Water Quality

The chemical and physical quality of water to meet ecosystem and drinking water standards and requirements.

Associated Indicators

Pollutant and Bacteria Index

An index composed of indicators of chemical and bacterial pollution. Indices lack the precision of individual component indicators, but can provide evidence of overall condition.

Potentially Unhealthy Water Supply

Number of people whose drinking water supply is potentially unhealthy. Whether or not water is unhealthy to drink will depend on the concentrations of specific contaminants as well as synergistic effects of multiple contaminants.

Real-time Flow

Water flows in natural and managed water-ways support native aquatic/riparian life.

Stream Condition Index

This is a biological index, composed of indicators & metrics representing the condition of the benthic invertebrate communities living in streams and rivers. The presence and abundance of aquatic plants and animals can provide an indication of waterway and landscape disturbance, geomorphic conditions, appropriate water availability, and water quality. Comparing the measured presence (observed) of native species or groups to the expected presence of these species or groups is one way of measuring watershed and waterway conditions.