Mississippi River. Source: emrld_cicadaWater quality is affected by many things: erosion and runoff from clearing of shorelines, the use of artificial fertilizers and leachate from sewage disposal systems resulting in too many nutrients leaching the lake. Phosphorus is the key nutrient of concern, too many nutrients can cause weed and algae growth and threatens fish habitat by reducing oxygen levels.

Mississippi Valley Conservation has long recognized the recreational and aesthetic value of lakes within the watershed and is committed to maintaining and protecting water quality and fish habitat.

Click here to see the watershed water quality mapMississippi Valley Conservation has joined together with volunteer Lake Stewards throughout the watershed to take steps to protect and restore water quality by launching the Watershed Watch program in 1998.

Watershed Watch is an environmental monitoring and awareness program. The objectives of the program are to collect reliable environmental data to document current water quality conditions and use the data as an essential educational tool to encourage residents to adopt sound stewardship practices aimed at preserving and protecting water quality.

Adapted from The Mississippi State of the Lake Report 2006