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The Red River
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How's the Water?

Water quality in the Red River changes with the seasons. The ratings below are based on seasonal averages. How do you think the ratings relate to human activities like swimming, fishing, and boating? To treating the water for human use? To the river as an environment for fish and other aquatic species? Learn more by clicking on the links.

Water Quality ParameterWhy Is It Important?WinterSpringSummerFall
AlkalinityAffects pH     
AmmoniaAffects plant growth; key to level of ammonia gas (toxic to fish)     
Dissolved Oxygen Affects health of fish and other aquatic animals    
Fecal BacteriaIndicates organic pollution; presence of microbes harmful to humans    
HardnessAffects piping, equipment, and ease of water use     
Nitrate-NitriteAffects aquatic plant growth    
pH Affects health of fish    
PhosphorusDirectly affects plant growth; indirectly affects levels of dissolved oxygen     
Organic Matter (natural)Affects drinking water treatment    
Organic Matter (human)Indicates organic pollution     
Total Suspended SolidsAffects hardness    
Total Suspended SolidsAffects light penetration; plant growth    
TransparencyAffects light penetration; plant growth    
TurbidityAffects light penetration; plant growth    
Water Temperature Affects levels of dissolved oxygen and levels of ammonia gas (toxic to fish)