There are significant agricultural and non-agricultural sources of pollution that degrade environmental quality in Alabama. According to estimates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, agricultural runoff is responsible for 50 to 70 % of the Non Point Source (NPS) pollution that impairs water quality nationwide. Urban runoff, the next largest source, contributes only 5 to 15%. In Alabama, agriculture causes about 40% of the surface NPS problems, mining causes 19%, and urban runoff causes 7%. Field and lab-based studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of land use practices on water quality parameters in the flint river and flint creek watersheds. Water quality data for cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)were collected in the streams of the FC and FR watersheds in 2003 and 2004. In addition, temperature and pH were also evaluated during each sampling event for heavy metals. Results of this study showed that a significant water quality change occurred between 2003 year and 2004 year for the four of the five heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn) and pH.