Cass River Watershed - Watershed Problem Reporting Form

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Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge about the Cass River Watershed! This information is being collected to help identify priority areas for water quality improvement in the Cass River Watershed Management Plan.

Name of lake, stream or river:

Near road intersection at: (street name)

and (street name)

On (street name): (street name)

Type of problem (please select all that apply):

Please mouse over each choice for a definition of the problem and how it decreases water quality.

Soil erosion (e.g., construction site, road crossing, farm field, streambank) Soil erosion is the loss or removal of soil at a rate that is faster than the soil is formed.

Soil erosion can cause an increase in nutrients and sediments in the waterways. The Increased nutrients can cause algae which decrease the Dissolved Oxygen available for fish and other aquatic life. The addition of sediments into the waterways can change aquatic habitats and cause temperature changes within the water.

Septic system failure Septic system failure occurs when septic tanks or drainage fields become clogged and bacteria in the tank can’t treat water properly.

Septic system failure can release phosphorous into the water which can cause algal blooms. These algal blooms decrease the Dissolved Oxygen available for aquatic life. Septic system failure can also release the bacteria E. coli into the water.

Livestock in stream/ditch Livestock in streams and ditches is when livestock have unrestricted access to streams and ditches due to the lack of fences or barriers.

Livestock in streams and ditches can cause increased sediments in the water, which can change aquatic habitats and water temperature. Livestock can also increase the E. coli bacteria present and the nutrient levels. Increased nutrient levels can lead to increased algal growth and eventually decreased Dissolved Oxygen available for aquatic life.

Manure runoff (e.g., livestock feedlot, farm field application) Manure runoff occurs when manure is exposed to runoff water. The water has the ability to carry some of the manure with it and therefore carries the manure to the water’s destination.

Manure runoff carries excess nutrients which cause algae and decreased Dissolved Oxygen for aquatic life. It also carries E. coli bacteria and excess salts which threaten water quality.

Trash in stream/ditch Trash in streams and ditches is discarded material located in streams in ditches.

Trash in streams and ditches cause obstacles and threats to wildlife. It also can release toxic chemicals from its breakdown.

Algae Algae are photosynthetic aquatic organisms that have no real roots or leaves.

Algae decrease water quality by decreasing Dissolved Oxygen. When algae die they cause a growth in the number of decomposers, which need oxygen to decompose the algae. These decomposers use a significant amount of oxygen that is available, which decreases the Dissolved Oxygen in the water that is available to other aquatic life.

Phragmites Phragmites is an aquatic reed grass that lasts throughout the year. It is found in wetland areas and grows to be a height between 6.7 feet and just under 20 feet.

Phragmites decreases water quality by endangering surrounding vegetation. It releases toxins that harm these plants. By doing such, Phragmites is taking over native vegetation that is part of the aquatic ecosystem. This potentially changes habitats for aquatic life.

Other

Please describe "Other":

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Problem Description (note - additional location details helpful):

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