Water Quality Definitions:

Turbidity: Turbidity is the amount of soil (silt) suspended in a stream. For example, how you ever come across a stream that looks muddy instead of clear water? Soil particles enter the stream from nearby areas where the soil is exposed. (see also stream bottom deposits)

Metals: In the Jemez Mountains of the Santa Fe National Forest, chronic aluminum is likely a naturally occurring impairment most caused by human impacts. Volcanic rocks of Rio Guadalupe canyon contain over 14% aluminum oxide naturally, nearly twice the normal occurrence of aluminum in non-volcanic rocks. The aluminum these volcanic rocks contribute to the stream is toxic to fish, bottom-dwelling insects, and some plants. Although increased metals can be an indication of excessive erosion.

Sedimentation/stream bottom deposits: Stream bottom deposits are sediments that unnaturally settle in the stream bed and disrupt aquatic life cycles or significantly change the physical or chemical properties of the stream bottom. Fine silty sediments that build up along a naturally gravelly stream bottom limit available spawning areas for fish and block gill surfaces of gill breathing organisms. Fine silt also limits light penetration to plants on the stream bottom and can change healthy, natural movement of stream deposits in general. Roads, trails, and browned-out stream banks are often sources of fine sediment. Monsoon season often finds southwestern streams running reddish-brown with silty road and campsite runoff.

Temperature: Coldwater salmonids, such as Native Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and other river life need cold, well-oxygenated water to survive. If a river exceeds 20ºC (68ºF) for 3 days or more, oxygen decreases dramatically, and fish are in danger of dying. Temperature impairment is often linked to lack of vegetation, such as overhanging willow, grasses, and other trees, that naturally cools stream waters. Temperature increases are also associated with stream widening caused by slumping banks and vehicle crossings.

Total Organic Carbon: Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is the total amount of organic matter found in a stream, including dead vegetation, animal (including human) matter, and chemical compounds possibly introduced by humans in pesticides and fertilizers. TOC can make it difficult for sunlight to reach plants growing in the stream. TOC can also use up oxygen in the water which is needed by the aquatic organisms to breathe.

Dispersed recreational use: Throughout National Forests all over the country, campers make their own primitive "dispersed" camping/recreational areas. "Dispersed" areas are not developed or heavily managed and so not have such facilities as toilets, picnic tables, water pumps, RV hookups, hosts, and pavement normally associated with a "campground."