Executive Summary
Rumford River Project

Norton High School
Paula Beisheim

Land use within a watershed can negatively impact water quality. Students investigated these impacts by collecting water samples at one sample site along the Rumford River at Route 123, Norton, MA. These samples were analyzed for phosphorus and nitrogen levels, as well as temperature and dissolved oxygen. Results of these tests are as follows:

The greatest potential impacts come from run off. Most of the land around the Rumford River has been developed for residential housing. These houses have septic systems for waste disposal. The TCP golf course is also located near the Norton Reservoir. Potential sources of nitrogen come from the septic systems and fertilizers used on the golf course. Additionally, run off from three major roadways could negatively impact water quality. These roadways include Route 495, Route 140, and Route 123.

Please see the PowerPoint Presentation for details.