Project Green: Protecting Our Watersheds. By: Cailin Shallman, Hannah Emerson, and Ashley Schwartz

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1 Project Green: Protecting Our Watersheds By: Cailin Shallman, Hannah Emerson, and Ashley Schwartz

2 What is a Watershed? A watershed is an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas. We are part of the Huron River Watershed.

3 Water Testing On a chilly, April morning, Oak Valley Students went to Lake Sherwood to test the water quality. We looked for signs of pollution and tested for the ph, Nitrates, Dissolved oxygen, Phosphates, turbidity and the macro invertebrate levels.

4 Vocabulary Point Source Pollution- is pollution that comes from a specific source. Non-point Source Pollution- is pollution that doesn t come from a specific source, but from many different places. Algal Blooms- is when algae covers the surface of the water.

5 Non-Point Source

6 Point Source

7 ph ph is the measurement of how acidic or basic a body of water is. The ph level 7, is neutral. An example of this is pure water. The basic water has very high levels of ph. Some examples of very basic things are bleach and detergents. The very acidic water has low levels of ph. You can find these very acidic waters by things like industrial plants.

8 ph for Lake Sherwood Our data that we collected stated that Lake Sherwood had a ph level of This ph level is very ideal for sustaining a healthy wildlife in and out of the water. Because Lake Sherwood is not located near any industrial plants, we don t have to worry about the acid levels raising too high.

9 Nitrates Nitrates are elements that are used by plants and animals to build protein. When the levels are too high, it can cause excessive plant and animal growth. When there are 0 nitrates in the water, this is really good because then the population of certain plants and animals don t get to high.

10 Nitrates for Lake Sherwood The Lake Sherwood nitrate level was 1.875ppm. This is good considering we took these tests in early spring. As summer comes up, we have to be careful when using fertilizers. Fertilizers are a major cause of nitrates. We recommend trying organic fertilizers because this will prevent nitrates from entering the water.

11 Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen is what plants and animals in the water use to breath. Ideal levels are between 4 and 8ppm. If its below 4, fish can suffocate. This can be caused by thermal pollution, algal blooms and when algae breaks down.

12 Dissolved oxygen in Lake Sherwood The dissolved oxygen Lake Sherwood was 7.85ppm. This is really good because there is enough dissolved oxygen in the water to sustain life. We need to make sure that if there are too many algal blooms or dead animals on top of the water, that we get them out before they take up too much dissolved oxygen in the water.

13 Phosphates Phosphates allow plants and animals to grow and function. It is necessary for strong bones, teeth, and energy. Phosphates are found in soaps and detergents To much phosphates in lakes can cause plants like algae to go into overdrive

14 Phosphates for Lake Sherwood Lake Sherwood's Phosphate level was You have to be careful when you are using soap outside. For example, when doing water sports, like wakeboarding or skiing, sometimes you use soap to get the boots on. Make sure you don t use a lot of soap or find an environmentally friendly soap.

15 Turbidity Turbidity is the cloudiness of water caused by individual particles in the water. When boats drive around in the water, in the summertime, it causes dirt and sediment to rise from the bottom of the lake, and causes the turbidity levels to increase.

16 Turbidity for Lake Sherwood The Turbidity for Lake Sherwood was very clear. This is good because it makes certain there is nothing in the water, like heavy metals, that could be harmful to people.

17 Macro invertebrate levels. Macro invertebrate levels are based on how many macro invertebrates, or insects are in the water You want to have a large population of insects to have a healthy watershed.

18 Here are some examples of macroinvertebrates

19 Macro invertebrate levels for Lake Sherwood The Macro invertebrate levels for Lake Sherwood were very good. This is good because it means that the water can sustain animals that only can live in clean water.

20 Lake Sherwood Residents As of now, all of the tests we took show that the water in Lake Sherwood is very healthy. Keep up the good work!