W;
ble
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
-------
I- .
•• •• *
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.
------- |