Use your best judgement. For example, an iridescent or shiny sheen on the water might be from rotting leaves or it might be from some upstream pollutant. If you are not sure, mark it on the checklist. Please note, even though you may not be able to tell where they come from or what they are discharging. Please mark even if you cannot find an opening or see matter being discharged.
Oil can come from a pipeline leak, a storm sewer or illegal dumping.
Oil kills fish and can make kids who play in the water sick. Green Water - Too much algae. Algae are small plants that are found in the water. Fertilizers from farms and lawns can get into streams and cause too much algae to grow. When algae break down, oxygen is used up and fish don't have enough oxygen.