Air Quality Monitoring
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New Bedford's 20 air quality monitors are tracking real time air quality levels across the City.
Understanding Air Quality
NEW: Ultra Fine Particle Sensors
New Bedford has expanded its air quality monitoring network by adding three ultrafine particle (UFP) sensors to its existing 20-monitor network. UFPs are extremely small airborne particles often produced by vehicle exhaust and other forms of combustion. With two years of continuous data collection now complete, the expanded network is helping build a clearer picture of air quality conditions across the city.
Data collected so far show that New Bedford’s air quality is generally good. Continued monitoring helps the City track changes over time and support efforts to keep local air clean and healthy.
Understanding Air Quality
Why Air Quality Matters
Air quality refers to the condition of the air around us, particularly the levels of pollutants that can impact human health and the environment. Monitoring air quality is essential for protecting public health, especially in communities where pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone can pose risks. Poor air quality is closely linked to climate change and can be worsened by various factors, including emissions from vehicles, homes, and industrial sources, as well as wildfires. By tracking air quality, we can identify trends, address pollution sources, and work toward creating healthier, more sustainable communities.
Air Quality Monitoring in New Bedford
Real Time Air Quality Data
EPA's NowCast Air Quality Index (AQI) shows the real-time air quality in New Bedford using the AQI colors and scale, refreshed hourly. The AQI can help you quickly see if the air quality is good, moderate, or if it’s a time to be cautious when planning outdoor activities. EPA calculates a NowCast for two pollutants: ozone and particle pollution. Whether you’re deciding to go for a run, take the kids to the park, or just be outside, checking the AQI helps you stay informed and protect your health, especially if you’re sensitive to air pollution. The AQI data is being collected by the EPA from monitors located in Fairhaven and Fall River.
This data will also help New Bedford have improved awareness around local air quality and empower the community with real-time information. For more information, visit AirNow.gov.
Air Quality Monitoring in New Bedford
Our Map of Monitors
New Bedford installed 20 air quality monitors across the city to better understand local air pollution levels. These sensors provide real-time data on key pollutants, helping residents and officials identify areas of concern. You can explore the levels of pollutants like PM2.5 on the interactive map, offering insights into air quality trends across different neighborhoods. The City’s Office of Resilience and Environmental Stewardship is partnering with Groundwork Southcoast on the installation and maintenance of the sensors, which are manufactured by Massachusetts-based technology provider QuantAQ. This monitoring effort underscores New Bedford's commitment to tracking and improving the public health of community members.
Learn more about sources and potential health effects for target data gathered by New Bedford’s network:
Air Quality Monitoring in New Bedford
Tracking Network Performance
New Bedford will continue tracking the performance of its citywide air monitoring network to make sure it is providing reliable, useful data for the community. By monitoring measures like site coverage, months of data collected, sensor uptime, and pollutants measured, the City can better understand how the network is working, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen air quality tracking over time.
Read the one-pager to see the City’s first performance update on the air monitoring network:
Air Quality Monitoring in New Bedford
Engaging the Community
The New Bedford Air Quality team has been bringing air quality information directly into the community through local events and youth programming. Recent outreach has included activities with children at the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA, as well as conversations with residents at National Night Out and Ward Wednesday events. These opportunities give the team a chance to share what local air quality monitoring is showing, explain how the program works, and connect residents with information specific to their neighborhoods.
Through hands-on activities, educational materials, and one-on-one conversations, the team is helping make air quality data more accessible while hearing directly from community members about their questions and experiences.
Actions You Can Take
Support Clean Air
Everyone can do their part to support clean air by making small changes.