Alexandrium tamarense

A geologic formation that holds groundwater. Many non-MWRA communities rely on wells drilled into aquifers for their drinking water supplies.

The process by which toxic chemicals can accumulate in animal tissues and become concentrated when they move up the food chain.

An antiquated sewer system in which storm runoff and sewage from homes and businesses are carried by the same pipes.

The addition of a chemical (usually sodium bisulfate or sodium thiosulfate) to neutralize the toxicity of chlorine after it has been used for disinfection.

Untreated sewage carries large numbers of potentially disease-causing pathogens originating in human waste that would be a health hazard if discharged into recreational or shellfishing areas. Llike mo [..]

Fish and other aquatic animals breathe oxygen dissolved in the water. Algae and other plants growing in the water produce oxygen, and atmospheric oxygen also dissolves in water at the surface. In poll [..]

Disinfected wastewater, the final liquid by-product of the wastewater treatment process flowing out of a treatment plant.

A water body where salt and fresh water mix. Examples are Boston Harbor, Plum Island Sound, and Narragansett Bay.