Explore the causes and effects of water contamination, including microplastics, chemicals, and stormwater runoff. Learn how to protect lakes, rivers, and freshwater resources.
A new report says some levels of pollution are down in the Potomac River, but cautioned that the once-troubled waterway isn’t out the woods yet. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments analyzed data collected between 1985 and 2016 and found that “water quality improvements have reduced pollution significantly.” MWCOG’s 27-page report said two substances in particular
Dane County’s 13 aquatic plant harvesters will aid county efforts to mitigate flooding in the Yahara Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin. Dane County’s total operating budget for lake weed management in 2019 is $773,400 – a more than 53 percent increase in funds compared to last year. Harvesting of aquatic plants occurs over an area
Fishtrap is one of the larger lakes in Eastern Kentucky, at more than 1,000 acres, and it attracts about 200,000 visits per year. Boaters also frequent Fishtrap to cruise and admire the steep mountains and rocky outcroppings that jut up from the banks. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resource manager at Fishtrap said the
In 2012, an environmental star of sorts was born, celebrated by Milwaukeeans, especially those who enjoy strolling along the Milwaukee Riverwalk or kayaking on Milwaukee River. The Lynyrd Skymmr is a 50-foot-long river skimmer that cruises Port Milwaukee‘s waterways several times a week to collect floating debris — dead fish, plastic bottles, branches and other
From the Great Pacific garbage patch to inland rivers, plastics are among the most widespread contaminants on Earth. Microplastics—particles of plastic smaller than five millimeters—are especially pervasive. As they build up in Earth’s waters, microplastics are also becoming a permanent part of the planet’s sedimentary layers. Now, using the Great Lakes as a laboratory, sedimentary
Congratulations are in order to Buffalo Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District! Our customer recently mentioned they removed 1300 loads of weeds so far this year with their fleet of Aquarius equipment. Buffalo Lake is actually a flowage consisting of 2500 acres and is very shallow with a maximum depth of 8 feet. The shallow waters
Salt in water sources becoming worrisome in D.C. region, experts warn By Antonio Olivo August 8, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EDT The Washington region is growing — a metropolis of nearly 6 million people where area officials are pressing to build another 320,000 homes by the end of this decade. And with that growth comes
Climate change affects creatures around the world. But land animals may have a slight advantage over marine species in running from the ill effects of global warming: the ability to escape. The oceans absorb the majority of the excess heat. Because they distribute the heat widely, ocean temperature gains are subtle. But, even a small
Following reports of hundreds of dead fish floating in Bayou Rouge in Cottonport, Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) conducted an investigation to find out what caused the fish kill. Officials determined that that fish died from a low dissolved oxygen level in the water, basically suffocating the fish. The low dissolved
A half century after the passage of the federal Clean Water Act, 50% of U.S. river and stream miles are so polluted that they are classified as “impaired.” Not only are these waterways impaired, but so are 55% of lakes, ponds and reservoirs and 25% of bays, estuaries and harbors. This means that none of