Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID NJ_2024_ROY

Impacts of flooding in the Passaic River watershed on potable water quality for marginalized communities using citizen science.

Institute: New Jersey
Year Established: 2024 Start Date: 2024-09-01 End Date: 2025-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $25,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $25,000

Principal Investigators: Siddhartha Roy

Project Summary: Chronic flooding of the heavily polluted Passaic River in northern New Jersey has been a persistent issue for decades. This project aims to investigate the real and perceived water quality impacts of such flooding events for marginalized communities through a survey and citizen science testing during or post-flooding events. Engagement with local stakeholders will guide survey creation to identify community concerns. Residents served by public water utilities (n=50) and on private wells (n=50) will be recruited for this study, who will monitor parameters like coliforms, E. coli, chlorine disinfectant levels, and metals, during and after flooding events. Statistical analysis of survey and citizen sampling data will provide insights into contamination levels and potential health risks. This research is vital for understanding and addressing water quality challenges in flood-prone, highly urban, and crowded areas like the Passaic River watershed. By empowering communities to monitor and interpret water quality data, the study aims to inform disaster preparedness and response strategies, enhancing resilience in marginalized populations impacted by flooding events.