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Elk River Basin - Water Quality and Agriculture
 Farms are very important in the Elk River Basin, providing jobs and food to the people of this area. Proper farm management is important in ensuring the quality of the water within the watershed. When it rains, flowing water picks up particles on the ground and transports them into the nearest stream. This is called “runoff”. The largest pollutant in area waters is sediment. As water runs over bare soil, it suspends the soil in the water and transports it into the nearest stream within the watershed. Upon entrance into the stream, the sediment is deposited in areas where the water moves slowly, such as pools or backwaters. This sediment settles between rocks and can eliminate habitat for animals that live on streambeds, such as insect larvae and mussels. If more fertilizer is applied to farmland than a crop can utilize, it can also be suspended by rainwater and washed into streams within the watershed. Excess animal wastes can also wash into the stream. Algae are found in many water bodies and provide food for small fish and other aquatic animals. Since algae are plants, they convert light energy into carbohydrates through a process called photosynthesis. Algal growth also requires certain nutrients that it acquires from its surroundings. Two nutrients required for algal growth are nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients are available in sufficient quantity, algae are able to grow and become food for consumers. This relationship keeps the quantity of algae and consumers in balance. When excess nutrients are washed into a stream from fertilizer or animal waste, the algae can grow to larger quantities than consumers can eat. Upon death, the algae settle to the bottom of the water body and decompose. The process of decomposition requires dissolved oxygen from the water and can deplete the water of dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen is also required by larger aquatic life forms like fish. Reduction of dissolved oxygen can cause large number of fish deaths, termed “fish kills”. Animal waste can also increase the amount of bacteria in streams. The primary bacteria that can be harmful to humans is Escherichia coli. |
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Elk River | James River | Sac River | Spring River | North Fork Salt River |
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Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN) |
Page last updated August 26, 2008 |
