Mystic River Receives ‘D’ Grade from EPA

It might look pretty in this picture from last fall, but the Mystic River has received a “D” grade for 2011 for its water quality by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to information released by the EPA, the grade is actually an improvement over 2010. The grade is based on bacterial contamination and monitoring data over the past year that showed that water quality met swimming standards only 46% of the time, while boating standards were met 87% of the time. This is the sixth straight year public reporting has taken place due to efforts that began in 2006 to improve the river’s water quality. More information about the report is available on the EPA website. Photo of the Hand Bridge over the Mystic River in Medford Square by Doug Shoop.

– InsideMedford.com