These two documents indicate that polluted runoff may be degrading water quality in the watershed, but monitoring is needed to identify problems and sources. The only municipal wastewater discharger in the watershed is the Town of Ashippun. The water is stained light brown by tannic acid and the bottom is largely silt. An impoundment at Monterey and several structures upstream have created water and fishery qualities similar to those of a lake. Northern pike and bass offer limited fishing.
Access is available from seven road crossings.
The most recent 7.5-minute series USGS topographic maps show 12 intermittent and 5 perennial tributaries to the Ashippun River. Information is lacking on water quality, habitat and fisheries for these tributaries. Formal stream classifications are also lacking. Little is known about the Ashippun River's water quality or whether the river is meeting its full potential. This small tributary to the Rock River is adjacent a Superfund site at Ashippun.