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How we test water quality in Mecklenburg County streams and lakes
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Scientists and environmental specialists collect water samples from creeks and lakes on a regular basis to monitor for specific pollutants such as sediment (eroded soil), bacteria and chemicals.
High sediment levels can smother fish eggs and aquatic life at the bottom of streams and can clog fish gills. Water samples are tested at Storm Water Services' Water Quality laboratory. Data is used to make watershed planning decisions.
Lake water is also tested regularly for chemicals, bacteria, and sediment levels.
Our Water Quality program also samples streams and lakes to determine the numbers and types of fish and other aquatic life and insects living in our waterways.
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Using a Secchi Disk to measure water clarity
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Since 2003, staff have walked more than 400 miles of streams within the Sugar, Little Sugar, and McAlpine Creek watersheds. They are trying to find illicit discharges, dry weather flows, damaged sanitary sewer pipes, overflowing sewer manholes, and other sources of water pollution. During stream walks, staff also notes where bank erosion is a serious problem and reports blockages in the streams such as downed trees.
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