Fifteen sites were monitored for chloride pollution in 2025, using a multiparameter meter. The primary source of chloride pollution in the watershed is road salt application, yet chloride can infiltrate groundwater and appear in waterbodies during drought. Chloride was higher at all sites for both yearly average and maximums. While higher, not all sites were “impaired” for chloride. The Farmington River had higher averages and maximums than previous years with most locations faring well, but in Windsor chloride increased to 180 mg/L, which is of concern. Windsor locations with yearly averages higher than 230 mg/l included Rainbow Brook, Seymour Hollow Brook, and Mill Brook. While averages for chloride do not determine if conditions are sufficient for aquatic life, they give insight into which locations are priorities for potential remediation.
2025 Education, Research & Stewardship Projects
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Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic 