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                              The  Wadeable  Streams
                                         Assessment
What is the Wadeable Streams
Assessment?

The Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA) is
a study of the ecological condition of small
streams throughout the U.S. It is designed like
an opinion poll: that is, 500 sites were selected
at random to represent the condition of all
streams in regions that share similar ecological
characteristics.  This is the first time a national
monitoring study of streams has been
conducted using this approach.

This work is being conducted by State water
quality agencies with support from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency using the
same types of methods at all sites, to ensure
results that can be compared across the
country.  Sampling began in June 2004 and
will continue until October 2004.

In addition to providing information on the
condition and health of small streams, this
project provides funding and expertise that
will enhance each State's ability to monitor
and assess the quality of its waters in the
future.

What Will be Studied at Each Site?

At each site, a small crew of scientists will
examine biological, chemical, and physical
conditions. Depending on ease of access,
weather conditions and other factors,
monitoring at each site should take about six
hours.
                                To check the biological
                                health of the site, the
                                sampling crew will collect
                                macroinvertebrates
                                (organisms without
                                backbones that are large
                                enough to be seen with
                                the naked eye, such as
                                mayfly nymphs, snails
                                and crayfish) for
                                identification and analysis
                                in a lab. The abundance and variety of
                                macroinvertebrates can tell scientists whether a
                                stream is healthy or stressed.

                                Water samples will be taken from the stream and
                                analyzed in the lab for a set of basic
                                characteristics. The crew will also visually
                                assess the physical condition of the streambed,
                                streambanks, and vegetation surrounding the
                                stream.

                                When Will the Findings Be Ready?

                                Results from the study will be available in 2005.
                                Information on the condition of individual sites
                                will not be included in the national summary
                                report. The final report will be used to draw
                                regional and national conclusions about the
                                health of small, wadeable streams and will help
                                water quality agencies understand stream
                                conditions over time.
                                For more information visit:
                                www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/wsa
                                or contact: Susan Holdsworth,
                                (202) 566-1187,
                                Holdsworth.Susanfajepa. go v

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Wadeable Streams Assessment Sampling Sites. The green dots on this map represent sites that will be sampled in the
summer of 2004. The red dots represent sites that have already been sampled.
                                                         Above: Conducting a visual assessment of the
                                                         physical condition of stream banks and vegetation.
                                                         Left: Collecting macroinvertebrates (biological organisms)
                                                         from the streambed. These samples will be sent to a lab
                                                         for identification.

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