Tracking Trends in Stream Temperature

In October, PRWC collected stream temperature data loggers for data download, a quality assurance check, and data submission to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). This year, eight loggers were deployed in late May and collect stream temperature every hour until retrieval in October. Data logger collection has proved difficult as flooding waters have washed debris downstream and shifted stream bottoms.

Data generated by PRWC as part of the Volunteer Stream Temperature Monitoring Network are instrumental to DEEP’s water quality standard development, fish habitat assessment, cold water habitat identification, and potential stream habitat restoration efforts. Data collected in the hot summer months between July and August inform cold water habitat designations of rivers and streams. PRWC has enlisted academia to help analyze its growing data records and lab results for research and modeling. Dr. Michael Dietz, Extension Educator at UCONN, Director of Connecticut Institute of Water Resources, and graduate course instructor on Water Quality Management is onboard. Three of his students are analyzing PRWC’s stream temperature data to look for correlations between precipitation events, water temperature, air temperature and streamflow. Once complete, PRWC will share the results of the research project. To see more water monitoring initiatives, visit our monitoring page.