CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <link rel="pingback" href="https://norwalkriver.org/xmlrpc.php" /> <script type="text/javascript"> document.documentElement.className = 'js'; </script> <script>var et_site_url='https://norwalkriver.org';var et_post_id='1088';function et_core_page_resource_fallback(a,b){"undefined"===typeof b&&(b=a.sheet.cssRules&&0===a.sheet.cssRules.length);b&&(a.onerror=null,a.onload=null,a.href?a.href=et_site_url+"/?et_core_page_resource="+a.id+et_post_id:a.src&&(a.src=et_site_url+"/?et_core_page_resource="+a.id+et_post_id))} </script><meta name='robots' content='index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1' />  <title>Threats to the Watershed - Norwalk River Watershed Association</title> <link rel="canonical" href="https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Threats to the Watershed - Norwalk River Watershed Association" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Norwalk River Watershed Association" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2020-01-30T14:29:04+00:00" /> <script type="application/ld+json" class="yoast-schema-graph">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/","url":"https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/","name":"Threats to the Watershed - Norwalk River Watershed Association","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://norwalkriver.org/#website"},"datePublished":"2014-10-23T03:05:29+00:00","dateModified":"2020-01-30T14:29:04+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://norwalkriver.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Threats to the Watershed"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://norwalkriver.org/#website","url":"https://norwalkriver.org/","name":"Norwalk River Watershed Association","description":"Protecting the Watershed Through Education and Action","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://norwalkriver.org/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}</script>  <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//fonts.googleapis.com' /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Norwalk River Watershed Association » Feed" href="https://norwalkriver.org/feed/" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Norwalk River Watershed Association » Comments Feed" href="https://norwalkriver.org/comments/feed/" /> <script type="text/javascript"> window._wpemojiSettings = {"baseUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/72x72\/","ext":".png","svgUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/svg\/","svgExt":".svg","source":{"concatemoji":"https:\/\/norwalkriver.org\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-emoji-release.min.js?ver=6.3.5"}}; /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(i,n){var o,s,e;function c(e){try{var t={supportTests:e,timestamp:(new Date).valueOf()};sessionStorage.setItem(o,JSON.stringify(t))}catch(e){}}function p(e,t,n){e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(t,0,0);var t=new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data),r=(e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(n,0,0),new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data));return t.every(function(e,t){return e===r[t]})}function u(e,t,n){switch(t){case"flag":return n(e,"\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f","\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200b\u26a7\ufe0f")?!1:!n(e,"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf3","\ud83c\uddfa\u200b\ud83c\uddf3")&&!n(e,"\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc65\udb40\udc6e\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc7f","\ud83c\udff4\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc62\u200b\udb40\udc65\u200b\udb40\udc6e\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc7f");case"emoji":return!n(e,"\ud83e\udef1\ud83c\udffb\u200d\ud83e\udef2\ud83c\udfff","\ud83e\udef1\ud83c\udffb\u200b\ud83e\udef2\ud83c\udfff")}return!1}function f(e,t,n){var r="undefined"!=typeof WorkerGlobalScope&&self instanceof WorkerGlobalScope?new OffscreenCanvas(300,150):i.createElement("canvas"),a=r.getContext("2d",{willReadFrequently:!0}),o=(a.textBaseline="top",a.font="600 32px Arial",{});return e.forEach(function(e){o[e]=t(a,e,n)}),o}function t(e){var t=i.createElement("script");t.src=e,t.defer=!0,i.head.appendChild(t)}"undefined"!=typeof Promise&&(o="wpEmojiSettingsSupports",s=["flag","emoji"],n.supports={everything:!0,everythingExceptFlag:!0},e=new Promise(function(e){i.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",e,{once:!0})}),new Promise(function(t){var n=function(){try{var e=JSON.parse(sessionStorage.getItem(o));if("object"==typeof e&&"number"==typeof e.timestamp&&(new Date).valueOf()<e.timestamp+604800&&"object"==typeof e.supportTests)return e.supportTests}catch(e){}return null}();if(!n){if("undefined"!=typeof Worker&&"undefined"!=typeof OffscreenCanvas&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&URL.createObjectURL&&"undefined"!=typeof Blob)try{var e="postMessage("+f.toString()+"("+[JSON.stringify(s),u.toString(),p.toString()].join(",")+"));",r=new Blob([e],{type:"text/javascript"}),a=new Worker(URL.createObjectURL(r),{name:"wpTestEmojiSupports"});return void(a.onmessage=function(e){c(n=e.data),a.terminate(),t(n)})}catch(e){}c(n=f(s,u,p))}t(n)}).then(function(e){for(var t in e)n.supports[t]=e[t],n.supports.everything=n.supports.everything&&n.supports[t],"flag"!==t&&(n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&n.supports[t]);n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&!n.supports.flag,n.DOMReady=!1,n.readyCallback=function(){n.DOMReady=!0}}).then(function(){return e}).then(function(){var e;n.supports.everything||(n.readyCallback(),(e=n.source||{}).concatemoji?t(e.concatemoji):e.wpemoji&&e.twemoji&&(t(e.twemoji),t(e.wpemoji)))}))}((window,document),window._wpemojiSettings); </script> <meta content="Divi v.3.19.4" name="generator"/><style type="text/css"> img.wp-smiley, img.emoji { display: inline !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; height: 1em !important; width: 1em !important; margin: 0 0.07em !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; background: none !important; padding: 0 !important; } </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='wp-block-library-css' href='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-includes/css/dist/block-library/style.min.css?ver=6.3.5' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='classic-theme-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> /*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} </style> <style id='global-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> body{--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}body .is-layout-flow > .alignleft{float: left;margin-inline-start: 0;margin-inline-end: 2em;}body .is-layout-flow > .alignright{float: right;margin-inline-start: 2em;margin-inline-end: 0;}body .is-layout-flow > .aligncenter{margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}body .is-layout-constrained > .alignleft{float: left;margin-inline-start: 0;margin-inline-end: 2em;}body .is-layout-constrained > .alignright{float: right;margin-inline-start: 2em;margin-inline-end: 0;}body .is-layout-constrained > .aligncenter{margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}body .is-layout-constrained > :where(:not(.alignleft):not(.alignright):not(.alignfull)){max-width: var(--wp--style--global--content-size);margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}body .is-layout-constrained > .alignwide{max-width: var(--wp--style--global--wide-size);}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}body .is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}body .is-layout-flex > *{margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}body .is-layout-grid > *{margin: 0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;} .wp-block-navigation a:where(:not(.wp-element-button)){color: inherit;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} .wp-block-pullquote{font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='cff-css' href='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/plugins/Archive/css/cff-style.css?ver=2.6.8.1' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='cff-font-awesome-css' href='https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/font-awesome/4.5.0/css/font-awesome.min.css?ver=4.5.0' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='contact-form-7-css' href='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/plugins/contact-form-7/includes/css/styles.css?ver=5.8' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='divi-fonts-css' href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Open+Sans:300italic,400italic,600italic,700italic,800italic,400,300,600,700,800&subset=latin,latin-ext' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='divi-style-css' href='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/themes/Divi/style.css?ver=3.19.4' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='dashicons-css' href='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-includes/css/dashicons.min.css?ver=6.3.5' type='text/css' media='all' /> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.min.js?ver=3.7.0' id='jquery-core-js'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery-migrate.min.js?ver=3.4.1' id='jquery-migrate-js'></script> <link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" type="application/json" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/1088" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://norwalkriver.org/xmlrpc.php?rsd" /> <meta name="generator" content="WordPress 6.3.5" /> <link rel='shortlink' href='https://norwalkriver.org/?p=1088' /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/json+oembed" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnorwalkriver.org%2Fthreats-to-the-watershed%2F" /> <link rel="alternate" type="text/xml+oembed" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnorwalkriver.org%2Fthreats-to-the-watershed%2F&format=xml" />  <script type="text/javascript"> var cffsiteurl = "https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/plugins"; var cffajaxurl = "https://norwalkriver.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php"; var cffmetatrans = "false"; var cfflinkhashtags = "true"; </script> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /><style type="text/css" id="custom-background-css"> body.custom-background { background-color: #cccccc; } </style> <script> (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-23909934-2', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script><link rel="icon" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-rivericon-1-32x32.png" sizes="32x32" /> <link rel="icon" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-rivericon-1-192x192.png" sizes="192x192" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-rivericon-1-180x180.png" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-rivericon-1-270x270.png" /> <link rel="stylesheet" id="et-core-unified-cached-inline-styles" href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/cache/et/1088/et-core-unified-17331982694522.min.css" onerror="et_core_page_resource_fallback(this, true)" onload="et_core_page_resource_fallback(this)" /></head> <body data-rsssl=1 class="page-template-default page page-id-1088 custom-background et_pb_button_helper_class et_fixed_nav et_show_nav et_cover_background et_secondary_nav_enabled et_secondary_nav_two_panels et_pb_gutter windows et_pb_gutters3 et_primary_nav_dropdown_animation_fade et_secondary_nav_dropdown_animation_fade et_pb_footer_columns4 et_header_style_left et_pb_pagebuilder_layout et_right_sidebar et_divi_theme et-db et_minified_js et_minified_css"> <div id="page-container"> <div id="top-header"> <div class="container clearfix"> <div id="et-info"> <span id="et-info-phone">877-NRWA-INFO</span> <a href="mailto:info@norwalkriver.org"><span id="et-info-email">info@norwalkriver.org</span></a> <ul class="et-social-icons"> <li class="et-social-icon et-social-facebook"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorwalkRiverWatershedAssociation" class="icon"> <span>Facebook</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div>  <div id="et-secondary-menu"> <div class="et_duplicate_social_icons"> <ul class="et-social-icons"> <li class="et-social-icon et-social-facebook"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorwalkRiverWatershedAssociation" class="icon"> <span>Facebook</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  <header id="main-header" data-height-onload="66"> <div class="container clearfix et_menu_container"> <div class="logo_container"> <span class="logo_helper"></span> <a href="https://norwalkriver.org/"> <img src="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/NRWA_CMYK.png" alt="Norwalk River Watershed Association" id="logo" data-height-percentage="30" /> </a> </div> <div id="et-top-navigation" data-height="66" data-fixed-height="40"> <nav id="top-menu-nav"> <ul id="top-menu" class="nav"><li id="menu-item-532" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-532"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/">Home</a></li> <li id="menu-item-3255" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3255"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/events/">Events</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1725" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-1725"><a href="#">Get Involved</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-1001" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1001"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/donatenow/">Donate Now</a></li> <li id="menu-item-151" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-151"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/becomeamember/">Become a Member</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1240" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-1240"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/in-your-own-backyard/">In Your Own Backyard</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-3766" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3766"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/pollinator-pathway/">Pollinator Pathway</a></li> <li id="menu-item-147" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-147"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/dispose-of-hazardous-waste-properly/">Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1262" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1262"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/maintain-your-septic/">Maintain Your Septic</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1267" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1267"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/landscape-responsibly/">Landscape Responsibly</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1265" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1265"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/manage-invasive-plants/">Manage Invasive Plants</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1269" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1269"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/watch-out-for-invasive-insects/">Conserve Water</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1264" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1264"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/protect-native-wildlife/">Protect Native Wildlife</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1263" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1263"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/volunteer-to-monitor-water-quality/">Volunteer to Monitor Water Quality</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-150" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-150"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/responsible-business-network-for-nrwa/">Responsible Business Network</a></li> <li id="menu-item-149" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-149"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/volunteer/">Volunteer Opportunities</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1073" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1073"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/hikingmapskayakingguide/">Hiking Maps</a></li> <li id="menu-item-148" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-148"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/join-our-mailing-list/">Join Our Mailing List</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-531" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-531"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/about-us/">About Us</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1724" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-1724"><a href="#">What We Do</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-383" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-383"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/171-2/news/">News</a></li> <li id="menu-item-3765" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3765"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/pollinator-pathway/">Pollinator Pathway</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1905" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1905"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/nrwa-newsletter/">Newsletter & Webinars</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2035" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2035"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/guided-nature-walks/">Guided Nature Walks</a></li> <li id="menu-item-667" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-667"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/hikingmapskayakingguide/">Hiking Maps</a></li> <li id="menu-item-134" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-134"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/water-quality-monitoring/">Water Quality Monitoring</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-1206" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1206"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/the-watershed/understanding-water-quality/">Understanding Water Quality</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2159" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2159"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/water-quality-reports/">Water Quality Reports</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-133" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-133"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/river-clean-ups/">River Clean-Ups</a></li> <li id="menu-item-132" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-132"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/rain-gardens/">Rain Gardens</a></li> <li id="menu-item-131" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-131"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/habitat-restoration/">Habitat Restoration</a></li> <li id="menu-item-130" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-130"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/hike-the-watershed/">Hike the Watershed</a></li> <li id="menu-item-129" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-129"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/advocacy/">Advocacy</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1734" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom current-menu-ancestor current-menu-parent menu-item-has-children menu-item-1734"><a href="#">The Watershed</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-1168" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1168"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/profile-of-the-watershed-2/">Profile of the Watershed</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1093" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page current-menu-item page_item page-item-1088 current_page_item menu-item-1093"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/threats-to-the-watershed/" aria-current="page">Threats to the Watershed</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1094" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1094"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/norwalk-harbor/">Norwalk Harbor</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1157" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1157"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/inland-communities-and-neighboring-watersheds/">Inland Communities and Neighboring Watersheds</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1155" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1155"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/is-water-quality-improving/">Is Water Quality Improving?</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2371" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2371"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/american-eel/">American Eel and the Norwalk River</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1092" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-1092"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/history/">History</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-2372" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2372"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/history-page-2/">The 1955 Flood</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-109" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-109"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/links/">Links</a></li> <li id="menu-item-111" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-111"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/contact-us/">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </nav> <div id="et_top_search"> <span id="et_search_icon"></span> </div> <div id="et_mobile_nav_menu"> <div class="mobile_nav closed"> <span class="select_page">Select Page</span> <span class="mobile_menu_bar mobile_menu_bar_toggle"></span> </div> </div> </div>  </div>  <div class="et_search_outer"> <div class="container et_search_form_container"> <form role="search" method="get" class="et-search-form" action="https://norwalkriver.org/"> <input type="search" class="et-search-field" placeholder="Search …" value="" name="s" title="Search for:" /> </form> <span class="et_close_search_field"></span> </div> </div> </header>  <div id="et-main-area"> <div id="main-content"> <article id="post-1088" class="post-1088 page type-page status-publish hentry"> <div class="entry-content"> <div id="et-boc" class="et-boc"> <div class="et_builder_inner_content et_pb_gutters3"> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 dkgray_color_border_top_small et_pb_with_background et_pb_fullwidth_section et_section_regular"> <section class="et_pb_module et_pb_fullwidth_header et_pb_fullwidth_header_0 text_larger font_strong et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_text_align_center"> <div class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_container center"> </div> <div class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_overlay"></div> <div class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_scroll"></div> </section> </div> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_1 dkgray_color_border_top_small et_pb_with_background et_pb_inner_shadow et_pb_fullwidth_section et_section_regular"> <section class="et_pb_module et_pb_fullwidth_header et_pb_fullwidth_header_1 dkgray_color_border_bottom_small et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_center"> <div class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_container center"> <div class="header-content-container center"> <div class="header-content"> <h1 class="et_pb_module_header">Threats to the Watershed</h1> <span class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_subhead">Norwalk River Watershed Association</span> <div class="et_pb_header_content_wrapper"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_overlay"></div> <div class="et_pb_fullwidth_header_scroll"></div> </section> </div> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 dkgray_color_border_bottom_small et_pb_with_background et_section_regular"> <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider_0 et_pb_space et_pb_divider_hidden"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0 image_border et_pb_image_sticky et_always_center_on_mobile"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MerwinErosionIMG_08711.gif" alt="" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 text_smaller_80 et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> Erosion at Merwin Meadows, Wilton </div> </div> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider_1 et_pb_space et_pb_divider_hidden"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1 image_border et_pb_image_sticky et_always_center_on_mobile"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/invasiveplantsIMG_04871.gif" alt="" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 text_smaller_80 et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> Volunteers cutting invasive Japanese bittersweet at Merwin Meadows, Wilton. </div> </div> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider_2 et_pb_space et_pb_divider_hidden"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2 image_border et_pb_image_sticky et_always_center_on_mobile"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/RunOffParkingLot.gif" alt="" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 text_smaller_80 et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> Run-off from the parking lot running directly into the river at Merwin Meadows, Wilton. NRWA is refurbishing this riparian buffer in the spring of 2015. </div> </div> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider_3 et_pb_space et_pb_divider_hidden"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3 image_border et_pb_image_sticky et_always_center_on_mobile"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Acostellorushingriver6965-400x284.gif" alt="" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 text_smaller_80 et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> Rushing water following a storm, Norwalk. </div> </div>  </div> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_3 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> <h5><b>Pesticide and Fertilizer Use</b></h5> <p>The use of pesticides and the tendency to over-fertilize on private lawns and by municipalities on public green spaces, remain major threats to water quality. Read more on these issues here:</p> <ul> <li><b><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/website-Pesticide-and-Herbicide-Use-in-CT.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Connecticut Bans Pesticide Use On School Grounds, Should You Use Them In Your Yard? </a></b></li> <li><b><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HowToMaintainBeautifulLawn.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How To Maintain A Beautiful Lawn Without Contaminating Waterways With Excess Fertilizer</a></b></li> <li><b><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/state-and-municiple-pesticide-use-restrictions.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What Restrictions Are There On State and Municipal Pesticide Use?</a></b></li> </ul> <h5><b>The Chemical Contaminant PFAS</b></h5> <p>PFAS, <span>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of manufactured chemicals that are collectively referred to as PFAS and are used in a variety of products and applications including non-stick cookware, upholstered furniture, clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam used to extinguish petroleum fires. These substances are not found naturally in the environment. They do not break down easily and are extremely persistent in both the environment, especially in water, and the human body. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 PFAS in production. </span><b></b></p> <p>The CT legislature failed to vote on a bill to restrict these chemicals in 2019 and four days after the legislative session ended, 40,000 gallons of PFAS containing fire fighting foam leaked out of a hangar at Bradley International Airport and flowed into the Farmington River! On July 9th, Governor Lamont formed a taskforce to make recommendations on how to manage PFAS contamination. This is good news but <strong>we want to make sure comprehensive steps are taken to 1) restrict firefighting foam, 2) restrict other sources of contamination like food packaging, 3) implement strict water testing guidelines and 4) set a health protective drinking water standard. </strong>To learn about CT bills and how you can support them, <a href="https://norwalkriver.org/what-we-do-2/advocacy/">check our advocacy page.</a></p> <p>PFAS chemicals have contaminated groundwater and drinking water across the country. <span> </span><strong>A recent report estimates that 610 drinking water sources in 43 states contain PFAS, potentially impacting millions of Americans</strong>. These chemicals are are persistent—meaning they don’t break down, which is why they are known as “forever chemicals,” and accumulate in our bodies and the environment. In the environment,<span> </span><strong>they are also mobile!<span> </span></strong> They leach into groundwater and spread. They are found in fish, wildlife and humans and they’re toxic! PFAS chemicals are linked to kidney and testicular cancers, liver disfunction, hormone disruption, thyroid disease, reproductive disorders, infertility, low birth weights and even resistance to vaccines! </p> <h5><b></b></h5> <h5><b>Storm Water Runoff</b></h5> <p>Many contaminants reach the Norwalk River through stormwater runoff from highways, parking lots and even our own driveways and rooftops. Stormwater runoff is rain and melted snow that flows off of these impervious surfaces directly into waterways without first percolating through the ground. The natural percolation process cleans debris, oils, gasoline and other contaminants from stormwater.</p> <p>The EPA, local municipalities and homeowners all play an important role in helping manage stormwater runoff. Some strategies homeowners and cities use include green roofs, permeable pavements, rain barrels and rain gardens. Green roofs are flat roofs planted with gardens that catch and filter rainwater. Permeable pavement is just what it sounds like: sidewalks, parking lots and driveways made of pavement that allows water to seep through it instead of run off of it. Available at hardware stores, rain barrels catch rooftop water from gutter systems for use in watering lawns and gardens, washing cars and dogs, and filling swimming pools. More information <b><a href="http://www.epa.gov/region03/p2/what-is-rainbarrel.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about rain barrels here.</a></b> Rain gardens catch runoff from paved surfaces and also from gutter systems. They are shallow depressions planted with perennials (native plants are best) designed to catch water and allow it to percolate through the ground instead of running directly into storm drains, streams or rivers. More information on <b><a href="http://nemo.uconn.edu/raingardens/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rain gardens and how to install them here.</a></b> NRWA in association with the University of Connecticut’s NEMO program installed a model rain garden in the Norwalk River watershed at the Wilton Playshop on Lovers Lane in Wilton. Stop by and see it just off the back patio.</p> <h5><b>Riverbank Destruction</b></h5> <p>The Norwalk River’s banks have undergone modification by people in many places, often to the detriment of the river’s water quality and to the plant and animal life that lives along the river.</p> <p><b>Loss of Riparian Buffer Zones</b><br /> The area along the banks of the river is known as the riparian zone and it is vital to the health of the watershed ecosystem. A healthy riparian zone is one where native plants are allowed to flourish. The area should be protected from mowing or any kind of construction. Pristine streamside “riparian” zones are vital because they:</p> <ul> <li>Filter debris and contaminants from stormwater runoff</li> <li>create shade which lowers water temperature and helps provide a stable habitat for aquatic life</li> <li>prevent erosion by stabilizing banks–the roots and branches of riverbank vegetation help hold soil in place and also help reduce the velocity of flowing water</li> <li>provide food and shelter in the form of leaves, fruits and woody debris that fall into the river to both aquatic life and wildlife living on riverbanks</li> <li>provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife</li> <li>act as a flood zone safeguarding property during periods of high water</li> </ul> <p><b>Presence of Invasive Plant Species</b><br /> In Connecticut, we have more than 100 types of plants that have been classified as invasive. While many of these were first introduced for their ornamental interest, they have ‘escaped’ their individual landscapes into far-flung areas of our environment, resulting in numerous negative impacts on the entire ecosystem. Invasive plants provide little or nothing for native wildlife to eat. The seeds and berries of native plants are crucial for native insects, butterflies, moths and other pollinators as well as birds and other small animals. Becoming familiar with the common invasives is the first step toward taking action to halt their growth and spread on your own property and beyond, into the wetlands, meadows and forests. When possible, encouraging existing natives or replacing invasives by planting native species can help restore our neighborhoods to their natural beauty and healthy conditions.</p> <p><b><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Why-Are-Invasive-Plants-A-Problem.pdf">Why Do Invasives Matter?</a><br /> <a href="https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Native-Alternatives.pdf">Common Invasives and Beautiful Native Alternatives.</a><br /> <a href="http://cipwg.uconn.edu/invasive_plant_list/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Complete List of CT Invasive Plant Species.</a></b></p> <p><b>Habitat Loss</b><br /> Much of the “original habitat” of the Norwalk River Watershed has been altered or destroyed over the past 150 years. Population growth and attendant development, roads, dams, channelization, rip rap, sewer discharges, accidental spills, and nonpoint-source pollution from fertilizers, pesticides, road salt and sand, warming asphalt, and other impacts from human activities have led to the extensive loss and continuing incremental destruction of natural habitats and degradation of water quality. In addition, invasive plants and animal species (e.g., deer) are altering habitats and threatening biological diversity.</p> <h5><b>Contamination from Septic Systems and Sewage Plants</b></h5> <p><b>Leakage From Septic Systems and Septic Storage Tanks</b><br /> The most serious problem in water-quality tests on the Norwalk River is the presence of bacteria, part of which may come from unmaintained or malfunctioning septic systems and underground storage tanks. More information <b><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/maintain-your-septic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about septic-system maintenance</a></b> can be found. Questions about local regulations and practices should be directed to local health departments.</p> <p><b>Sewage Plant Outflows</b><br /> Discharges from “point sources” such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharge pipes are not nearly as severe a problem as they were twenty or thirty years ago. Despite the many improvements, though, some serious areas of concern remain. As of 2015, of the 10 wastewater treatment plants that still discharge directly into Long Island Sound or a river that flows into the Sound, 6 are in Connecticut (4 are in New York). The Norwalk wastewater treatment plant is one of these, and it empties into the Norwalk River. Pipes carrying stormwater are connected to those carrying sewage, so during storms when the water volume exceeds what the treatment plant can handle, this mixture of runoff and sewage spills directly into the River and flows into the Sound. Other problems exist at the two treatment plants in Ridgefield and many monitoring sites along the Norwalk River tend to exceed the CT DEP <b><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/the-watershed/understanding-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Class B</a></b> river criterion for E. coli bacteria.</p> <p>Sewage treatment plants along the river use ultra violet (UV) lights to kill bacteria in treated sewage water before returning it to the river. The plants are only required by law to use their lights to kill bacteria in the warmer months, May through September, when the community uses the river recreationally. One plant, the Georgetown plant, has elected to keep its lights working all year, and we applaud this important effort to keep the watershed healthy. In addition, the Georgetown plant upgraded its filter system in 2014, which will also help protect the river. The Ridgefield sewage treatment plant uses its UV lights two months longer than required, from April through October. A smaller third plant along Route 7 only uses its lights from May through September.</p> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>  </div> </div> </div>  </article>  </div>  <span class="et_pb_scroll_top et-pb-icon"></span> <footer id="main-footer"> <div class="container"> <div id="footer-widgets" class="clearfix"> <div class="footer-widget"><div id="text-3" class="fwidget et_pb_widget widget_text"> <div class="textwidget"><font color="#666666">©Norwalk River Watershed Association, a 501©(3) nonprofit membership organization</font></div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-widget"><div id="text-8" class="fwidget et_pb_widget widget_text"> <div class="textwidget"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/donatenow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donate to Norwalk River Watershed Association</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-widget"><div id="text-9" class="fwidget et_pb_widget widget_text"> <div class="textwidget"><a href="https://norwalkriver.org/nrwa-newsletter/">Click to view NRWA Newsletter</a> <br> <br> <a href="https://norwalkriver.org/site-map/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click to view NRWA Sitemap</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-widget"><div id="text-14" class="fwidget et_pb_widget widget_text"> <div class="textwidget"><font color="#666666">Norwalk River Watershed Association, Inc <br>PO Box 7114 <br>Wilton, CT 06897 <br> <br> <a href="mailto:info@norwalkriver.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@norwalkriver.org</a> <br> <br> 877-NRWA-INFO (877-679-2463)</font></div> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  <div id="footer-bottom"> <div class="container clearfix"> <ul class="et-social-icons"> <li class="et-social-icon et-social-facebook"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorwalkRiverWatershedAssociation" class="icon"> <span>Facebook</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div>  </div> </footer>  </div>  </div>  <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/plugins/Archive/js/cff-scripts.js?ver=2.6.8.1' id='cffscripts-js'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/plugins/contact-form-7/includes/swv/js/index.js?ver=5.8' id='swv-js'></script> <script type='text/javascript' id='contact-form-7-js-extra'> /* <![CDATA[ */ var wpcf7 = {"api":{"root":"https:\/\/norwalkriver.org\/wp-json\/","namespace":"contact-form-7\/v1"}}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/plugins/contact-form-7/includes/js/index.js?ver=5.8' id='contact-form-7-js'></script> <script type='text/javascript' id='divi-custom-script-js-extra'> /* <![CDATA[ */ var DIVI = {"item_count":"%d Item","items_count":"%d Items"}; var et_shortcodes_strings = {"previous":"Previous","next":"Next"}; var et_pb_custom = {"ajaxurl":"https:\/\/norwalkriver.org\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","images_uri":"https:\/\/norwalkriver.org\/wp-content\/themes\/Divi\/images","builder_images_uri":"https:\/\/norwalkriver.org\/wp-content\/themes\/Divi\/includes\/builder\/images","et_frontend_nonce":"4af20dc055","subscription_failed":"Please, check the fields below to make sure you entered the correct information.","et_ab_log_nonce":"11a68bc840","fill_message":"Please, fill in the following fields:","contact_error_message":"Please, fix the following errors:","invalid":"Invalid email","captcha":"Captcha","prev":"Prev","previous":"Previous","next":"Next","wrong_captcha":"You entered the wrong number in captcha.","ignore_waypoints":"no","is_divi_theme_used":"1","widget_search_selector":".widget_search","is_ab_testing_active":"","page_id":"1088","unique_test_id":"","ab_bounce_rate":"5","is_cache_plugin_active":"no","is_shortcode_tracking":"","tinymce_uri":""}; var et_pb_box_shadow_elements = []; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/themes/Divi/js/custom.min.js?ver=3.19.4' id='divi-custom-script-js'></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://norwalkriver.org/wp-content/themes/Divi/core/admin/js/common.js?ver=3.19.4' id='et-core-common-js'></script> </body> </html>