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This study uses a new Cavity Ring Down Spectrometric (CRDS) technique to assess the ‘age’ of water reaching waterways draining into Rosscarbery Bay. Fingerprinting water and determining its age can significantly enhance our understanding of river quality and health. Each drop of water has an isotopic fingerprint (age) which changes with time. This allows its transit through a catchment to be followed. We expect to get an isotopic wave. The higher the amplitude of the wave the younger the fraction of water is. The younger the water is the more vulnerable it is to pollution, but also, any measures to fight that pollution will have a faster effect. The computer does some complicated calculations to give data which can be displayed on a scattergram. By analysing the chemical signatures and isotopic composition of water samples, we can identify pollution sources, track changes over time, and assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This approach will not only aid in the management and restoration of river ecosystems but also inform policy decisions aimed at protecting water resources. To help interpret our results We used Globe protocols to measure pH, temperature, nitrates and indicator species for three reasons 1) to alert the EPA if any changes occurred 2) to help interpret our water ‘aging’ data. 3) to determine if nitrate runoff was responsible for summer beach closures. Sampling took place once a month for 12 months. We were successful in determining the 'age ' of our water samples. Our results were backed up by our use of Globe Water Ecosystem protocols. We found that runoff was not a cause of deterioration in bathing water during the summer of 2024 Ultimately, integrating these techniques into river management strategies can lead to improved water quality, healthier aquatic habitats, and better outcomes for communities relying on these vital resources.