Water Quality Testing Program

Baxter Pond, Port Washington

TTPW conducts water-quality testing at Baxter Pond and other parts of the Manhasset Bay watershed. Though Manhasset Bay is regularly tested for pollutants, the ponds and streams that feed the bay were too long ignored. 

On November 20th 2024, the Transition Town Port Washington Youth Activists present a demonstration of the Citizen Scientist Water Quality Testing Program. This live demonstration shows the simple, effective tools and techniques used to monitor the quality of the local ponds. Audience members learn why water testing matters, how it impacts public and environmental health, and how to get involved as a Citizen Scientist.

Water quality directly affects the health of our community, environment, and future. Pollutants such as lawn fertilizer, raw waste from leaky septic systems, animal waste, and oil from vehicles is carried by storm water runoff into our local waterways. These not only adversely affect the marine life and wildlife, but also human health when the waterways are used for swimming, boating and fishing. Measuring and recognizing what pollutants are present in which parts of Port Washington’s watershed is the first step toward tackling this intensely important issue.