Connecticut’s river pollution is not a new problem. Nor is it a new concern. Back in 1887, the state Public Health Department issued it’s second “Report on Rivers Pollution”, written by Samuel W. Williston, M.D. The report, which concentrated on the Quinnipiac River basin, tried to calculate the amount of raw sewage and chemicals from various manufacturing enterprises that entered the watershed as it made its way from its source near Plainville down to Long Island Sound. The figures given are staggering.

    In Meriden, whose population had grown to over 20,000 by 1880, it was estimated that 3675 people dumped human waste into the river through water closets at their paces of employment, with an equal number adding waste from their homes. New Britain added another 8000 people’s waste products to the mix, and the following weights of various types of chemicals annually: 891,700 lbs. of mineral acids (including nitric and sulphuric acids); 198,500 pounds of alkalies; 7000 pounds of mineral salts; 12,725 gallons of mineral oil; 1000 pounds of asphalt; 3020 gallons of animal oils; 1200 gallons of turpentine; and additional quantities of soap (7000 lbs) and cotton waste. Almost forgotten was the 500 pounds of organic matter scoured daily from raw wool.

Needless to say, by the time it reached the sound, Quinnipiac water was totally undrinkable, which explains perhaps, why New Haven relied on spring fed lakes for its warter supply. Unfortunately, those too, produced unpotable water. Bacteriological analysis showed an average bacteria count three times higher than the level deemed safe to drink, and in the most polluted of the 38 samples taken, the bacteria count was 34 times the level deemed safe.

We still rightfully feel great concern for the protection of our state’s watersheds, but this report makes clear that, environmentally, the good old days just weren’t so good.