(802) 763-7733 info@whiteriverpartnership.org PO Box 705, South Royalton, VT 05068

Is the White River clean?

The White River Partnership is a local group working to keep the river safe for recreation.

In 2026, volunteers will help us monitor bacteria at 16 White River Water Trail sites to determine whether the White River is safe for swimming. In short, fewer bacteria = cleaner water.

Results map

Sites on the map below are color-coded based on the most recent results:

  • Blue = SWIMMABLE based on the latest test results (less than 235 bacteria in 100mL)
  • Yellow = NOT SWIMMABLE based on the latest test results (more than 235 bacteria in 100mL)

No matter what the latest results are, we recommend that you avoid swimming or tubing in the White River during and immediately after a rain event – there is an increased risk of exposure to pollutants that can make you sick.

Get Involved

EXPLORE – The White River Water Trail is a network of public access sites along the river. Check out this map to find the river access sites near you.

REPORT – Got trash? We invite you to report any trash you find in or along the White River using this form. We’ll use your reports to focus our cleanup efforts this summer.

VOLUNTEER – Interested in helping us keep the river safe for recreation? Learn more about becoming a White River Water Trail Steward this summer.

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Thank you to our 2026 program sponsors:

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

Watersheds United Vermont

We couldn’t do this work without their financial support – and yours: help us keep the White River clean and accessible by making a donation today!

Questions? Contact us.

2026 Restore & Explore event series

The WRP turns 30 this year and we invite you to help us celebrate! We’re hosting a Restore & Explore event series to highlight WRP restoration project sites along the White River that also provide public access:

  • Saturday, June 20: Hiking Outing to Carla’s Meadow in Bethel – Join us for a short hike to Carla’s Meadow, a 10-acre property purchased to protect and restore an active floodplain immediately upstream of Bethel village. We’ll meet at the Bethel soccer fields, then walk a path along the Third Branch about 0.3 miles to tour Carla’s Meadow. We’ll walk back to enjoy refreshments and wrap-up by 4pm. No space limits.
  • NEW DATE Saturday, July 25: Tubing Outing from Avery’s Rocks in Royalton to White River Access in Sharon – Join us for a float between 2 White River Water Trail sites that received new river access improvements in 2025. Drop your tube at Avery’s Rocks, then drive your car to the White River Access pull-off by 2pm – we’ll carpool back to the starting point, then float 1.5 miles to the takeout for refreshments. No space limits.
  • Saturday, August 22: Snorkeling Outing at CCC Camp in Rochester – Join us for an adventure under the water at the Forest Service CCC Camp property in Rochester (2924 Brandon Mountain Road). We provide the snorkels and masks (and wetsuits as needed), so you can see all of the aquatic species thriving in a habitat restoration project area on the White River’s West Branch. Outing is limited to 25 attendees on a first come, first served basis – see RSVP info below.

All events start at 2pm. RSVP to mary@whiteriverpartnership.org.

Cast your vote 2026

We invite current WRP Members to cast their vote for 3 open Board seats by Sunday, May 31 at noon.

Step 1: Read the 2026 Board candidate bios below

Jim Armbruster – I first became involved with the WRP in 2015 when I served for a year as an ECO AmeriCorps Member.  I currently work as the Lead Biologist at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science where we collaborate with the WRP on projects.  Outside of natural resources, I volunteer as an Advanced EMT on Woodstock Ambulance and Hartland Rescue Squad.  I am also the Animal Control Officer for the towns of Hartland and Sharon.

Monica Collins – I live on the Hancock Branch of the White River.  I’m proud to represent the most westerly reach of our favorite river.  My first involvement with the WRP was back in 2001 when I volunteered to help do stream assessments.  I work at Vermont Law & Graduate School as the Associate Director of Career Services. I also work with Feeding the Valley Alliance, a food security non-profit in the Upper White River Valley.  In my spare time, I enjoy working in my garden and on DIY projects at my house, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the Green Mountains.

Eric Donaldson – I am a practicing fluvial geomorphologist and river enthusiast.  I have 24 years of experience in restoration geomorphology, surface-groundwater hydrology, restoration project planning, design, and implementation.  Unlocking the stories that landscapes tell us through geomorphology and ecology brings me great joy.  Though the White River is not my natal waters, I married into its watershed.  My wife was born and raised in Vermont and, along with our three kids, we spend time in the watershed with our extended family.  We currently live in South Strafford, Vermont, a stone’s throw from the watershed divide into Mitchell Brook, a tributary to the lower White.  I humbly look forward to continuing my service on the board.

Step 2: Then follow this link to cast your vote via a Monday.com form.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Russ: mary[at]whiteriverpartnership.org.