Watershed Management and Bacteria Reduction Investigation

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HydroAnalysis worked with the Town of Rye to mitigate bacterial pollution of Parsons Creek, a coastal river in southern New Hampshire. Septic systems have been identified by numerous studies as a likely major contributor of bacteria to the Creek. We reviewed past water quality studies and water quality management efforts in the watershed, interviewed town and NH DES personnel, and reviewed the existing town building code to provide recommendations for changes to the building code to protect Parsons Creek from pollutants originating from septic systems. HydroAnalysis presented these findings to the town’s Board of Selectmen and provided recommendations in a report to the town.

HydroAnalysis staff has previously worked for the Town of Rye as well as with dozens of municipalities throughout the U.S. to address bacterial impairments to water bodies and to assess and satisfy permit regulations. In many of these communities, these projects involved working directly with town planners, public works directors, and town managers to determine the best plan for improving their water quality. These efforts have led to the successful discovery and remediation of multiple hotspots of bacterial contamination.