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Transcript:
Each year, the city of Durham releases the State of Our Streams report to educate our residents about the health of our creeks and rivers. We review the pollutants entering our waterways and discuss what residents can do to help prevent pollution in the future. We use a water quality index to measure the health of our waterways. It combines the measurement from each pollutant into a single score, like a grade on a test. Various pollutants affect the score. First, we look at Durham's water turbidity, or rather how much sediment is suspended in the water. Sediment is composed of small soil particles and organic debris. Sediment can enter our waterways through wind and water runoff or erosion, commonly from poorly managed lands around construction sites and loose dirt in parking lots or on driveways. Too much sediment in water bodies can block sunlight and suffocate aquatic plants and animals. It can also contribute to erosion and change how the water moves in a stream. Next, we look at nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. A balanced amount of these nutrients is important in a healthy water body. Too much of these can lead to an overgrowth of algae called an algal bloom. This overgrowth can be toxic to humans and animals. It can even lead to fish kills. Nutrient pollution can come from improper yard waste disposal and improper application of yard fertilizers. We also look at fecal bacteria levels in the water. This bacteria exists in the fecal matter of farm animals, humans, wildlife, and pets. Too much fecal bacteria in a stream is a sign that there could be other disease causing organisms in the water. This significantly lowers the water quality. Sources of such bacteria include leaking sanitary or septic systems, dumpsters, trash cans, pet waste, and even soil erosion. Lastly, we look at the diversity of aquatic life in our water bodies to determine water quality. The City of Durham includes this measure in streams where this kind of monitoring is possible. If we find pollution sensitive animals like dragonflies, that's a sign of a healthy water body. But if there are too few pollution sensitive animals, then that can indicate a water quality problem. We collect water quality data throughout the year and combine that information into a water quality grade for each watershed in the city. The State of Our Streams report allows residents to make informed decisions and take actions that promote the health of our rivers and streams. For instance, preventing pollutants from entering waterways. Calling the stormwater hotline, 919-560-SWIM when you see water pollution, and joining groups dedicated to protecting our rivers and streams, we can all contribute to improving the water quality in Durham.
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