WRWA 2025 Water Quality Monitoring Underway

Since the 1990s, WRWA has been testing the Westport River for fecal coliform bacteria—an important indicator of water quality. These bacteria aren’t harmful to the river’s ecosystem, but they can pose health risks to people, especially when swimming, boating, or shellfishing in contaminated water.

Our monitoring helps determine whether the water meets standards for safe recreational use. Elevated bacteria levels often point to pollution from sources like human wastewater or animal waste. While WRWA’s program is research-focused and not regulatory, our data—certified by the Massachusetts DEP since 2001—provides valuable insight into the health of the river.

Weekly monitoring results for the Westport River are available on our website:

https://westportwatershed.org/river-info/river-monitoring

For official water quality reports on public beaches across the Commonwealth, visit the state’s website:

https://www.mass.gov/beach-water-quality

Photo Contest for WRWA's 2026 Calendar

We are now accepting entries for our annual photo contest for the 2026 calendar! We are seeking landscape and nature photographs that showcase the unique beauty and diversity of the Westport River watershed—whether it’s the river, streams, wildlife, or plant life. Photos from all seasons are welcome, with a limit of five submissions per person.

To enter, please email your photos to Roberta - water@wrwa.com. with the subject - 26 Calendar.

Photos must be submitted as JPG files and meet the following criteria to be considered for inclusion in the calendar:

• Minimum dimensions: 10 x 8 inches (3000 x 2400 pixels)
• Resolution: 300 dpi or higher
• File size: At least 1MB
• Landscape orientation is preferred
• The submission deadline is July 1, 2025.

Each image should be titled, and the image file name should match the title. Please also include the photographer’s name so proper credit can be given in the calendar. A full list of image requirements can be found on our website: https://www.westportwatershed.org/post/photo-contest-for-wrwa-calendar.

By submitting images, photographers grant WRWA permission to use them in efforts to inspire appreciation and celebration of Westport’s beautiful estuary.

WRWA greatly values the talent and generosity of local photographers who contribute each year to our popular calendar, which also includes tide charts for the entire year. WRWA members will vote for their favorite images. A slideshow of all submissions will be posted in late July, and winners will be announced in August.