On July 22, 2006, over 40 volunteers from the Jones Falls and Herring Run watersheds hit the stream to test the water quality of 45 sites throughout Baltimore County and City. Our results were largely positive, although some troubling results were identified and reported to government officials.

The following parameters were testing in both watersheds.

Dissolved Oxygen:
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is found in microscopic bubbles of oxygen that are mixed in the water and occur between water molecules. Factors affecting dissolved oxygen include the volume and velocity of water, the climate or season, the presence or absence of riparian vegetation, and the presence of nutrients (such as fertilizer or sewage) in the water. Healthy water has high dissolved oxygen, providing enough oxygen for fish and aquatic insects living in the stream.

Click here to see dissolved oxygen results in the Jones Falls and Herring Run watersheds.

pH:
pH represents the effective concentration (activity) of hydrogen ions (H+) in water, or how acidic or basic the water is. pH levels are affected by the geology and soils in the watershed, mine drainage, and air pollution from cars and coal-fired power plants. Very high or very low can be harmful for aquatic organisms.

Click here to see pH results in the Jones Falls and Herring Run watersheds.

Turbidity:
Turbidity refers to the cloudiness, or amount of suspended solids, in the water column. Sediment can come from erosion, construction, farming and urban run-off. Turbid waters can carry pollution, fill in spawning grounds, and clog fish gills, reducing habitat quality. In the Baltimore area, low turbidity is ideal.

Click here to see turbidity results in the Jones Falls and Herring Run watersheds.

Ammonia:
Ammonia is a by-product of an animal’s metabolism. Most water bodies contain some ammonia from aquatic organisms; however, high ammonia levels may be an indication of sewage contamination or pet waste contamination.

Click here to see Ammonia results in the Jones Falls and Herring Run watersheds.

Want to learn more about Maryland’s water quality? Check out the following websites for up-to-date reports and water quality alerts:
- Eyes on the Bay: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Water Quality Data
- Maryland Department of the Environment’s Water Quality Information Center
- United States Geographic System’s Water Quality Data
- Environmental Projection Agency’s Water Quality Data
- Maryland Water Quality Scorecard
- Check your Maryland beach’s water quality