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The Short Beach community in Branford, CT knew they had a problem. As it turned out, the source of the problem was not what they expected. 

Through a technique called Microbial Source Tracking, they were able to determine that much of the high bacteria counts affecting water quality at the local beach were from dog waste. Once they understood where the problem was coming from, they were able to mobilize a plan to resolve it.  

Extracting DNA from water samples to determine the source of fecal indicator bacteria in a local waterbody is an important step toward finding the appropriate solution. In 2026, Save the Sound will begin incorporating eDNA analysis into our work in the John and Daria Barry Foundation Water Quality Lab in Larchmont. 

Join us for a webinar on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. to hear from our staff and the scientists and stakeholders who helped the Short Beach community understand its challenge and launch its successful “Stop POOllution” campaign. 

Presenters

Peter Linderoth, director of healthy waters and lands, Save the Sound 
Elena Colón, laboratory manager, Save the Sound 
Sarah Esenther, water quality coordinator, East Shore District Health Department/PhD candidate (Brown University) 
Michael Pascucilla, CEO/director of health, East Shore District Health Department 
Allison Beaulieu, program manager, Yale School of Public Health/Civic Association of Short Beach member 
Josh Brooks, Branford First Selectman 

Thursday, February 26
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom