realistic change based on science.

Resources:

Fiske, S. (2010). Water quality monitoring in the upper winooski river headwaters 2010. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. (2008). Winooski river watershed water quality and aquatic habitat assessment report. 03-13.

A Vermonter fishing in hopefully bacteria-free waters of the Winooski River.