Water Quality

Published Jan. 19, 2024
New Buffalo, Michigan Harbor Beach break wall on July 8, 2021.
Lake Michigan
New Buffalo, Michigan Harbor Beach break wall on July 8, 2021.
Photo By: James Woolcock
VIRIN: 210708-A-TH030-001

Water quality teams are responsible for monitoring and evaluating water quality within the corps' reservoirs and several river miles of the Ohio River within the Great Lake and Ohio River Division civil-works boundaries. 

Division civil works boundaries. This effort includes measurement of selected physical, chemical, and biological parameters at river and lake project stations, including biological assessments and harmful algal bloom (HAB) response.

Data collected via the Water Quality Program is assessed annually.  Data is compared to water quality criteria and standards established by state agencies.  If any exceedances of established water quality criteria occur, the Water Quality Team reports this to the appropriate state regulatory agency.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA 2007, Section 2017) requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make water quality data available to the public. The water quality team has several reports available. 

Water quality data is available upon request by contacting the respective water quality team from the appropriate district and specifying what lake(s), what year(s), and type of data.


Harmful Algal Blooms


Barren River. US Army Corps of Engineers photo by Michael Lapina.
Barren River
Barren River. US Army Corps of Engineers photo by Michael Lapina.
Photo By: Michael Lapina
VIRIN: 110213-A-MX460-012
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are tiny, blooming freshwater microorganisms, called cyanobacteria, sometimes releases toxins that are harmful to aquatic life and can contaminate drinking water. The Corps of Engineers monitors and responds to HABs in coordination with state agencies. To report HABs, or for current HAB advisories and other HAB information, please see the applicable state websites and contact information listed below.

 

HAB homepage: https://www.in.gov/idem/algae/

Current advisories: https://www.in.gov/idem/algae/indiana-reservoir-and-lake-sampling-update/

Contact IDEM at 1-800-451-6027 ext. 24464.

HAB homepage: https://epa.ohio.gov/hab-algae#147745365-advisories

Current advisories: http://publicapps.odh.ohio.gov/beachguardpublic/

Contact Ohio EPA at 614-644-2160.

 

HAB Homepage: https://www.orsanco.org/programs/harmful-algae-blooms/

Contact ORSANCO at 513-231-7719.

 

Contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.


Biological Assessments


Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake
Photo By: Huntington District
VIRIN: 240117-A-A1409-001
Biological assessments are commonly used by scientists not only to understand water quality but also to evaluate the condition of aquatic ecosystems. The Louisville District Water Quality Team has utilized the following biological assessments for understanding the water quality of reservoirs and their associated tributaries and tailwaters: benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.

Benthic macroinvertebrates (i.e., bottom-dwelling animals that lack a backbone and are large enough to be visible with the naked eye) are commonly used as indicators of water quality conditions, as they are sensitive to pollution and spend most (if not all) of their time in water. The Louisville District Water Quality Team utilizes assessments of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to better understand the water quality conditions of tributaries flowing into reservoirs as well as conditions flowing out of reservoirs via tailwaters. The methods of these studies are consistent with the appropriate state water quality authorities for Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, depending on the jurisdiction of a reservoir.

Fish communities are commonly used as indicators of water quality conditions, as they are sensitive to pollution and can be impacted by changes in water quality. The Louisville District Water Quality Team utilizes assessments of fish communities to better understand the water quality conditions of tributaries flowing into reservoirs as well as conditions flowing out of reservoirs via tailwaters. The methods of these studies are consistent with the appropriate state water quality authorities for Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, depending on the jurisdiction of a reservoir.

Phytoplankton are free-floating aquatic microorganisms that are photosynthetic (convert light energy into chemical energy for food), such as algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Because phytoplankton compose much of the bottom of the food chain, aquatic ecosystems depend heavily on phytoplankton. Also, phytoplankton are sensitive to water quality conditions and make excellent indicators of water quality. Because of these reasons, the Louisville District Water Quality Team monitors phytoplankton communities at all Louisville District reservoirs annually. 

Zooplankton are free-floating aquatic microorganisms that are consumers (consume other organisms for food), such as crustaceans and aquatic mites. Zooplankton serve as a critical link in the food chain by supporting organisms that then support larger organisms, such as fish. Also, zooplankton are sensitive to water quality conditions and make excellent indicators of water quality.


Invasive Species


Hydrilla is a non-native invasive aquatic plant that grows in dense branching colonies which can grow in water up to 20 feet deep and form thick mats across the water’s surface.

Hydrilla is well suited to live in a variety of freshwater habitats including, lakes, ditches, rivers and marshes. The plant is tolerant of nutrient levels and its ability to grow in low-light conditions means it can grow at deeper depths and begin photosynthesizing earlier in the day than many other aquatic plants. Hydrilla can reproduce in four different ways including fragmentation, tubers, turions, and seed. With these adaptations in addition to the large, thick mats and rapid growth rate, Hydrilla is able to out compete most native vegetation that it encounters.

Hydrilla is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed, and it is therefore illegal to import or sell the plant in the United States as millions of dollars are spent annually in the U.S. to control the growth and spread of the plant in our nation’s waterways.

Why is Hydrilla problematic in our lakes?

Aside from the adaptations that allow Hydrilla to out-compete native aquatic vegetation, creating a monoculture that decreases biodiversity, the rapid growth rate and thick mats can increase water pH and temperature and cause wide fluctuations in dissolved oxygen. The growth rate and density of Hydrilla can also have significant impacts on water intake structures by clogging pipes and can decrease recreational opportunities as entire coves can become inaccessible for boating and swimming.

How to prevent the spread of Hydrilla

  • Remove all plant fragments from your boat, propeller, and boat trailer. The transportation of plant material on boats, trailers, and in livewells is the main introduction route to new waterways. You should always thoroughly clean your boat before and after visiting different lakes.
  • Rinse any mud and/or debris from equipment and wading gear and drain any water from boats before leaving a launch area.
  • Do NOT release aquarium or water garden plants into the wild, rather seal them in a plastic bag and dispose in the trash.
  • Consider using native plants from your state in aquariums and water gardens.
  • If you detect this plant in a waterway contact the appropriate state authority. Links for each of the states within the Louisville District’s area of responsibility are included on this page.

 


Water Quality By Area


A map depicting the Louisville District's area of responsibility for water quality.
Louisville District Water Quality Area of Responsibility
The Water Quality Team is responsible for monitoring and evaluating water quality in the 17 reservoirs and 542 river miles of the Ohio River that are within the Louisville District civil works boundaries. This effort includes measurement of selected physical, chemical, and biological parameters at river and lake project stations, including biological assessments and harmful algal bloom (HAB) response.
Photo By: Courtesy Photo
VIRIN: 240517-A-XW512-1001
The Water Quality Team is responsible for monitoring and evaluating water quality in the 17* reservoirs and 542 river miles of the Ohio River that are within the Louisville District civil works boundaries. This effort includes measurement of selected physical, chemical, and biological parameters at river and lake project stations, including biological assessments  and harmful algal bloom (HAB) response.

Lake project personnel take frequent and regular measurements of temperature and dissolved oxygen at the dam site during lake stratification, which are made available on the Water Quality Data and Reports page.  For tailwater temperatures outside of lake stratification, go to Observations of All Lakes.

*Prior to October 1, 2020, the Louisville District Water Quality Team was responsible for 20 reservoirs. However, the three Upper Wabash reservoirs (J. Edward Roush Lake, Mississinewa Lake, and Salamonie Lake) are currently under the authority of the Chicago District Water Quality Program.

Andi Fitzgibbon, a biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District’s Water Quality team, records field data from water samples to determine the water quality’s “sound,” which measures temperature and related parameters such as dissolved oxygen chlorophyll turbidity near Warren, Pennsylvania on March 30, 2023. The district’s Water Quality team collected water samples from the Allegheny River both before and after the spring pulse to compare the pulse’s effect along various points on the river. The collected samples are sent to the Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center to test and analyze myriad factors such as pH acidity, alkalinity, metals, nutrients, and conductivity. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District photo by Andrew Byrne)
Pittsburgh District’s Water Quality team conducts first “spring pulse”
Andi Fitzgibbon, a biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District’s Water Quality team, records field data from water samples to determine the water quality’s “sonde,” which measures temperature and related parameters such as dissolved oxygen chlorophyll turbidity near Warren, Pennsylvania on March 30, 2023. The district’s Water Quality team collected water samples from the Allegheny River both before and after the spring pulse to compare the pulse’s effect along various points on the river. The collected samples are sent to the Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center to test and analyze myriad factors such as pH acidity, alkalinity, metals, nutrients, and conductivity. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District photo by Andrew Byrne)
Photo By: Andrew Byrne
VIRIN: 230330-A-XW512-1237
The Pittsburgh District encompasses a watershed area of approximately 67,000 square kilometers (26,000 square miles) in portions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York and Maryland. Our jurisdiction includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose flood damage reduction reservoirs, 42 local flood damage reduction projects and other projects to protect and enhance water resources and wetlands. Using a watershed-based approach, the Pittsburgh District’s Water Quality Team is responsible for monitoring and evaluating water quality in the Allegheny, Beaver, Monongahela and upper Ohio River basins in support of Water Management reservoir operations and other District elements. The Water Quality Team monitors physical, chemical, and biological parameters at river and lake project stations. Data collected are utilized to achieve the objectives of the water quality unit’s mission

The district’s water quality program includes the following components:

1. Intensive monthly limnological surveys of at least one district reservoir and its watershed each year, from spring through early winter, by the water quality team with support from project staff. At a minimum, intensive surveys should be conducted at each district reservoir once every ten years. Over 155 chemical and physical water quality parameters could be monitored, depending on site specific needs (i.e. dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, alkalinity, acidity, nutrients, metals, sulfate, chloride, bromide, hardness, conductivity, solids, organic compounds, radioisotopes, etc.)

2. An annual summer season intensive limnological survey at each District Reservoir, its watershed and also throughout the district navigation system, by the water quality team, with support from project staff.

3. Routine collection of semi-monthly water quality samples at the outflows, some inflows and tributaries of all district reservoirs and some regulated river reaches by project staff, volunteers, and paid collectors.

4. Biological assessments of water quality, which includes benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and chlorophyll sampling, conducted throughout the district as required with support from project staff. Biological assessments are necessary to understand short and long term trends in water quality condition not readily detectable based on measurements of physical and chemical parameters alone.

 5. Continuous, real-time, water quality monitoring at over 35 reservoir operational control points located throughout the district, including reservoir inflows and outflows, downstream regulated river reaches, tributaries that impact operational benefits, and also in the pools of 12 reservoirs. Water quality parameters monitored include water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, turbidity, total dissolved gas, and barometric pressure. Continuous data for the water temperature buoy system and USGS water quality monitors can be accessed using the following links:

Water Temperature Buoys - https://www.wqdatalive.com/public/15 

USGS Water Quality Monitoring Stations - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/current/?type=quality&group_key=NONE

 6. The water quality team conducts surveys in response to incidents that could impact the district’s water management or natural resource management missions (e.g. oil, chemical, or wastewater spills; fish kills; harmful algal blooms (HABs)).

 7. The district water quality team coordinates with partners (e.g. state, federal and NGOs) to leverage resources and eliminate duplication of effort.

 


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