A new U.S. Geological Survey report on the water quality of rivers and streams across the country describes damage caused by reductions in flows and increased pollution from fertilizers and pesticides.
The report, based on research conducted between 1993 and 2005, examines changes in algae, macroinvertebrates and fish.
Stream health was reduced at the vast majority of streams, both in agricultural and urban areas, the research found. About 20 percent of the streams in both areas were in good shape.
Read a USGS news release about the research and link to the full report, fact sheets and a video on the work.