The Mystic Monitoring Network (MMN) was created in 2000 by the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) to collect high quality water quality data along the Mystic River and its tributaries. The MMN is a volunteer-based project that is made up of citizen volunteers, students, and advisors throughout the region.

The goals of the MMN are to establish a high quality baseline of water quality data for the Mystic River Watershed, identify and address water pollution problems, raise public, municipal and state agency awareness of water quality in the Mystic, and create a network of informed and active citizen advocates.

Ongoing Projects
Monthly Water Quality Monitoring: The MMN collects water quality samples once a month at ten sites throughout the Mystic River Watershed. Samples are analyzed for the following parameters: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, color, odor, total suspended solids, specific conductance, nitrates/nitrites, total phosphorus and fecal coliform.

Wet Weather Sampling: The MMN conducted two rounds of wet weather sampling to assess stormwater runoff as a source of pollution. A wet weather event is defined as 0.5 inches of rain after at least 72 hours of dry weather. Sampling locations are the same as the monthly monitoring sites allowing for comparison of wet and dry weather water quality.

Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling: The MMN will collect two rounds of benthic macroinvertebrates at two sites in the Aberjona subwatershed. Macroinvertebrates will be preserved and sorted by family and data will be analyzed to assess the overall health of the benthic community in the river

Get Involved

• Water Quality Sampling: Volunteers are needed on an on-call basis to collect samples targeting wet weather events.
• Macroinvertebrate sorting and identification: Volunteers are need to assist in the sorting and identification of benthic macroinvertebrates.
  
• We are also looking for water quality "experts" to help us review technical reports and analyze water quality data.

The 2002 report from MMN sampling is done! Download the executive summary or full report.

Learn more about watersheds, email Julie Horowitz or call 781-316-3438 to volunteer. No prior experience is necessary; training is provided.

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