Is there plant life growing alongside the waterbody (e.g., trees, shrubs, grasses)?
Trees, bushes and tall grasses growing alongside a waterbody can provide shade and habitat for fish and wildlife. They also serve as an important buffer – a protective area that absorbs pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides and excess water that runs off the land when it rains. Waterbodies are healthier if they have lots of different kinds of trees, bushes and grasses overhanging and growing along their banks or shores. Lawns next to the waterbody indicate that the natural buffer area has been altered. Lawns provide little or no habitat or shading for fish and wildlife, and allow pesticides, fertilizers, and grass clippings to run directly into the waterbody. 4. What is the weather like? What was it like the day before? Recent weather conditions help us better understand the water quality measurements we take. For example, if it recently stormed or is raining now, water may be warmer and more turbid (cloudier) than usual because of the effects of storm water runoff (e.g., rain
