Ecological Health of Bull Creek and Swan Creek
A study conducted by James River Basin Partnership, Missouri State University, Drury University and Missouri Department of Conservation. Contact us to request the full technical report.

TMDL Report (PDF 311k)
The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Report is for the James River located in Webster, Greene, Christian, and Stone Counties and was prepared by the Department of National Resources.

James River Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS) (PDF 35k)

Phosphorous Reduction in the James River and Table Rock Lake-  Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program and University of Missouri report can be found at http://www.lmvp.org/jamesriverstudy/jamesriver1.htm

Septic Tank Initiatives
70 Percent of all Missouri Septic Tanks are not functioning properly resulting in over 100 million gallons of poorly treated sewage possibly entering our streams and lakes everyday. By adopting our Septic Tank Initiatives you can help preserve the Ozarks' waterways.

MU Guide for Soil Testing for Lawns (PDF 229k)
Soil testing provides an estimate of the plant-available nutrients in the soil and is an essential tool for a sound fertilization program. Periodic soil testing will help to correct nutrient deficiencies, avoid excess fertilizer applications and maintain a healthy lawn. Download the MU Guide for Soil Testing for Lawns so you can start testing your soil today.

Water Quality Summit Report (PDF 100k)
Report of the proceedings of the Water Quality Summit of March 19-20, 2003. Convened by James River Basin Partnership, Table Rock Lake Water Quality, Inc., Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, and the Upper White River Basin Foundation.

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Here are some common terminologies used when talking about water.

Algae - Algae are microscopic plants found floating in water or attached to rocks or other substrates. To grow, they require sunlight, water, nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorous) and carbon dioxide. Large algal growths are often referred t. as "blooms" and give off oxygen during the day. At night, they reverse the cycle and take in oxygen.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) - Oxygen present in water in a dissolved form. Expressed in milligrams (mg) per liter (l) of water or as parts per million (ppm). The concentration of DO in water is affected by 1)water temperature 2)water flow 3) aquatic plants (like algae) 4)altitude 5) dissolved or suspended solids.

pH (Parts Hydrogen) - The value of water is a measure of the degree of its acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 1 (very acidic) to 7 (neutral) to 14 (basic or alkaline). The best pH for living things ranges ranges from 6.5 to 8.2.

Pollutants - Usually divided into two types:

1) Point Source - may be tracked to a specific source. Example: a pipe dumping waste into a stream.
2) Non-point source - arise from a number of sources. Example: runoff from city pavement

Temperature - Controlling factor for aquatic organisms since most are cold blooded and cannot regulate their own body temperature. The optimal temperature for aquatic organisms ranges from 5° C (41° F) to 25° C (77° F.)

TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) - the total amount of a pollutant, per day, (including a margin of safety) that a water body may receive from any source (point, non point, or natural background) without exceeding the state water quality standards. Practically, the term refers to a plan or strategy to return a water body to compliance with the water quality standards and therefore fully supporting of its designated uses.

Watershed - The area surrounding and "shedding" or discharging water into a stream, river wetland,or lake.  Sometimes called a Drainage Basin.