The Water Closet: July 30, 2010
July 30th, 2010 | by Middleton Stream Team
INFINITE DIVERSITY**
We Closeteers often try to describe our river in its various moods and seasons. Two Stream Teamers and a good friend capture moods and moments beautifully in photos. One Closeteer tries prose and even poetry. Others share observations, anecdotes and measurements. Alas all these combined don’t begin to convey the complexity of their subject.
One Closeteer tried while writing a report about last Saturday’s “Source to Sea” group paddle on the Ipswich. He soon gave up after the following start.
Paddlers who looked closely at the surface admired water striders skating on the molecule thin water surface-tension layer. The striders’ shadows were seen on the sandy bottom just below. These images were true except for the tiny feet, which appeared as six large snowshoe-like ovals. The strider’s miniscule weight pushing down on the surface tension layer makes depressions, which act as concave lenses and spread the light. (more…)
The Water Closet: July 30, 2010
July 30th, 2010 | by Middleton Stream Team
WATER RESOURCE AND CONSERVATION INFORMATION
FOR MIDDLETON, BOXFORD AND TOPSFIELD
Precipitation Data* for Month of: Apr May June July
30 Year Normal (1971 – 2000) Inches: 4.17 3.63 3.58 3.50
2010 Central Watershed Actual: 2.09 2.74 1.61** 1.35 to 3 PM 7/27
Ipswich River Flow Rate (S. Middleton USGS Gage) in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS):
For July 27, 2010: Normal . 6.3 CFS Current Rate . 1.7 CFS
IRWA receives American Fisheries Society Award
July 30th, 2010 | by Kerry
Fallfish (http://pond.dnr.cornell.edu/nyfish/Cyprinidae/fallfish.html)
We are very honored and proud to announce that IRWA received the 2010 Outstanding Organization Award from the American Fisheries Society, Southern New England Chapter! This award recognized IRWA’s efforts to develop programs and projects aimed at protecting and restoring the water resources of the Ipswich River Watershed, and for providing public education on watershed management. Jim MacDougall accepted the award on IRWA’s behalf, giving a brief overview of our fisheries restoration program at the Society’s 2010 Summer Meeting.
We are so grateful to the American Fisheries Society for selecting IRWA for this prestigious award. Many thanks to the Society and all its members!
Toilets
July 29th, 2010 | by Kerry
Gerber 1.1 gal/flush toilet at Riverbend
Toilets may seem pretty low on the list of exciting topics, but for our rivers, toilets are a huge issue! That’s because toilets are such a huge water user — and most of that water is wasted, contributing to both low-flow problems and pollution. Replacing toilets can save water, save money and save our rivers. And you’ll save on sewer charges, or prolong the longevity of your septic system, by installing more water-efficient toilets. (more…)
