Besides being good indicators of water quality, aquatic insects eat plants like algae and the decaying remnants of larger plants. They also provide food for fish, birds, and amphibians. If you see salmon or trout in your neighborhood stream, you'll know that the water quality is good, since these fish are especially sensitive to environmental changes. Many conditions may upset the freshwater phases of their delicate life cycle. Rising water temperatures can kill fish.
Sedimentation can smother eggs in stream gravel.
Other pollutants can kill fish and their food supply. High storm flows can dislodge eggs from nesting sites. Impassable culverts or dams can prevent migration to spawning areas. To protect our streams, follow Clean Water Practices and share them with your friends and neighbors. Learn more about our waterways in The Life of a Lake and Wetlands.