Analysis of Nutrient Loading in Johnson Creek.

Land use has a significant effect on water quality. Agriculture and residential development are two main contributors of this degradation. Fertilizers are being overused on agricultural land and in residential areas. Furthermore, animal waste and septic systems are frequently not managed correctly. Fertilizers and animal wastes contain nutrients which can be carried to waterways during rainfall. Johnson Creek, a trout stream, starts in a wetland and flows to the Mississippi River near St. Augusta, MN. From November 2007 through May 2008, a study was conducted on Johnson Creek to examine water quality indicators of the creek. The water was analyzed for pH, conductivity, phosphorus, nitrate, ammonium, total suspended solids, total solids, total coliform, and E. coli. Samples were taken once a week, as well as after significant rainfall events. The creek and the river it drains into are impacted by the surrounding land use and may result in the impairment of water quality.