The presence of forests and tall grasses in this area will help to impede pollutant runoff, control erosion, and provide the stream with habitats and nutrients. Vegetation in this area prevent excessive nutrient enrichment to the stream and hold the soil in place to reduce erosion. Mowed grass in this area will not provide as much of a buffer area for the stream and will cause increased runoff into the stream. To 50 m From Top of Stream Banks. Land use within the watershed has a tremendous affect on water quality.
Impervious surfaces are a source of increased runoff, which contributes to erosion.
Many of the above are sources of nutrients and pollutants. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus increase algal growth which will block out light. Aquatic plant growth is reduced by decreased light exposure. Wetlands have the potential to increase water quality. Wetlands prevent some nutrients and pollutants from reaching the stream.