Rockaway Creek Monitoring Sites

The purpose of URWA's stream monitoring program is to conserve water quality by evaluating both biological and chemical parameters of collected samples. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities are analyzed to determine species composition and relative richness which can be used as an indicator of water quality. Chemical analyses offer insight into factors that lead to impairment. In addition to degrading potable water supplies, excessive contaminants, including fecal coliform, as well as high temperatures and low oxygen content reduce the quality of aquatic habitats and recreational opportunities provided by the resource. If degradation is detected, URWA can pursue remedies to address the identified causes to restore the quality of water in the Upper Raritan Watershed.

While the northern branch of Rockaway Creek is designated as Trout Production waters, the southern branch is classified as Trout Maintenance. Water from this stream flows into the North Branch of the Raritan River, a Category I Trout Production waterway. Water from this system serves over 1 million New Jersey residents, but the quality of this resource is threatened by increasing development, non-point source pollution, and inappropriate land uses.

Merck & Co., Inc., whose property contains tributaries to Rockaway Creek, has generously supported URWA's Rockaway Creek Water Quality Monitoring Project since 1999. In addition to compiling scientifically-valid, quality assured data, which has been used by local and state officials in considering land use and water quality protection policies, URWA has established baseline data and documented trends in both biological and chemical parameters. By training volunteers to collect samples according to the EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol, we have broadened environmental awareness and fostered the development of water protection advocates. The results of the monitoring analyses are available each year as a report for local government entities, regional water supply advocates, and the public.

Click on monitoring sites below to view detailed information