The town of Charlton, Massachusetts lacked a comprehensive water quality analysis and management plan for their surface water bodies. Historical water quality data was obtained and new water quality data was collected from three water bodies in the town. The data demonstrated water quality issues including high total phosphate concentrations, low dissolved oxygen, and low pH in comparison to state and federal guidelines. A management plan was designed to address the current and future water quality issues. Recommendations included regular water quality monitoring, aeration to increase dissolved oxygen levels, planting native vegetation to remove nutrients from runoff, integrating stormwater drainage systems to filter pollutants, and educating residents on water pollution prevention.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Ring, Shannon Jeanne
• DeAngelis, Morgan Ellen
• Burke, Katelyn Harding

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031419-210139

Advisor

• Dudle, Jeanine Denu

Year

• 2019

Sponsor

• Charlton Conservation Commission

Date created

• 2019-03-14

Ort

• Charlton

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Environmental Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright