Data collected using protocols developed for the KSWiM (Kansas Student Water Monitors) program. Contact Kansas StreamLink for more information about KSWiM and other stream study programs in Kansas.

KSWiM Stream Quality Survey

Date: October 25, 2001

Weather Conditions: windy, damp, cool

Physical changes that have occurred at site since last sampling: first visit

Any unusual smells: No

Appearance of water: Clear, algae is present

The % of bank covered by trees & riparian plants, rocks, and logs (no exposed soil):
Stream banks (sides): 30-70% - Fair
Top bank (slope & floodplain - do not include crops if present): <30 % - Poor

Streambank erosion: > 70% - Severe

Stream bank composition: 25% trees, 10% shrubs, 15% grass, 40% bare soil, 10% rocks

Sampling method(s) used today: Kick net, Dip net, Turning over rocks, Visual observation

The % of algae covering the stream bed: 70%-30% - Fair

Algae color: Light green

Stream channel shade: 70%-30% Fair

Start Time: 10:45
End Time: 11:00

Flow Rate: Normal

Water temp: 58 F

Riffle composition: 75% silt (mud), 10% sand 2% gravel (1/4" to 2" stones), 50% cobbles (2"-10"),
0% boulders (>10")

Note the unique physical characteristics of this site and land surrounding it:
This site is wide and shallow. There are deep areas up to 7 ft in depth. Farmed bottom ground surrounds the river on all sides. The northern most banks have crop ground flush with the edge. The banks are steep on the northern side (up to 40 ft hight).

The legal description of this site is: SW 1/4, SE 1/4, SW 1/4 of Section 23, T._, R. 19

Estimated size of the watershed above this sampling point: 8-10 acres

Macroinvertebrate Count:
Sensitive: Caddisfly larvae (10-99), Helgrammite (1-9), Mayfly Nymphs (1-9), Stonefly Nymphs (10-99)
Somewhat Sensitive: Crayfish (1-9), Fishfly Larvae (1-9)
Tolerant: Midge Larvae (100 or more), Pouch Snails (10-99)
Total Index Value: 18
Scale: >22 Excellent, 17-22 Good, 11-16 Fair, <11 Poor

Did you observe any fish? Yes - minnows, catfish