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GLOSSARY

* 4B Restoration Approach

DEFINITION

A method for achieving water quality standards for water quality impaired
segments through controls developed and implemented without TMDLs.

* Abnormal Flow

DEFINITION

Abnormal flow (hydrologic alteration) refers to changes in river or stream
volume caused by removing water for irrigation or industrial use, drinking
water supply, and by alterations from dams to hold and release water on a
man-made cycle. Reduced flow can lower oxygen levels, raise water
temperatures, cause build-up of sediment and pollutants, destroy aquatic
wildlife habitat, and degrade swimming, boating, and fishing. In some cases
abnormal flow can refer to changes in volume due to increased flow due to
changes to the hydrologic regime.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can use less water wherever possible during droughts or when using
water from waterways that already have low flow problems. See EPA websites
for more information on flow alteration.

* Acidity

DEFINITION

Acidity (pH) can range from 0-14 and is a measurement of how acidic or
alkaline (basic) the water is. The pH of pure water is 7, and the normal
range for pH in water systems is approximately 6.5 to 8.5. In general, water
with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and with a pH greater than 7 is
considered alkaline (or basic). It is normal for saltier waters (oceans and
estuaries) to have a slightly higher pH than surface waters such as rivers,
lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands.

Acidity (pH) outside a certain range (below 6.5 or above 8.5) can sicken or
kill fish and other aquatic life. Highly acidic or alkaline water can also
release pollutants from sediments that can further harm aquatic life. Acidity
in waterways is influenced by rock and soils, as well as human sources such
as industrial and car emissions, mining, and agricultural runoff.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce pH problems by applying the correct amount of
fertilizer on lawns (and avoiding application before wet weather events),
properly disposing of chemicals such as household cleaners, and disposing any
of the above to avoid ditches, waterways and storm drains. Read more about
pH, and what you can do to help reduce acid rain.

* Advance Restoration Plan (ARP)

DEFINITION

A near-term plan, or description of actions, with a schedule and milestones
that is more immediately beneficial or practicable to achieving Water Quality
Standards than a TMDL.

* Air Temperature

DEFINITION

Air temperature is a measure of how hot or cold the air is. It is the most
commonly measured weather category. More specifically, temperature describes
the kinetic energy, or energy of motion, of the gases that make up air. As
gas molecules move more quickly, air temperature increases. Air temperature
affects the growth and reproduction of plants and animals, with warmer
temperatures promoting biological growth.

* Algae

DEFINITION

Algae (algal growth) Can occur when excess nutrients, warm water
temperatures, and reduced flow trigger the overgrowth of naturally occurring
algae into thick mats on or in the water. Blooms of algae can harm aquatic
life by clogging fish gills, reducing oxygen levels, and smothering stream
and lake beds and submerged vegetation. Some algae blooms can produce toxins
that are harmful to human health, pets, wildlife, and livestock when touched,
inhaled, or swallowed.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce algae blooms in their local waters in the following
ways: Use lawn and plant fertilizer sparingly and avoid application before
wet weather events. Regularly check and pump septic tanks. Practice
appropriate disposal of plant and animal waste and avoid disposal in
waterways. Dispose of pet waste in the trash. Pump boat waste into an onshore
facility. Plant native plants to reduce excess nutrients (nitrogen and
phosphorus) entering waterways. Learn more about harmful freshwater algae,
and how to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that causes algal growth.

* Algae and plant nutrients-Nitrogen

DEFINITION

Nutrients are any substance, like nitrogen and phosphorus, assimilated by
living things that promote growth. Nitrogen and/or Phosphorus (nutrients) in
excessive amounts can cause aquatic plants and microbes to grow too fast,
choking waterways, causing potentially harmful algae blooms, and creating low
oxygen conditions that can harm fish and other aquatic life.

Algae (algal growth) can occur when excess nutrients, warm water
temperatures, and reduced flow trigger the overgrowth of naturally occurring
algae into thick mats on or in the water. Blooms of algae can harm aquatic
life by clogging fish gills, reducing oxygen levels, and smothering stream
and lake beds and submerged vegetation. Some algae blooms can produce toxins
that are harmful to human health, pets, wildlife, and livestock when touched,
inhaled, or swallowed.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce nitrogen and/or phosphorus pollution in their local
waters by using lawn and plant fertilizer sparingly and avoiding application
before wet weather events, regularly checking and pumping-out septic tanks,
practicing appropriate disposal of plant and animal waste and avoiding
disposal in waterways, disposing of pet waste in the trash, pumping boat
waste to an onshore facility, and planting native plants to prevent nutrient
runoff into waterways. Read more about nitrogen and/or phosphorus pollution
and learn more about what you can do to help reduce it. Technical details on
nitrogen and/or phosphorus pollution can be found here.

* All Mapped Water (NHD)

DEFINITION

All waters identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the National
Hydrography Dataset (NHD). Mapped waters are not to be confused with
monitored or assessed waters. Mapped waters have not been assessed for
pollution, but rather, are simply identified and mapped. Mapped waters may
not accurately represent the extent and location of waterbodies on the
ground.

* Ammonia

DEFINITION

Ammonia occurs naturally in water in trace amounts, but too much ammonia from
fertilizers, sewage and other wastes can be poisonous to fish, especially
when water temperature and pH are high. Ammonia can also cause heavy plant
growth, foul odors, and low oxygen levels that can interfere with use for
fishing, swimming and water supplies. Ammonia acts as a form of nitrogen in
the environment, and too much can lead to nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus)
pollution.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce ammonia/nitrogen pollution by applying the correct
amount of fertilizer on lawns and avoiding application before storms,
practice appropriate manure management and avoiding disposal in waterways,
picking up and disposing of pet waste in the trash, regularly pumping out
septic tanks, and pumping boat waste to an onshore facility. Read more about
ammonia pollution effects and what you can do to help reduce ammonia
pollution

* Aquatic Life

DEFINITION

Aquatic life describes the status of fish, macroinvertebrates, plants, and
animals that live in the water.

* Aquatic Weeds

DEFINITION

Aquatic Weeds (noxious aquatic plants) choke waterways, degrade healthy
aquatic habitats, and interfere with recreational uses such as swimming,
fishing, and boating. Growth of aquatic weeds can be caused by fertilizers,
leaking septic tanks, pet and livestock wastes, sewage overflows, and flow
alterations.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help control aquatic plants in their local waters by using lawn
and plant fertilizer sparingly and avoiding application before wet weather
events. People should regularly check and pump-out septic tanks; practice
appropriate disposal of plant and animal waste and avoid disposal in
waterways; only dispose of pet waste in the trash; pump boat waste to an
onshore facility; and plant native plants to prevent nutrient runoff into
waterways. Read more about ways to reduce excess nutrients that cause the
harmful overgrowth of aquatic plants.

* Assessed Waters

DEFINITION

Assessed Waters are waters that have been monitored by states, territories,
and tribes for their physical, chemical, and biological properties to
determine whether the waters meet water quality standards and support
designated uses.

* Assessment unit

DEFINITION

An assessment unit (AU) is a segment of a waterbody that was been evaluated
for pollution.

* Bacteria and Other Microbes

DEFINITION

Bacteria and other microbes (pathogens) are potentially disease-causing
organisms from human or animal waste that enter water from faulty septic
systems, sewage discharges, farm and feedlot manure runoff, boat discharges,
and pet waste. People can become ill by eating contaminated fish or shellfish
or swimming in waters with high levels of these microbes.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce pathogen contamination by practicing appropriate
disposal of animal and boat waste and avoiding disposal in waterways, fixing
leaky septic tanks, picking-up pet waste, and avoiding manure application
close to shorelines or drainage ditches. Read more about pathogens in
waterways.

* Bioaccumulation

DEFINITION

Bioaccumulation is the retention and concentration of a pollutant in an
organism or in the food chain.

* Biological Poisons

DEFINITION

Toxins produced by aquatic plants and microbes when swallowed or touched can
sicken or even kill fish, shellfish, pets, livestock, wildlife, and people.
The leading producers of these poisons in freshwater are blue-green algae,
which can bloom into thick mats when high temperatures, still water, low
water levels, and high nutrient levels are present.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce the occurrence of toxic algae in their local waters by
reducing nutrient runoff. See excess algae. Learn more about harmful algal
blooms and their toxins, and ways to reduce excess nutrients which cause
excess algae.

* Biosolids
Definition

Biosolids (formerly referred to as "sewage sludge") are the nutrient-rich
organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge (the name for
the solid, semisolid or liquid untreated residue generated during the
treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility). When treated and
processed, sewage sludge becomes biosolids which can be safely recycled and
applied as fertilizer to sustainably improve and maintain productive soils
and stimulate plant growth. Biosolids are regulated under 40 CFR Part 503. 40
CFR Part 503 establishes standards, which consist of general requirements,
pollutant limits, management practices, and operational standards, for the
final use or disposal of biosolids.

Read more about CSOs here.

* Cultural Use

DEFINITION

If a waterbody is assessed for a Cultural use this means it is unique to the
customs and culture of a particular group of individuals who use the water to
support their cultural, spiritual, ceremonial, and/or traditional lifeways.
Some examples of cultural use are: wild rice production, ceremonial
practices, and medicinal plant collection.

* Cyanobacteria

DEFINITION

CYANOBACTERIA ARE A GROUP OF CYAN COLORED BACTERIA OFTEN REFERRED TO AS
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE, ALSO KNOWN AS CYANOBACTERIA, ARE FREQUENTLY FOUND IN
FRESHWATER SYSTEMS. THEY CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN ESTUARINE AND MARINE WATERS IN
THE U.S. CYANOBACTERIA ARE OFTEN CONFUSED WITH GREEN ALGAE, BECAUSE BOTH CAN
PRODUCE DENSE MATS THAT CAN IMPEDE ACTIVITIES LIKE SWIMMING AND FISHING, AND
MAY CAUSE ODOR PROBLEMS AND OXYGEN DEPLETION; HOWEVER, UNLIKE CYANOBACTERIA,
GREEN ALGAE ARE NOT GENERALLY THOUGHT TO PRODUCE TOXINS. SOME FRESHWATER
CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS OR CYANOHABS ARE ABLE TO PRODUCE HIGHLY POTENT TOXINS,
KNOWN AS CYANOTOXINS.

MORE INFORMATION

* Degraded Aquatic Habitat

DEFINITION

Degraded aquatic habitat (habitat alterations) occurs when naturally
occurring stream channels are changed or diverted through manmade channels
and/or removal of native vegetation from shorelines and stream banks. These
actions can reduce the habitat that fish and other animals need to reproduce,
feed, and find shelter, and can also affect the appearance and value of
waterfront property.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Waterfront property owners or users can reduce habitat degradation by not
removing streamside vegetation or channelizing streams; avoiding filling
stream pools, wetlands or other waters; keeping natural shorelines intact;
and leaving some rocks, logs or native aquatic plants as cover for fish. Read
more about degraded habitat causes and effects.

* Degraded Aquatic Life

DEFINITION

Degraded aquatic life (impaired biota) means that the biological community
normally expected in a lake, stream or other waterway is unhealthy, much
reduced, or absent, and the exact pollutant cause is not known.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Your state water program may have more recent information or added
information not reported to EPA about your waterway. Contact your state water
program to ask, or to report anything about degraded aquatic life or possible
causes that you may have observed. See EPA’s CADDIS website for more
information on harm to aquatic life from unknown causes.

* Demographic Index

DEFINITION

The Demographic Index in EJSCREEN is based on the average of two demographic
indicators; Percent Low-Income and Percent Minority.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Demographic Indicators

DEFINITION

EJSCREEN uses demographic factors as very general indicators of a community's
potential susceptibility to the types of environmental factors included in
the screening tool.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Designated Uses

DEFINITION

Designated Uses are water uses or goals for those waters (e.g. swimming,
fishing, boating) identified in water quality standards to be achieved and
maintained under the Clean Water Act.

* Dioxins

DEFINITION

Highly toxic chemicals used in some manufacturing processes, can build up in
the food chain. They may settle in sediment or on aquatic plants, then get
eaten and concentrated by fish, other aquatic life, wildlife, and people.
Dioxins are formed unintentionally by burning trash or leaded gasoline and as
waste byproducts from manufacturing some pesticides. Dioxins are considered
likely to increase cancer risk and may harm the immune system, hormone
levels, and fetal development.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Human exposure to dioxins largely occurs through the food we eat. To reduce
your exposure to dioxins in waterways, pay attention to local fishing
advisories for fish you catch and eat yourself. See more EPA information on
dioxins.

* Dischargers

DEFINITION

Dischargers are entities with an EPA, Army Corps, or state permit for a
specific and measurable discharge of a pollutant into a waterbody.

* Dissolved oxygen concentration

DEFINITION

Low Oxygen (oxygen depletion) levels in water can occur naturally for short
periods, but when they are extreme or long-lasting, they can sicken and even
kill fish and other aquatic life. When dissolved oxygen concentrations are
less than 2 mg/L, the water lacks the amount of oxygen needed to sustain most
aquatic life and is defined as hypoxic. Sewage wastewater, leaking septic
tanks, algal blooms, farm and feedlot runoff, and stormwater runoff contain
organic materials that decompose and use up oxygen in water. Higher water
temperatures can lead to lower oxygen levels.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help avoid low dissolved oxygen problems in their local waters by
practicing appropriate disposal of plant and animal waste and avoiding
disposal in waterways, applying the correct amount of fertilizer on lawns and
avoiding application before wet weather events, disposing of pet waste in the
trash, pumping-out septic tanks regularly, and pumping boat waste to an
onshore facility. Read more about dissolved oxygen pollution and what you can
do to reduce excess nutrients that result in organic enrichment and low
dissolved oxygen.

* Drinking Water Health-based Violations

DEFINITION

Violations of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or maximum residual
disinfectant levels (MRDLs) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which
specify the highest concentrations of contaminants or disinfectants,
respectively, allowed in drinking water; or of treatment technique (TT)
rules, which specify required processes intended to reduce the amounts of
contaminants in drinking water. MCLs, MRDLs, and treatment technique rules
are all health-based drinking water standards.

If there is a “yes” entry here, it means that there is at least one
health-based violation from any time period that has not be returned to
compliance in the system.

* Drinking Water Population Served

DEFINITION

Total daily population served.

* Drinking Water Source

DEFINITION

The Primary Source contributing water to the water system:

* GW - Ground Water
* SW - Surface Water
* GU - Ground water under the influence of surface water

* Drinking Water System Information

DEFINITION

‘More Details’ Link to SDWIS Reporting Services results.

https://ofmpub.epa.gov/apex/sfdw/f?p=SDWIS_FED_REPORTS_PUBLIC:PWS_SEARCH:::::PWSID:DC0000002

* Drinking Water System Type

DEFINITION

EPA has defined three types of public water systems:

Community Water System (CWS): A public water system that supplies water to
the same population year-round (e.g., residences).

Non-Transient Non-Community Water System (NTNCWS): A public water system that
regularly supplies water to at least 25 of the same people at least six
months per year. Some examples are schools, factories, office buildings, and
hospitals which have their own water systems.

Transient Non-Community Water System (TNCWS): A public water system that
provides water in a place such as a gas station or campground where people do
not remain for long periods of time.

* Drinking Water Use

DEFINITION

If a waterbody is assessed for Drinking Water use this means that the raw
water was assessed pre-treatment and should not be consumed until after it is
treated through a drinking water provider. The assessment was made for the
waterbody to potentially be used as a future source of drinking water after
treatment. In short, do not drink the water directly from the source. To get
more information on each individual use for the waterbody, refer to the
waterbody report page.

* Effluent

DEFINITION

Effluent is liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea,
treated or untreated, originating from treatment plants, sewers, or
industrial outfalls.

* Electrical conductivity (indicator of saltiness)

DEFINITION

Electrical conductivity (indicator of saltiness, specific conductivity) is a
measure of water's capacity to pass electrical flow. The more ions (molecules
with a net electric charge) present, the higher the electrical conductivity
of water. Specific conductivity is an indicator of saltiness because when
salt is dissolved in water it adds ions to the water. Salty water has higher
more ions than freshwater and therefore a higher specific conductivity.

Salts (salinity) are minerals that dissolve in water; they can be toxic to
freshwater plants and animals and make water unusable for drinking,
irrigation, and livestock. Water withdrawals, road de-icing, human and
industrial wastewater, fertilizer applications, mining and oil or gas
drilling, and repeated use of irrigation water can contribute to high levels
of salts.

* Environmental Justice

DEFINITION

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all
people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to
the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies.

This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:

The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and
Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in
which to live, learn, and work.

See Environmental Justice at the EPA for more information.

* EPA Final Action

DEFINITION

EPA Final approval for TMDLs, CWA Section 303(d) impaired waters lists and
protection plans.

* Fish and Shellfish Consumption

FISH AND SHELLFISH CONSUMPTION

If a waterbody is assessed for Fish and Shellfish Consumption (eating fish
and shellfish) this means it was assessed for Fish and/or Shellfish
Consumption. If one of these two uses is polluted, the entire condition will
show as polluted. To get more information on each individual use for the
waterbody, refer to the waterbody report page.

* Fish Kills

DEFINITION

Fish kills are large numbers of dead fish in a localized area – may be due to
water conditions such as low flow, high temperature, low oxygen levels,
harmful algal blooms, or spills of oil or toxic pollutants.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help by not discharging pollutants into a stream or lake without a
permit, and reporting evidence of fish kills immediately to a state water
quality or fisheries management office.

* Fish Unsafe to Eat

DEFINITION

Fish unsafe to eat (fish consumption advisory) means that eating fish or
shellfish caught from the waterway has been limited or banned, usually for
certain species of fish/shellfish and for one or more chemicals, microbes or
other conditions. In rivers and lakes, fish consumption advisories are
usually issued because contaminants such as mercury or PCBs exceed safe
limits in fish tissue. In coastal waters, shellfish harvesting may be banned
due to unsafe levels of bacteria.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Pay attention to warnings, they are meant to protect your health. Note that
most pollutants can’t be seen or smelled in fish, and even if the catch
appears normal the warnings still apply. EPA’s website on fish advisories
contains much more information than How’s My Waterway on specific waters with
this problem.

* Flow Rate

DEFINITION

Flow rate, also known as discharge, can help people determine how much water
is available in different locations. It is a measure of the volume of water
passing a point over a fixed amount of time. For example, flow rate is
typically measured in cubic feet per second (cfs or ft³/sec) but could also
be measured in gallons or liters per minute or second.

* Good Waters

DEFINITION

Good waters are waterbodies fully supporting their designated uses under the
Clean Water Act.

* Ground Water

DEFINITION

Ground Water is the supply of freshwater found beneath the Earth’s surface,
usually in aquifers, which supply wells and springs for drinking water. When
the groundwater table intersects the Earth's surface, groundwater supplies
source water for rivers, streams, and lakes.

* Impaired (Category 4 and 5)

DEFINITION

An impaired water is a waterbody that is impaired and on the CWA Section
303(d) list of impaired waters needing a TMDL (Category 5) or is impaired but
does not need a TMDL (Category 4) because a TMDL or other pollution control
requirement is already in place, or the impairment is not caused by a
pollutant.

* Impaired Parameters

DEFINITION

Water quality parameters that do not meet state or tribal specific water
quality standards and/or thresholds.

* Impaired Waters

DEFINITION

Impaired waters are waterbodies not fully supporting their designated uses
under the Clean Water Act.

* Impaired, Other Cause

DEFINITION

Impaired, other cause is a ‘miscellaneous’ reporting category used for
dissolved gases, floating debris and foam, leachate, stormwater pollutants,
and many other uncommon causes lumped together.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Your state water program may have more detailed information not reported to
EPA about impairment causes. Contact your state water program with questions
or to report what you have observed that may involve impairment causes.

* Impairment

DEFINITION

Impairment (pollutant) is an industrial, municipal, or agricultural waste
discharged into water.

From the Clean Water Act:

Impairment means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage,
garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials,
radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand,
cellar dirt and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste discharged into
water. This term does not mean (A) ‘‘sewage from vessels or a discharge
incidental to the normal operation of a vessel of the Armed Forces’’ within
the meaning of section 312 of this Act; or (B) water, gas, or other material
which is injected into a well to facilitate production of oil or gas, or
water derived in association with oil or gas production and disposed of in a
well, if the well used either to facilitate production or for disposal
purpose is approved by authority of the State in which the well is located,
and if such State determines that such injection or disposal will not result
in the degradation of ground or surface water resources. See CWA Section
502(6).

* Impairment Categories

DEFINITION

Impairments take many forms. Water impairments are identified across 32
categories in "How's My Waterway" such as excess algae, mercury, pathogens,
pesticides, trash and more.

* Impervious Surfaces

DEFINITION

Impervious surfaces are surfaces that allow little or no stormwater
infiltration into the ground. Other than exposed natural rock outcroppings,
impervious surfaces are completely human-created and are an unnatural part of
most ecosystems. Impervious surfaces are the main contributor to excess
stormwater runoff that would otherwise have been retained on site in natural
forests or meadows. Everything that falls on an impervious surface
(pollution, trash, animal waste, chemicals, oils, sediment, etc.) washes off
of those surfaces during rain events, often on a direct path to local streams
or water bodies.

Examples of impervious surfaces: Streets, roofs, parking lots, most patios,
walkways, or anything else that does not allow water to flow through and into
the ground (asphalt, concrete, plastics).

* Individuals over age 64

DEFINITION

Percent of people in a block group over the age of 64.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Individuals under age 5

DEFINITION

Percent of people in a block group under the age of 5.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Industrial Stormwater

DEFINITION

Industrial Stormwater. Permit requirements associated with non-construction
activities at industrial facilities, as defined at 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(i)
through (xi).

Read more about Industrial Stormwater here.

* Insufficient Info

DEFINITION

There is not enough available data and/or information to make a determination
of water quality.

* Integrated Reporting (IR) Category

DEFINITION

This report covers the general condition of a state's waters, identifies
waters that are not meeting water quality standards, and summarizes various
programs in place to protect and improve water quality in accordance with CWA
Sections 303(d), 305(b), and 314.

* Less than High School Education

DEFINITION

Percent of people age 25 or older in a block group whose education is short
of a high school diploma.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Linguistic Isolation

DEFINITION

Percent of people in a block group living in linguistically isolated
households. A household in which all members age 14 years and over speak a
non-English language and also speak English less than "very well" (have
difficulty with English) is linguistically isolated.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Low Oxygen/Hypoxia

DEFINITION

WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Media Name

DEFINITION

This is a name or code indicating the environmental medium where the sample
was taken such as water, air, soil, etc.

* Mercury

DEFINITION

Mercury occurs naturally in rocks and coal. Airborne mercury is converted in
water by bacteria into a toxic form called methyl-mercury which accumulates
in the food-chain. Mercury can build up in fish, which then poses health
risks to people and animals that eat fish. Spills and improper treatment and
disposal of mercury containing products or wastes are among other top sources
of mercury in water.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce mercury in the air and water by purchasing
mercury-free products and correctly disposing of products that contain
mercury. Fish consumption warnings for specific waters concerning mercury are
also compiled by EPA. Read more about mercury sources, risks and health
effects.

* Metals

DEFINITION

Metals can enter waterways from factories, mining, and runoff from urban
areas, as well as from natural processes such as erosion of soil and rocks.
At high levels, metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,
selenium, and zinc can be toxic to aquatic animals and humans.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help by following proper disposal of metal-containing appliances
and products. Read more about metals in waterways.

* Monitoring Measurements

DEFINITION

A count of measurements (result count) or outcomes for samples taken.

* Monitoring Samples

DEFINITION

A count of individual samples (activity count) or observations.

* Monitoring Site ID

DEFINITION

A Site ID is a designator used to describe the unique name, number or code
assigned to identify the monitoring location.

* Murky Water

DEFINITION

Murky Water (turbidity) refers to water that is cloudy, muddy or opaque
(turbid) because of suspended soil particles, algae, microbes, or organic
matter. These tiny particles can absorb heat and raise water temperatures,
reduce oxygen for aquatic animals, reduce native aquatic plant growth, clog
fish gills and smother fish eggs and aquatic insects.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Waterfront property owners can reduce turbidity by not removing streamside
vegetation or channelizing streams, not filling wetlands or other waters,
keeping natural shorelines intact, leaving some rocks, logs or native aquatic
plants as cover for fish; and routing rainwater runoff to areas where it can
soak in rather than runoff directly into a lake, stream, or sewer system. See
also EPA information on reducing and controlling turbidity in drinking water.

* Nitrogen and Phosphorus

DEFINITION

Nitrogen and/or Phosphorus (nutrients) in excessive amounts can cause aquatic
plants and microbes to grow too fast, choking waterways, causing potentially
harmful algae blooms, and creating low oxygen conditions that can harm fish
and other aquatic life.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Nitrogen and/or Phosphorus

DEFINITION

WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Nonpoint Source Pollution

DEFINITION

Nonpoint Source pollution is a pollution source without a single point of
origin or specific outlet.

NPS pollution generally results from land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric
deposition, drainage, seepage or hydrologic modification. NPS pollution,
unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many
diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over
and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away
natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes,
rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters.

* Nuisance Plants or Animals (Foreign)

DEFINITION

Nuisance Plants or Animals (Foreign), often called invasive species, are
plants, animals, fish, or microbes that are not native to the region and
cause harm to native species, to recreation and other uses of the waterway,
and/or to human health. In general, invasive species spread vigorously and
enter waterways by many means such as accidental or intentional releases and
attachment to boats and other recreational equipment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by not dumping
aquarium fish, plants or water into local waters, inspecting and thoroughly
cleaning boats, trailers, and recreational equipment before use and after
use, allowing watercraft to dry completely before launching into another body
of water, and not releasing live baitfish or other bait. Learn more about
waterways degraded by non-native, invasive species here.

* Nuisance Plants or Animals (Native)

DEFINITION

Nuisance Plants or Animals (Native) includes aquatic plants and animals that
are native to the region (not brought in from elsewhere) but have become too
crowded in the waterway. Overgrowth can interfere with oxygen levels in the
water, threaten survival of fish and other animals, make waterways
unattractive, reduce property value, and degrade or prevent recreational uses
including swimming, fishing, and boating

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help control aquatic plants in their local waters by using lawn
and plant fertilizer sparingly and avoiding application before wet weather
events, regularly checking and pumping out septic tanks, practicing
appropriate disposal of plant and animal waste and avoiding disposal in
waterways, disposing of pet waste in the trash, pumping boat waste to an
onshore facility, and planting native plants to prevent nutrient runoff into
waterways. Read more about ways to reduce excess nutrients that cause the
harmful overgrowth of aquatic plants.

* Nutrients

DEFINITION

Nutrients are any substance, like nitrogen and phosphorus, assimilated by
living things that promote growth

* Oil and Grease

DEFINITION

Oil and Grease includes fuel oil, gasoline, vegetable oil, and animal fats.
Oils generally enter waterways through spills, leaks, and improper disposal,
and can be toxic to plants and animals even in small amounts.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce oil and grease pollution by disposing of car oil and
paints properly and not in storm sewers and drains, cleaning up spilled oil
and grease with absorbent towels instead of hosing them into the street where
they can eventually reach local waterways, and fixing oil leaks from
vehicles. Read more about things you can do to prevent urban runoff leading
to oil and grease pollution.

* Organic Matter

DEFINITION

Organic matter pertains to any of the carbon-based compounds that abound in
nature. Living things are described as organic since they are composed of
organic compounds. Examples of organic compounds are carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins and nucleic acids. Since they are comprised of carbon-based
compounds they are broken down into smaller, simpler compounds through
decomposition when they die. Living organisms also excrete or secrete
material that is considered an organic material. The organic matter from
living things becomes a part of the environment. Thus, organic matter abounds
in the ecosystem, e.g. soil ecosystem. The organic matter moves into the soil
or into the mainstream water where it then serves as a source of nutrition to
living organisms.

Organic matter may move to soil, sediment, and water. It becomes an important
source of coal and kerogen (i.e. a fossilized organic material in sedimentary
rocks and shale).

Soil organic matter comes from the organic material from plants (e.g. leaves
and woody materials), animals (e.g. decaying components), and microorganisms.
The presence of organic matter in the soil is essential as a source of
nutrients for crops and other garden plants. It also helps store water in the
soil and promotes activity of soil microorganisms and earthworms. The organic
matter in the soil also regulates the soil pH, temperature, and aeration.

* Other use

DEFINITION

If a waterbody has been assessed for “other” this means it fits into another
category other than swimming, fish and shellfish consumption or aquatic life.
Examples of other uses include: agricultural, industrial and navigation.

For more information on waterbody uses click here.

* Other Water Quality Parameters Evaluated

DEFINITION

Water quality parameters that are meeting state or tribal specific water
quality standards and/or thresholds OR have insufficient data to be fully
assessed.

* Overall Waterbody Condition

DEFINITION

Overall Waterbody Condition refers to the overall condition of the waterbody
based on its evaluated uses. If one use is polluted, the overall condition
will display as polluted. More information can be found on the waterbody
report page for each water.

* Parameter Group

DEFINITION

A parameter group is an EPA grouping of a specific state reported pollution
cause. Examples of parameters groups include: murky water, fish unsafe to
eat, abnormal flow, and mercury.

* Parameter Name

DEFINITION

A parameter name is a specific state reported pollution cause. This cause is
reported directly to EPA and then grouped into parameter groups with similar
causes. These parameter groups are then converted to public friendly terms
for How’s My Waterway.

* PCBs

DEFINITION

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a group of man-made organic chemicals
with a range of toxicity. Although manufacturing of PCBs was banned in the
U.S. in 1979, PCBs are long-lasting in fish tissue and in bottom-sediments of
rivers and lakes. PCBs in fish that are eaten by humans and wildlife can
build up and may have cancer-causing and other health effects. PCB
contamination has caused many fishing bans and warnings.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Your state water program may have more information about PCBs not reported to
EPA. Contact your state water program with questions. See EPA websites for
basic PCB information and PCB health effects.

* Percent Low-Income

DEFINITION

The percent of a block group's population in households where the household
income is less than or equal to twice the federal "poverty level."

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Percent People of Color

DEFINITION

The percent of individuals in a block group who list their racial status as a
race other than white alone and/or list their ethnicity as Hispanic or
Latino. That is, all people other than non-Hispanic white-alone individuals.
The word "alone" in this case indicates that the person is of a single race,
not multiracial.

See Overview of Demographic Indicators in EJSCREEN for more information.

* Permit Components

DEFINITION

This refers to the type of discharges from a permitted facility.

More Information

* Permitted Water Dischargers Permit Status

DEFINITION

Permit Status reflects the stages in the permit life cycle:

Effective: A permit that is in its lifetime (Effective Date < = current date
< expiration date).

Expired: A permit that 90 days after the expiration date has been reached on
a permit that has no new Application Received Date or Complete Application
Received date entered.

Administratively Continued: A permit that is at the permit's expiration date.
All monitoring data are still collected and used against the permit’s terms.

Pending: A permit with incomplete data or a permit with an Effective Date
that has not yet been reached.

Retired: A permit that all monitoring data is stopped against a retired
permit; used in conjunction with Reissue. If a Permit is reissued before its
expiration date, the Permit Status Code or the previous version of the Permit
will be set to Retired. Also, the Compliance Tracking status will be set to
"Off".

Terminated: A permit that if the user enters the Termination Date, upon that
date being reached, the system will automatically change the Permit Status
Code to Terminated. Also, the Compliance Tracking status will be set to
"Off".

See ECHO for more information.

* Pesticides

DEFINITION

Pesticides, such as herbicides and insecticides, include a variety of
chemicals used to manage unwanted pests or weeds. In water, pesticides can
affect the health of aquatic insects, fish, plants, and animals exposed
through feeding or contact.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can reduce pesticide pollution in waterways by using insecticides and
herbicides in proper doses according to the label, well away from waters or
drainage ditches whenever possible, avoiding application on windy days and
disposing of waste properly. See more information on pesticide human health
effects, insecticide effects on waterways, or herbicide effects on waterways.

* PFAS

DEFINITION

PFAS, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic
chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. PFAS are found in a wide
array of consumer and industrial products. PFAS manufacturing and processing
facilities, facilities using PFAS in production of other products, airports,
and military installations are some of the potential contributors of PFAS
releases into the air, soil, and water. Due to their widespread use and
persistence in the environment, most people in the United States have been
exposed to PFAS. There is evidence that continued exposure above specific
levels to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects.

MORE INFORMATION

Read more about Pretreatment here.

* Protection Approach

DEFINITION

A strategic set of steps followed over many years by a water quality program
and its partners, intended to provide a basis for protecting healthy waters
and their associated ecosystem structure, functions and underlying uses, and
the implementation of protection activities.

* Public Water System ID (PWSID)

DEFINITION

Uniquely identifies a Public Water System.

* Public Water System Status (PWS Activity)

DEFINITION

A value that verifies that the water system and the water system facility are
active.

* Radiation

DEFINITION

Radiation can enter waterways through eroding or dissolving underground
deposits of radioactive metals such as uranium, from the air due to
accidental or intentional release, in seepage from improper disposal sites,
in mining runoff or dumped mine-tailings, or from other industrial
activities. Concentrated radioactive materials in waterways can be a health
concern.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Read more about radiation and US waterways.

* Restoration Plan

DEFINITION

A restoration plan is an EPA approved plan to restore water quality provided
by the State. Plans could include a TMDL and/or a watershed restoration plan

* Restored Waters

DEFINITION

Restored Waters is the process for bringing an impaired water back to its
water quality standards to meet its designated uses.

* Salts

DEFINITION

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help by minimizing the use of de-icing salts where they may be
washed-off into waterways, storm drains, and ditches. Please see more
information on the sources and effects of salts on our waterways.

* Sample Fraction

DEFINITION

The portion of the sample associated with results obtained from a
physically-partitioned sample.

* Scale Type

DEFINITION

You can switch between linear and log scale to visualize data on the
Monitoring Report page.

What is a linear scale?

A linear scale is a chart where the value between any two consecutive points
on the line does not change no matter the location on the line.

What is a logarithmic (log) scale?

A logarithmic scale (or log scale) is a way of displaying numerical data over
a very wide range of values in a compact way. Logarithmic scales are useful
when the data you are displaying is much less or much more than the rest of
the data or when the percentage differences between values are important. You
can specify whether to use a logarithmic scale, if the values in the chart
cover a very large range.

* Sediment

DEFINITION

Sediment is a problem when rain washes soil into waterways from fields,
construction sites, yards, logging areas, city streets, and other areas.
Sediment can make water murky, hurt the health and habitats of fish and other
aquatic animals, interfere with uses like fishing and swimming, and carry
other pollutants.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help reduce sediment pollution by limiting soil erosion, including
by not removing native plants from stream edges, not disturbing soil near
ditches or waterways, and routing rainwater to areas where it can soak in
rather than runoff directly into a lake, stream or sewer system. Read more
about sediment effects on waterways and ways to help control sediment
problems.

* Septic System

DEFINITION

Septic System is an on-site system designed to treat and dispose of sewage.

* Significant Violations

DEFINITION

Significant violation indicates a violation that EPA or another regulatory
agency has defined as a severe violation.

* Stormwater

DEFINITION

Stormwater is rain or snowmelt that runs-off of industrial and construction
sites, streets, roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces, and which
carries pollutants from these areas into waterbodies.

* Stressor

DEFINITION

A physical, chemical, or biological factor that may cause stress in the
aquatic system or contribute to pollution.

* Surface Water

DEFINITION

Surface water is all water naturally open to the atmosphere, such as rivers,
lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, wetlands, oceans and estuaries.

* Swimming and Boating

DEFINITION

If a waterbody has been assessed for swimming and boating this means that a
decision was made on if it has been deemed safe for swimming and other
recreational uses. The information in How’s My Waterway about the safety of
recreation should only be considered as general reference. Please consult
with your state for local or swimming advisories before deciding to swim in a
waterbody.

Recreational uses are often divided into two subcategories:

Primary Contact:Protects people from illness due to immersion in water. May
include swimming, water-skiing, skin diving, and surfing—all activities where
ingestion is likely.

Secondary Contact:

Protects people when engaging in activities where ingestion is unlikely, such
as boating and wading.

For more information on waterbody uses click here.

* Taste, Color, and Odor

DEFINITION

Taste, color, and odor problems may indicate that pollutants are present;
however, these problems are of concern mainly because they affect uses of
waterways, such as swimming, drinking water supply, or aesthetic enjoyment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Properly dispose of waste to avoid waterways. Learn more about taste, color,
and odor in drinking water.

* Temperature

DEFINITION

Many fish and other aquatic animals are sensitive to changes in water
temperature and require a certain temperature range to survive. If water
temperature goes outside that range for too long, they can become sick or
die.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help avoid water temperature problems by not removing shade trees
and shrubs from streambanks, using less water during droughts, and directing
rainwater on pavement to soak into the ground instead of running into
streams, lakes, or sewer systems. See more information on water temperature.

* TMDL

DEFINITION

A TMDL or Total Maximum Daily Load is the calculation of the maximum amount
of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet
and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant.

A TMDL determines a pollutant reduction target and allocates load reductions
necessary to the source(s) of the pollutant. Sometimes referred to as a
“pollution diet” for a waterbody.

* Total Budget (CWA 319)

DEFINITION

Sum of EPA budget, other federal funds, state funds, local funds and other
funds for a project.

More Information.

* Total Daily Rainfall

DEFINITION

Rainfall (precipitation) is measured every 15 minutes or 1 hour at this
station. The total daily rainfall is the cumulative amount of rainfall that
has fallen over the last 24 hours (from the time the last measurement was
taken).

Precipitation is any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and
falls back to the Earth. It comes in many forms, like rain, sleet, and snow.
Along with evaporation and condensation, precipitation is one of the three
major parts of the global water cycle.

Precipitation forms in the clouds when water vapor condenses into bigger and
bigger droplets of water. When the drops are heavy enough, they fall to the
Earth. If a cloud is colder, like it would be at higher altitudes, the water
droplets may freeze to form ice. These ice crystals then fall to the Earth as
snow, hail, or rain, depending on the temperature within the cloud and at the
Earth’s surface. Most rain begins as snow high in the clouds. As the
snowflakes fall through warmer air, they become raindrops.

* Total EPA Funds (CWA 319)

DEFINITION

The USEPA provides funding from the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant
Program to states to implement nonpoint source control activities, with focus
on impaired waterbodies.

More Information.

* Total Toxic Chemicals

DEFINITION

Total Toxic Chemicals include many, man-made substances such as solvents,
pesticides, dioxins, PCBs, and furans. They can enter waterways through
improper pesticide application and disposal, runoff, spills, auto exhaust,
and burning of chemical wastes. These chemicals can be toxic to animals and
people.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help eliminate toxics in waterways by properly rinsing-out
contaminated containers to avoid runoff into waterways or storm sewers. Also,
never flush down the toilet anything known to be poisonous, such as paints,
paint strippers, other solvents, cleansers and disinfectants, prescription
drugs, or automotive products. Read more about toxic chemical effects in
waters and what you can do to help reduce toxic chemicals in our waterways.

* Toxic Inorganic Chemicals

DEFINITION

Toxic Inorganic Chemicals refer to a wide range of pollutants including
metals, fire retardants, cyanide, and perchlorate (used in rocket fuel) that
can be poisonous to aquatic life and people. Industrial or wastewater
discharges, mining, landfills, and air deposition of car exhaust and energy
production can contribute to increased levels of toxic inorganic chemicals in
waterways.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

People can help eliminate toxics in waterways by properly rinsing out
contaminated containers to avoid runoff into waterways or storm sewers. Also,
never flush down the toilet anything known to be poisonous, such as paints,
paint strippers, other solvents, cleansers and disinfectants, prescription
drugs, or automotive products. Read more about toxic chemical effects in
waters and what you can do to help reduce toxic chemicals in our waterways.

* Toxic Organic Chemicals

DEFINITION

Toxic Organic Chemicals are harmful, man-made chemicals that contain carbon.
They can build-up in animal and fish tissue, lake and river sediments, and
enter sources of drinking water posing potential long-term health risks.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Trash

DEFINITION

Trash consists of litter, debris, and other types of discarded solid waste.
Trash can be contaminated with toxins or bacteria, and it harms fish and
wildlife that eat it or become entangled in it. In areas where people swim or
wade, trash can present a human health and/or safety threat.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Never use waterways or their sloping banks as a place to dump garbage or
litter of any amount. People can help by properly disposing of trash, not
littering in or near waterways, preventing trash from being blown away, and
picking up visible trash in and near waterways. Read more about trash in
waterways.

* Tribal Grant Program CWA Section 106

DEFINITION

Section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes EPA to provide financial
assistance to states and eligible interstate agencies to establish and
administer programs for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of water
pollution. In 1987, Congress amended section 518(e) of the CWA to include
provisions that allow EPA to treat an Indian tribe in a manner similar to a
state (i.e., treatment in a manner similar to a state, or TAS) for the
purpose of providing Section 106 funding.

More Information on Tribal Grants.

* Unassessed Waters

DEFINITION

Unassessed Waters are waters that have not been monitored by states,
territories, and tribes for their physical, chemical, and biological
properties to determine whether the waters meet water quality standards.

* Unit

DEFINITION

This is the code that represents the unit for measuring the sample.

* Upstream Watershed

DEFINITION

In How’s My Waterway the upstream watershed shows the entire land area that
drains into the smaller selected watershed depicted by the dashed line on the
map. Everything upstream eventually ends up downstream. Everyday activities
in upstream waters can affect downstream waters. It is essential to consider
these downstream impacts when developing and implementing water quality
protection and restoration actions.

* Urban Stormwater (Medium/Large MS4)

DEFINITION

Urban Stormwater (Medium/Large MS4). Additional requirements for medium/large
municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), as defined at 40 CFR 122.26.

Read more about Urban Stormwater discharges and MS4 permits.

* Urban Stormwater (Small MS4)

DEFINITION

Urban Stormwater (Small MS4). Additional requirements for small municipal
separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), as defined as 40 CFR 122.30-122.37.

Read more about Urban Stormwater discharges and MS4 permits.

* Use Group

DEFINITION

A use group is an EPA grouping of a specific state reported designated use.

Examples of use groups include: recreation, fish consumption, ecological
life, and drinking water.

* Water Clarity

DEFINITION

When water clarity (turbidity) values are high, it means that the water is
cloudy, muddy or opaque (turbid) because of suspended soil particles, algae,
microbes, or organic matter. These tiny particles can absorb heat and raise
water temperatures, reduce oxygen for aquatic animals, reduce native aquatic
plant growth, clog fish gills and smother fish eggs and aquatic insects. If
water is described as highly turbid, it also means that only a small amount
of light is able to penetrate through the water.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

* Water Level

DEFINITION

Water level (gage height), also known as stage, is the elevation of the free
surface of a stream, lake, sea or reservoir relative to a specific reference
point. Water level indicates how much water is available, with lower values
indicating less water availability.

* Water Quality Standards

DEFINITION

Water Quality Standards are state and tribal-adopted and EPA-approved
standards for waterbodies that include designated uses and water quality
criteria.

* Water Temperature

DEFINITION

Water temperature is a physical property expressing how hot or cold water is.
Temperature is an important factor to consider when assessing water quality.

* Waterbody

DEFINITION

A Waterbody in How’s My Waterway can be a river, stream, lake or other type
of water that has been assessed by the state. The assessed area may be an
entire waterbody or just a segment of an individual river, stream, lake,
pond, or wetland.

* Watershed

DEFINITION

Watershed is the land area that drains into a stream or other waterbody.

* Watershed Names (HUC 12)

DEFINITION

HUC12 is a local sub-watershed level (~90,000 HUC12 watersheds nationwide).
How's My Waterway uses HUC12 watersheds to display data.

HUC is an acronym for Hydrologic Unit Codes. HUCs are a way of identifying
watersheds in the United States and are organized from largest to smallest.

* Wetland

DEFINITION

Wetlands means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground
water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted
for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps,
marshes, bogs, and similar areas. 40 CFR 120.2(3)(xvi).

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