How To Improve Stream Health

1. control farm contaminants by applying mitigation tools.
2. plant trees on hills and near streams to reduce land run-off.
3. remove or mitigate possible limiting factors which will prevent natural recovery of the area in the short and long term e.g. point source discharges or farm effluent.

How can I improve my water stream quality?

Creat riparian buffers: These fringes of grass shrubs and trees planted along stream banks are one of the best ways to protect a water source. Buffers improve water quality by filtering sediment and pollutants from soil runoff and providing shade to keep water cool.

How can I improve my creek health?

Plant or maintain native vegetation along the creek bank. Planting may be needed if the bank is bare or shade-less. Bare banks invite invasive “weed” species increase water temperature and decrease oxygen for aquatic life. Avoid using pesticides herbicides or chemical fertilizers near a creek.

How do I protect my stream water?

Keep storm drains clean.

Raise your mower height to at least 3 inches and never mow within 50 feet of a stream (riparian buffer zone). Plant trees and maintain streamside buffers. Streamside trees and native vegetation help filter stormwater run-off and help hold streambank soils in place.

How do you know if a stream is healthy?

In short a healthy stream will not simply carry water downslope at high speeds but promote a slow meandering movement of water that rejuvenates it. It may look inefficient but it will be a healthy ecosystem. The floodplain is an intimate part of a healthy stream.

How do you fix poor water quality?