Site ID: CH02
Branchburg Twp, Hunterdon County
Stream Category: FW2-NT (Category 2, Non-trout waters)
Site monitors Chambers Brook subwatershed (HUC: 02030105070020)
What is being monitored at this site?
Each June, Raritan Headwaters scientists and volunteers visit 72 stream sites in the North and South Branch Raritan Watershed Region (WMA8) of New Jersey to collect data on the health of our streams. Data collected includes a sample of benthic macroinvertebrates (used to calculate the High Gradient Macroinvertebrate Index;HGMI score), an assessment of the habitat in and around the stream, and chemical conditions in the water. Chemical parameters include dissolved oxygen, phosphate, chloride, specific conductance, nitrate, turbidity, pH, and temperature. The HGMI is used by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to determine if the site is meeting state and national water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. Click here to learn more about our stream monitoring program and water quality reports.
Select a parameter below to view annual data. Hover over the chart to get more information.
The HGMI at CH02 was found to be fair in 2019, which means it was biologically impaired. Though CH02 was not impaired based on the HGMI in 2018, it has been every year prior, so it is part of our quarterly chemical monitoring program so that we can begin to identify and address the causes of impairment. This site is located within a developed section of our watershed, which means that run off from impervious surfaces, such as roads, as well as lack of riparian buffers are negatively impacting the water quality of this stream. The biggest issue biologically for this site is habitat; the stream banks are heavily eroded. Increases in green infrastructure and riparian buffers can help to improve the water and habitat quality of this stream.
Many people take clean water for granted, but we know it takes vigilance and hard work to protect the water in our rivers, streams and homes.
And we can’t do it alone. We need your help to ensure that everyone within our reach has access to safe, clean water that is swimmable, fishable and, above all, drinkable.
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