This section documents the historical context of the North Fork, community efforts, and official water quality monitoring and documentation.
Dating back to the mid-20th century, as Fort Lauderdale underwent rapid growth, the North Fork of the New River was utilized as a discharge zone for runoff and sewage. Over time, these inputs contributed to heavy sediment accumulation along the slow-moving bends of the river.
This historical buildup resulted in a thick layer of organic sediment on the river bottom. Today, the decomposing sediment continues to affect oxygen levels and water quality, making dredging and flow restoration essential for the river's ecological health.
These are the official government classifications, monitoring standards, and environmental indices for the North Fork of the New River.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection officially lists the North Fork under WBID 3276A as an impaired waterbody for fecal coliform and low dissolved oxygen.
FDEP Water Quality RestorationWeekly bacterial testing by Miami Waterkeeper detects Enterococci. Results regularly exceed the EPA safety limit of 70 CFU/100mL, particularly after rainstorms.
Weekly Swim Guide DataEPA screening provides environmental indicators, including wastewater discharge and air/water metrics, to assist in local restoration planning.
EPA Environmental Indicators PortalPublished by Broward County, this baseline technical study analyzed the health of the North Fork canal beds, focusing on benthic macroinvertebrate recruitment and the long-term impact of organic sludge deposits on the riverbed.
Access Broward County PublicationsThis study evaluated the diversion of freshwater from the C-13 Canal into the North Fork to increase water flow, resulting in reduced phosphorus levels and improved dissolved oxygen parameters.
Download OPFLOW Technical StudiesComputer simulations using the EPA's Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) modeled the stagnation in the North Fork's upper channels, verifying that low tidal flushing speeds contribute directly to bacterial retention and oxygen depletion.
Learn About WASP Modeling ProgramAn ongoing partnership between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Miami Waterkeeper. By utilizing DNA tracking on water samples taken at Sweeting Park on the North Fork, researchers trace Enterococci bacteria back to human wastewater infrastructure runoff, animal inputs, and stormwater collection systems.
Visit Miami Waterkeeper Portal