What this tracks
This dataset records pollution levels and water quality issues in Kansas streams, listing specific contaminants like E. coli, heavy metals, and nutrients that exceed safe limits.
Why it matters to you
If you fish in Kansas streams, this data tells you whether your favorite spot has unsafe levels of E. coli (“High” in the sample) before you pack your gear. Farmers can check for nitrate or phosphorus contamination that might affect irrigation water. Homeowners near waterways like the Missouri River Basin (a sample location) can identify long-term risks like mercury accumulation.
How to read this data
STREAM_NAME — Identifies the waterway, like “Unnamed Stream” in the sample. Blank values often mean smaller tributaries.
E_COLI — Shows bacterial contamination levels, with “High” indicating unsafe recreation conditions.
BIOLOGY — Rates overall ecosystem health (“High” in the sample implies significant aquatic life disruption).
BIOURL — Links to detailed reports (e.g., the sample PDF about Wolf Creek’s biological impairments).
Try it yourself
Search for your local stream by name in the KDHE TMDL web app to see if it has active contamination warnings.