Presence of Freshwater Septic Tracers in North and Central New Jersey Water Bodies

This study investigates the presence of septic tracers and fecal bacteria in the waterways of North and Central New Jersey. Checking water quality has become very important with the increase in world population and the subsequent need for clean water. This study focuses on 4 tracers: Boron, Fluoride, Sulfate, and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are indicators of septic contamination. Utilizing data from the Water Quality Portal, the analysis covers 4 years (January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2024), and 3 NJ counties (Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset). The approach involves quantitative and correlational analysis to understand trends and correlation between the tracers over time.The study indicates that Boron and Fluoride concentrations generally fall within acceptable safety thresholds; however, periodic increases in Sulfate and E. coli levels suggest potential contamination incidents. A remarkable correlation between Boron and Sulfate concentrations points to a shared contamination source. However, the analysis is restricted by incomplete E. coli data for the entire study period, limiting the ability to conduct a thorough correlation assessment. This research is important for protecting the environment and keeping people healthy. By finding out where the pollution is coming from, it helps improve how we manage and keep our water clean. It also gives useful information for making better policies about water safety. In the future, more research should be done to fill in missing information and look at other ways to track pollution in New Jersey.