Sampling and Monitoring Suffolk’s Waterways

NRPA Water Quality members conduct monthly (March – November) sampling and monitoring of the Nansemond River at 8 predetermined sites from the Godwin Bridge (Rt. 17/Bridge Road) to Constant’s Wharf (Downtown).  Members collect data on the following indicators: clarity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH.  The samples are also analyzed for bacteria using the EasyGel Methodology.   The NRPA sampling protocol is approved by the VA Department of Environmental Quality. While on the River the members conduct monitoring of the shoreline and any potential violations of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act are reported to the city and state agencies.

The NRPA Water Quality Committee releases the State of the Nansemond River Report and Report Card every two years to inform residents, businesses, government agencies and elected officials about the status of our River.  Reports were released in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.