Bringing life back to the Mystic's waters

Massachusetts has many spectacular rivers, from the Connecticut to the Charles. Unfortunately, over two thirds of its waterways are too polluted for basic uses like fishing or swimming.

"Massachusetts ranks second in having the worst water quality in the United States," said Harlow-Nash, the organizer for Water Watch at Tufts. "It is upon us to do something about it."

Harlow-Nash believes that the water of the Mystic River inhibits the creation of new life. "In fact, to use anything derived from the river is advised against," he said. "It is unfortunate that the river cannot be used by the community which it belongs to."

Harlow-Nash, who is supported by AmeriCorps - a federal domestic volunteer group. Harlow-Nash's project is supported by a group of eight Tuft student interns and a variety of other student volunteers.

Water Watch has three major programs: addressing water quality problems and the need for river clean-ups, conducting stream monitoring, and providing environmental education.

The group also seeks to encourage community members, from fourth graders to college students, to volunteer and see the difference one person can make in the environment.

"The goal is to make the river water 'swimmable' and 'fishable' by 2010," Harlow said, betraying his optimism that the river problem is treatable. "But it's upon the volunteers to reach that goal."

Source: EPA