Our rivers weren’t always this fast, deep or powerful — we made them this way.

Brave Little State is Vermont Public’s listener-driven journalism show. In each episode, we answer a question about Vermont that’s been asked — and voted on — by you, our audience.

For months, Lexi Krupp has been reporting a story to answer this question from Gus Goodwin of East Montpelier:

“What does an old stream look like? Does Vermont have any? And can we manage for them?”

The Memphremagog Watershed Association recently completed a stormwater improvement project on Farrant and Lake Streets in Newport City. The improvements now collect and treat stormwater runoff from nearly 125 acres uphill of Prouty Bay and the Newport Marina. The project will prevent 1,000 pounds of sediment and 19.8 pounds of phosphorus from entering Lake Memphremagog each year.  

Cyanobacteria (sometimes called blue-green algae) are tiny microorganisms that are a natural part of fresh water ecosystems. Under certain conditions, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly, creating blooms on the water’s surface that can also wash up along shorelines. Blooms can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. 

See a video of cyanobacteria and photos of what is – and isn’t – a bloom at HealthVermont.gov/cyanobacteria. 

“Take a quick scan of the water before you, your kids or your pets go in,” said Bridget O’Brien, an environmental health scientist with the Vermont Department of Health. “If you see any scummy or discolored water – or if you are unsure – play it safe and find another place to go.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) has released the Vermont Clean Water Initiative 2023 Performance Report. It highlights water quality progress achieved through public investment. By investing $420 million in clean water over the past eight years, the State has cut pollution going into Vermont’s waters.

The new report shows how State funding and regulatory programs have helped: