a green pigment found in the chloroplasts of algae and higher plants that enables plants to make food through a process called photosynthesis. High levels of chlorophyll-a in water can mean that there [..]

dissolved oxygen in water that is freely available for use by fish and other aquatic life. Different aquatic species need different levels of dissolved oxygen in the water in order to survive.

a bacterium found in the intestines and feces of warm-blooded animals including humans, livestock, pets and wildlife. When E. coli

bacteria that are found in the intestines and waste of warm-blooded animals, including humans, livestock, pets and wildlife. When Enterococcus bacteria are present in the environment, other disease-ca [..]

Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is the federal agency that is responsible for maintaining and regulating water quality in the nation’s waters under the Clean Water Act.

bacteria found in the intestines and waste of warm-blooded animals, including humans, livestock, pets and wildlife. When fecal coliform bacteria are present in the environment, other disease-causing m [..]

 – Houston Advanced Research Center

pollution in water that comes from multiple sources or locations (not just one specific location) that is generally carried to a river, lake, or stream by precipitation runoff over land. Examples of n [..]

substances that help plants and animals grow. Examples of nutrients in water include nitrogen or phosphorus compounds.

a disease-causing microorganism.