Why do we care about turbidity?
High turbidity in a stream can prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants that grow on the stream bottom. These plants provide important food and shelter for aquatic animals AND produce oxygen which the animals need.
If suspended soil causes the turbidity, this material may settle out, covering up important spawning beds or filling the space between rocks where tiny aquatic animals live.
Some fish naturally prefer turbid water but fish who have to see their prey may have problems getting enough food in very turbid water.
This creek has very high turbidity. It drains a watershed with poor land management.
How do human activities affect turbidity in East Canyon Creek?
Any activity that increases erosion near a stream (such as road building, development, over grazing riparian areas or sanding roads) can increase turbidity in the stream. Disturbance WITHIN a stream, such as off-road vehicles, large animals or construction, can also increase stream turbidity.
Turbidity is sometimes caused by microscopic plants, rather than by suspended sediments. In these cases, activities that introduce nutrients (plant food) to a stream will increase turbidity.
We can protect streams from excess turbidity by protecting and replanting stream banks and reducing how plant nutrients that can run off into streams.