when visitors walk through mystic aquarium, they’re met with colorful reefs, glowing jellyfish, and seals basking in the sun. what most people don’t realize is that every single habitat, from the smallest touch pool to the largest whale habitat, depends on water that is carefully tested, filtered, and monitored.

water monitoring is the silent backbone of aquatic health, keeping nearly 2 million gallons of water perfectly balanced for all these animals to live and thrive in. 

this short video takes viewers inside the environmental quality lab, where experienced staff — audrae, chelsea, emily, and intern kate — help collect and analyze more than 50,000 data points annually. because conditions can shift rapidly, even minor imbalances in water quality can impact animal health. that’s why mystic’s team tests the water daily — drop by drop.

the water management operation is a mix of closed-loop and open-loop systems that allow water to be recirculated, treated, and reused efficiently, while also ensuring that anything discharged back into the open ocean is clean, safe, and fully approved by connecticut’s department of energy & environmental protection (deep). 

from backwashing filters to saltwater made “in house,” this video sheds light on a department that works behind the scenes, but makes all the difference. without their meticulous work, the habitats we all enjoy as visitors would not be the same. because when it comes to caring for ocean life, water isn’t just the backdrop, it’s everything. 

the planet forward mystic aquarium fellowship program was made possible with support by michael lech, david freeman, and the berl brechner fund.