Since 2024, the Town Run Watershed Group has been conducting weekly water sampling to monitor bacterial contamination, focusing on E. coli and Total Coliform as public health indicator organisms. This program, in collaboration with the Upper Potomac Riverkeeper and Hood College, helps us better understand water quality trends and identify potential sources of contamination within Town Run.
In 2025, additional testing was completed at Johns Hopkins University using DNA source tracking to determine whether contamination originated from human, mammalian, or avian sources. The results showed no detection of cow, swine, or poultry markers but confirmed low levels of ruminant (deer) and avian (waterfowl) indicators.
To learn more about the project, detailed findings, and future monitoring plans, view our full report below.