East Shore Health District: human bacterial markers detected at Farm River sampling sites; further testing planned

East Shore Health District officials told the North Branford Conservation & Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency that multi‑year testing and new microbial source‑tracking show elevated E. coli counts in the Farm River watershed and have detected human bacterial markers at two routinely sampled sites.

"What we're trying to do is improve the water quality of the Farm River watershed," said Michael Pascuzzella, CEO of the health district and director of public health for North Branford, as he outlined the project history and goals. Water‑quality coordinator Sarah Esenter presented data showing Pages Mill Pond and the Route 80 bridge routinely exceeded guidance lines for average and maximum E. coli; she said human markers were detected at both of those lower sites.

Esenter explained that microbial source tracking lets the team identify species markers (human, avian, canine and other ruminants) and quantify results, though methods do not yet allow direct cross‑species risk ranking. "If we see high E. coli, it's more likely that E. coli and other pathogenic species of bacteria are present," she said, adding the presence of human markers is of particular public‑health interest.

The presentation named likely local contributors the team will investigate further: septic systems (North Branford has no sanitary sewers in much of the watershed), a pig farm and other livestock, a nearby dog park with direct runoff to the water, and large goose populations at Page's Mill Pond. The team said a rain‑event sample taken near Reeds Gap Road (an area with earlier septic concerns) did not show the expected human signal, suggesting some sources may be lower in the watershed.

East Shore noted it received a $10,000 contribution from the town and multiple partners and will continue sampling through 2026; microbial source‑tracking analyses for the year's highest bacterial samples will be completed at the end of the season and used to design interventions. Pascuzzella emphasized preference for community engagement and voluntary improvements over enforcement unless a direct discharge is identified: "We're not looking to take enforcement action ... unless there's a direct discharge going into the river."