Every Drop Counts: Monitoring the Health of Ashland's Waterways

Healthy soil and clean water go hand in hand. Clean water is something we all depend on, whether it is for drinking, farming, fishing, or simply enjoying our local streams and lakes. Protecting this valuable resource starts close to home, and every landowner has a role to play. Through Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District’s Water Quality Program, we are working alongside farmers, residents, and community partners to promote conservation practices that keep our waterways healthy for generations to come. 

Ashland SWCD participates in three water quality monitoring programs throughout the county, each providing valuable information about the health of our streams and rivers.

Our first program monitors 11 stream sites within the Jerome Fork watershed. Water samples are collected and analyzed in our office for pH, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, coliform bacteria, surfactants, potassium, and ammonia nitrogen. These measurements help us track water quality trends and identify potential concerns over time. To learn more about what each test measures and what the results mean, check out our Jerome Fork Watershed Report Card.

Ashland SWCD also participates in the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network (LEVSN), a statewide initiative that empowers volunteers to collect, share, and use water quality data to help protect Lake Erie. Sampling takes place in northern Ashland County within the Huron-Vermilion HUC-8 watershed. Volunteers collect data on pH, water temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen, providing valuable information that contributes to the long-term health of the Lake Erie watershed.

In addition, we partner with the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program to conduct macroinvertebrate monitoring along the Mohican River. Often referred to as biological monitoring, this process involves collecting and identifying aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms, and other small organisms that live in the stream. Examples of these are larvae, crayfish, snails, and clams. 

Because many of these species are sensitive to pollution, their presence or absence provides an excellent indicator of overall stream health. 

The best part? All of these programs welcome volunteers! Whether you're interested in collecting water samples, recording field observations, or learning about the fascinating creatures that live beneath the surface, there's a place for you to get involved.

To help introduce community members to stream monitoring, Ashland SWCD is partnering with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to host a Stream Exploration event on the Mohican River. Participants will learn how to collect and identify macroinvertebrates while gaining hands-on experience with biological monitoring techniques. It's a fun opportunity for families, students, and anyone interested in protecting our local waterways.

Stream Exploration: Water you waiting for?
Friday, August 28
6:00 p.m.
Mohican MTB Parking Lot/Tube Launch
3175 OH-3, Loudonville, OH

Please wear water shoes or boots, as we'll be wading in the stream while searching for aquatic critters. To reserve your spot, visit wateryouwaitingfor.eventbrite.com.

To get involved in water quality testing, please reach out to Ashland Soil and Water at 419-281-7645 or ashlandswcd@ashlandcounty.org