Are streams and ground water being contaminated by nutrients and bacteria?
(More information…) • Nutrient concentrations in streams are higher in areas with greater agricultural land use or downstream from wastewater-treatment plants than in forested areas. These higher concentrations may result in increased algal growth in streams. • Nutrient concentrations in ground water are higher in areas with greater agricultural land use than in forested areas. These higher concentrations seldom exceed drinking-water standards. • Bacteria concentrations in streams are higher in basins with greater agricultural land use (mostly pasture). Fecal coliform bacteria concentrations occasionally exceed State water-quality standards for whole-body contact recreation. • Nutrient and bacteria concentrations are affected by hydrologic and geologic factors. Stream discharge and the presence or absence of confining geologic layers are two factors that are important in predicting concentrations. Are pesticides and other organic compounds more prevalent in the water, bed sediment, a
