Stream Monitoring 

The streams flowing into Lake George make up more than one half of the

How does stream-monitoring work?
There are several ways to monitor a stream or body of water. Chemical, biological, and physical analyses are all ways to help evaluate the health of a stream.

Chemical Analysis
Characteristics of a chemical analysis can include: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates, phosphorous, conductivity, fecal bacteria, turbidity, and total dissolved solids. A thorough chemical analysis can indicate whether the stream water meets requirements for specific uses. (i.e.) Swimming, drinking, etc. Analysis can also identify specific pollutants and track trends over time.

Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring includes collecting, identifying, and counting macroinvertebrates. It is usually done in combination with a habitat and water quality assessment to help explain the biological data. Biological monitoring helps identify the impact of pollutants.

LGA launching new program!
The LGA is initiating a volunteer biological stream-monitoring program that will study macroinvertebrates (the insects and other small critters) that live in the stream. Macroinvertebrates are excellent indicators of the water quality in streams. Combined with chemical data, biological data can provide a more complete analysis of stream conditions. Biological Monitoring is ideal for a volunteer program because it does not require special permits for chemical use, and the macroinvertebrates are easier (and more fun) to collect and identify.

What does this have to do with Lake George?
Problems in the streams that flow into Lake George can be the first indicators of problems in our Lake. Careful stream monitoring can alert us to a problem so action can be taken to fix the problem in the stream and in turn help keep Lake George clean.