In order to better understand the water quality in the Upper Cannon River Watershed, streams and lakes are currently being monitored. As part of the Upper Cannon River Assessment Project, researchers are measuring the following parameters on five stream monitoring sites (see map, (pdf): total phosphorus, orthophosphorus, total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, E. coli, biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, turbidity, water temperature, water level and flow, and macroinvertebrates. Seven lakes are also being sampled for: total phosphorus, Chlorophyll a, and Secchi depth. Water quality concerns in the Upper Cannon River Watershed include sedimentation, eutrophication, low oxygen levels and habitat loss. The project will continue through 2009.
View the Upper Cannon River Watershed: Overview of Water Quality Results 2007-2008 (pdf). Visit the Interactive Map to access water quality data on particular rivers, streams and lakes. Take a watershed tour to learn more about the health of the watershed.
Definitions of Major Water Quality Parameters
Bacteria
E coli is a species of fecal coliform bacteria that is specific to fecal material from humans and other warm-blooded animals. EPA recommends E. coli as the best indicator of health risk from water contact in recreational water.
Chlorophyll a (Chl-a)
Photosynthetic pigment found in all green plants, and the main pigment in algae. The concentration of chlorophyll a is used to estimate the amount of algae (all phytoplankton in a given area) in surface water. Measured in micrograms per liter (µg/L). While it is normal to find algae in streams and lakes, high levels of algae can lead to low levels of dissolved oxygen in a water body.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Oxygen in the water that is available for respiration by aquatic animals, microbes that break down organic matter, and the chemical reaction is dissolved oxygen. If more oxygen is used than is produced, dissolved oxygen levels go down. Biological Oxygen Demand measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms as well as the chemical oxidation of inorganic matter in decomposing organic matter in stream water.
Eutrophication
The aging process by which lakes are fertilized with nutrients. Natural eutrophication will very gradually change the character of a lake. Cultural eutrophication is the accelerated aging of a lake as a result of human activities.
Macroinvertebrates
Macroinvertebrates are organisms that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye and do not have a backbone. They include organisms such as Caddis flies, Stoneflies, Mayflies, Crayfish, Snails, and worms. Presence or absence of certain macroinvertebrates can be a good indicator of overall stream health.
Nitrate-nitrogen
Nitrate-nitrogen is nitrate (NO3) plus nitrite (NO2) as nitrogen. In lakes, most nitrate-nitrogen is in NO3 form. It is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Elevated levels of nitrate-nitrogen are often caused by over application of fertilizers that leach into waterbodies. High levels of nitrate nitrite can impact groundwater causing methemoglobinemia or "blue-baby" syndrome in infants. High levels of nitrate nitrite can also promote algae blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a hypoxia zone, where oxygen is depleted and devoid of aquatic life in this area. The hypoxia zone was approximately 7,000 square miles before Hurricane Katrina. The area decreased in size after the two hurricanes in 2005. In 2006, the area grew to approximately 6,500 square miles. Nitrogen from the Midwest is negatively affecting the economics of the commercial fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
Orthophosphorus (OP)
Orthophosphorus (OP) is a soluble form of phosphorus that is readily available to algae (bioavailable), and under certain conditions exerts an immediate impact on the growth of algae that can lead to subsequent reductions in dissolved oxygen as the algae dies and decays. Because of its bioavailability, when present at elevated concentrations, OP is of particular concern for lakes and streams. Generally, a larger proportion of the phosphorus in overland runoff from cropland is attached to sediment particles, and may not be immediately available to support algae growth. Studies in other regions have shown that 20-70 percent of particulate phosphorus is bioavailable. Sources of OP include wastewater treatment plants, feedlot runoff and failing septic systems. Total phosphorus, by contrast, is a measure of the total concentration of phosphorus present in a water sample and includes phosphorus bound to sediment and organic matter (particulate phosphorus), which may not be immediately available for biological uptake. The availability of phosphorus in streams, soils, and sediment changes in response to a variety of environmental conditions.
Secchi Depth
A secchi disk is a device for measuring the depth of light penetration in water. Secchi Depth is the depth in a lake, measured in meters, to which a Secchi disk can be observed, as a measure of light penetration in water. The Secchi disk is lowered into a section of shaded water until it can no longer be seen and then lifted back up until it can be seen once again. Averaging the two depths gives the clarity of the water.
Temperature
Temperature is an important parameter to consider as many biological and chemical processes can only occur within a defined temperature range. Oxygen levels decrease as temperature increases. Having sufficient oxygen is critical for aquatic organisms. Lake stratification is another process that is dependent on water temperature.
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is the sum of organic nitrogen and ammonia in a water body as measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). High measurements of TKN typically result from sewage and manure discharges to water bodies.
Total Phosphorus (TP)
Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth. Point-source phosphorus comes mainly from septic system discharge, municipal and industrial discharges to surface waters. Nonpoint-source phosphorus comes from agricultural fields, urban runoff, construction sites, land application of manure and feedlots. Most point-source phosphorus is dissolved, whereas most nonpoint source of phosphorus is sediment-attached. Elevated levels of phosphorus stimulate the growth of algae. Excessive algae growth and its associated death, and decay can severely deplete oxygen supply, endangering fish and other kinds of aquatic life. Some algal blooms also release toxins such as microcystin, which can have serious health effects on humans and animals. Controlling phosphorus is an important part of protecting the river.
Total Suspended Solids/Turbidity (TSS)
The transport of sediment is a natural function of rivers. Modification of the landscape has accelerated the rate of erosion of soil into waterways. Elevated sediment (suspended soil particles) has many impacts. It makes rivers look muddy, affecting aesthetics and swimming. Sediment carries nutrients, pesticides, and other chemicals into the river that may impact fish and wildlife species. Sedimentation can restrict the areas where fish spawn, limit biological diversity, and keep river water cloudy, reducing the potential for the growth of healthy aquatic plants.
Sources:
MPCA Glossary
Water on the Web Glossary
USGS Water Science Glossary
State of the Minnesota River Reports
