Recognize Our Impacts
The Niantic River does not currently meet state water quality standards because of observed degradation of aquatic life. There are two active shellfish beds in the Niantic River. The upper bed remains open year round, while the lower bed is closed during boating season. Following one inch of rainfall, the Sate of Connecticut, Department of Aquaculture, is required to close both of the shellfish beds, regardless of the time of year. Rain carries bacteria into the river where it is filtered by shellfish rendering them unsafe for consumption. Normally it would take 14 to 28 days for shellfish to cleanse themselves (depurate) so that potentially harmful bacteria are no longer a concern (until the next 1″ rainstorm).
The 303(d) List of Impaired Waters states that the water quality of the Niantic River is not supporting aquatic life known to inhabit the estuary. Symptoms of this condition include algal blooms, seasonal variations in eelgrass populations, loss of scallop populations, and changes to fish communities. The cause of impairment is not completely understood; however, there is a building body of scientific evidence that states the river is overloaded with nutrients, primarily nitrogen. Nitrogen enriches the brackish Niantic River water, like fertilizer on a lawn, increasing algal and plant growth. Like bacteria, nutrients flow to the river with stormwater and are considered a problem of non-point source pollution.
Without the continued maintenance of existing water quality conditions, or attempts to reduce non-point source inputs, the health of the Niantic River ecosystem will deteriorate further. To view the list of potential sources of non-point source pollution, its characteristics, and its impacts click here.