What this tracks
This dataset records pollution levels and water quality issues in Kansas streams and rivers that don’t meet clean water standards.
Why it matters to you
If you’re planning to fish in a Kansas stream, this data tells you whether the water contains unsafe levels of mercury or other contaminants. Homeowners near waterways can check for E. coli or nitrate pollution that might affect well water safety. Farmers can see which fields drain into streams with high phosphorus levels that may require different fertilizer practices.
How to read this data
STREAM_NAME — The waterway’s name (like “Unnamed Stream” or “Kansas River”).
ATRAZINE — Shows herbicide contamination levels (sample value “2025” indicates measurement units).
E_COLI — Blank means no issue reported; a value would indicate unsafe bacteria levels.
MERCURY — If populated, warns of fish consumption risks in that waterway.
Try it yourself
Look up your nearest stream by name to see if it has any active contamination warnings before fishing, swimming, or drawing irrigation water.