Turbidity measures water clarity and is an important indicator of water quality. High turbidity levels can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, potentially indicate other pollutants (e.g., metals and bacteria), and can impact recreation and tourism.
How is it scored?
We scored samples as pass/fail using EPA eco-region-specific thresholds (Regions 55 and 57 = 6.36 NTU, Region 56 = 14.5 NTU). The Huron River Watershed Council provided total suspended solids (TSS), which was scored using the Maumee Watershed Action Plan’s 25 mg/L. The Huron River watershed was scored using TSS, all other watersheds were scored using turbidity. Samples above the threshold failed (0%) while samples below thresholds passed (100%). Stations sampled multiple times were averaged. Station scores within a watershed were averaged to score watersheds, which were area-weighted to calculate an overall region score.
Data sources: Turbidity data from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council Water Quality Portal (waterqualitydata.us) and River Raisin Watershed Council; Total suspended solids data from the Huron River Watershed Council.