Upper Farmington River 2021 E.coli levels

The Upper Farmington River is designated as Wild & Scenic. Sampling is done by the FRWA and taken to the MCD (Metropolitan District Commission) Lab at the Water Treatment Facility in Bloomfield for analysis.

Postings of the E.coli levels will let you know more about the status of the river. The numbers in the chart below indicate a sample. Remember a sample is just that, a sample. At the end of the year the FRWA can calculate a geometric mean. Right now you can see how the numbers change depending on factors such as heavy rain increasing pollutant runoff, etc. Click here to see FRWA’s Water Quality Map and for photos of the sites.

E. coli is not considered safe in drinking water at any levels; however the current standards for recreational use levels of E.coli are posted by the CT DEEP as follows. There are no “designated swimming” areas in the Lower Farmington River. Use this as a guide for understanding the numbers in the chart below.