Stream Health - Why We Monitor
Monitoring water quality in our environment is complicated. Streams are constantly in flux and are affected by soil, air, ambient temperatures, man-made pollution, and seasonality. Biological communities such as aquatic insects, fish, and stream salamanders rely on clean water, normal stream flows, and adequate stream habitats to survive. These organisms, referred to as bio-indicators, are therefore very useful indicators of water quality. Monitoring these critters helps determine overall stream health.
Evaluating the diversity of species found, their life stages, survival, reproductive stage, and health, while also evaluating the condition of the physical habitat in and around our waterways, and sampling the quality of the water itself through water chemistry helps us determine overall stream health.
In addition, Montgomery County collects data on the presence and absence of Amphibians, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and invasive species to determine their impact on our environment.
Generally speaking, a biological community consisting of less diverse, more pollution-tolerant species indicates poor stream health, while a biological community consisting of diverse, sensitive species is characteristic of higher water quality.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING INCLUDES
- Assessments of the biological community living in our streams and waterways
- Assessments of the structure, flow, and physical condition of the stream itself
- Instantaneous water chemistry and testing
Help our biologists: Apply for the summer biomonitoring internship!
Planning
Watershed planning and assessments provide us the understanding of conditions and changes in the County. They guide us where to focus our efforts and identify potential implementation approaches and assist in targeting areas.
Learn more about the watershed planning process here >>
Stormwater
During rain and snow storms, runoff can pick up substances like oil, grease, litter, pesticides, or fertilizers and our streams can become polluted. The polluted runoff (commonly called stormwater runoff) carries these substances as it flows into our streams, lakes, ponds and rivers making them unhealthy. Stormwater facilities can help prevent this pollution from reaching our streams. The County is responsible for inspecting and maintaining thousands of stormwater management facilities. Learn more about this program and how it pertains to you >>
MS4 & Incentive
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit was established to reduce stormwater pollution throughout the United States. The primary goal of the program is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. Learn more about the permit and the County’s regulatory requirements including the financial assurance plan here >>
Property Care
What you do and how you take care of your yard and the environment around you is important. Things as simple as washing your car and picking up after your pet has a direct link to the health of our streams and water quality.