Chapter III


USING MAPS

	
	Resource maps provide valuable information about streams and their watersheds.  Information gathered from maps can assist in choosing a study site and in interpreting water quality data.  The grade or slope of a stream will affect the probability of it having a good riffle for sampling.  The types of development and land use activities upstream of a study site will influence water quality.  

	It is important to remember that maps serve only as a guide.  Direct observation is still necessary to accurately determine whether a site is suitable for study and what types of land use activities may be affecting stream water quality.  Following is a description of the various map types which may aid in site selection and data interpretation.

Topographic Maps
	A topographic map is a graphical representation of the shape of the Earth's surface in a given area.  Slopes and level terrain are portrayed by contour lines, which follow the land surface at a constant elevation above or below sea level.  
	
	In the United States, topographic maps are produced from aerial photographs by the 
U. S. Geological Survey (USGS).  A sample map is presented at the end of this chapter.  The area represented by each map is called a quadrangle (or "quad") and named according to the major city/town in that area.  In Connecticut, 116 quadrangles cover the state.  
	
	Topographic maps are produced in five different size series, depending on geographic location.  Each map in a series conforms to certain specifications for scale, content, and symbolization.  In the 7.5 minute series, each quadrangle covers 49 to 71 square miles and is bounded by lines of latitude and longitude 7.5 minutes apart.  (Note:  One degree of latitude/longitude equals 60 minutes.)  Maps are drawn to scale, so that the relationship between the distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground is known.  Scales are expressed as a ratio of 1:24,000 (1:25,000 for Alaska, 1:20,000 for Puerto Rico) and displayed graphically by bar scales marked in feet, miles, and kilometers.   

	Although the primary purpose of a topographic map is to show elevational changes, quadrangles also indicate physical features (e.g., water bodies, vegetation type, roads, mines, buildings, railroads) and boundaries (e.g., state, county, town, reservations, small parks) using
designated symbols and colors.  Water bodies are shown in blue, wooded areas in green, and urban areas in pink.  Major roads are red; buildings, boundary lines and less important roads are black.  Purple features were added from aerial photographs during map revisions but were not verified by field checks.   	















1Fig. 3.1.  An isolated hill.













2Fig. 3.2.  A depression.
	The brown lines on a topographic map are the contour lines.  Every fifth contour, called an index, is bold-printed and numbered to indicate altitude.  The difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines is called a contour interval.  In maps of the northeastern U.S., contour intervals are 10 feet.  If you were to travel from one contour elevation to the next, the contour interval would represent the distance you would need to climb or descend.  The steepness of the climb or descent would be indicated by the nearness of adjacent contour lines.  On relatively level ground, adjacent contours can be far apart; on a steep cliff, the lines are closely spaced.













3Fig. 3.3.  A saddle.

	Two easily recognized land forms on topographic maps are isolated hills and depressions.  For a hill that is more or less circular, contour lines appear as concentric rings, with the smallest ring representing the top of the hill and the largest ring the bottom of the hill (Fig. 3.1).  A depression is indicated when concentric rings have "tic" marks pointing in towards a central low spot (Fig. 3.2).  When two hills are surrounded by a common contour line, a saddle is created (Fig. 3.3).  













3Fig. 3.4. A stream and its tributary.
	As water flows down a slope, it generally crosses contour lines at right angles.  From a hilltop, water will flow down all sides; from a saddle, water will flow down each side just as water flows down each side of a bleacher seat or picnic table bench.

	Along streams, river valleys and ravines, contour lines form "V"s that point upstream or uphill (Fig. 3.4).  Keeping this in mind, it is possible to trace the direction of flow of a stream from the highest point upstream, the headwaters, to the mouth. 
	
	The distance between contour lines can be used to estimate stream flow and help determine the suitability of a potential sampling site.  If the slope is very steep, streams may be flowing too rapidly to permit sampling.  If the land is level, streams may be slow-moving and lack the rocky substrate and riffle areas necessary for a good sampling site. 

	Topographic maps show land use and development, vegetative cover, and wetlands, all of which affect stream water quality.  Streams flowing through urban areas may be subject to more pollutants than those in less developed rural areas.  By carefully examining land use and cover within a watershed, potential nonpoint pollution sources, such as heavily urbanized areas or golf courses, and point sources such as sewage treatment plants can be identified.


























		5Fig. 3.5.  Major drainage basins in Connecticut.  

Drainage Basin Maps
	A drainage basin is an area of land which drains water to a stream, lake, or other body of water.  A statewide map, Natural Drainage Basins in Connecticut, produced by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), outlines all land areas drained by major watercourses.  Eight major drainage basins cover the state (Fig. 3.5).  Each of these is divided into regional and subregional basins to show the drainage of smaller land areas within the larger basin.  

	Each basin shown on the map is identified by a four-digit code which is explained in the map legend.  The first number in the code indicates the major basin, the second number identifies the regional basin, and the last two numbers indicate the subregional basin.  The drainage basins of small streams may not be shown on the map, but can be delineated using the procedure described in Activity 3A.  

	Drainage basin maps can be useful tools in the initial stages of assessing water quality.   A larger drainage area has a greater potential of introducing pollutants into a stream than does a smaller basin.  By overlaying a transparency of the drainage basin on a 1:24,000 topographic map, features of the land being drained can be determined. 




National Wetlands Inventory Map
	Wetlands within a drainage basin often improve stream water quality by trapping sediments and filtering polluted runoff.  They can help to prevent flood damage by acting as "sponges."  Wetlands may also be sources of nutrients and organic materials.  Because a wetland can change the chemical and biological character of a watercourse for a short distance downstream, a stream monitoring site should be located at least 100 m from the wetland's outfall.  

	National Wetlands Inventory maps are used to locate and describe wetland areas.  Using classification codes, specific details about the wetland, including vegetation type and degree of exposure or flooding, can be learned.   Inventory maps are produced by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and based on the area and scale (1:24,000) of corresponding quadrangles.  A sample wetlands map and the corresponding code descriptions are found at the end of this chapter. 
	
	On each inventory map, wetlands are indicated by a bold line and a classification code (example: PSS1A).  The first character of the code classifies the wetland as one of five ecological systems:
			
			1.	E:	estuarine indicates an estuary,
			2.	M: marine indicates ocean characteristics,
			3.	P:	palustrine indicates a marshy or wooded wetland,
			4.	L:	lacustrine indicates a lake, and
			5.	R:	riverine indicates a river.

	Each ecological system is broken down into subsystems, classes, and subclasses to further describe the wetland.  The "SS" code in the above example indicates scrub-shrub; the "1" indicates broad-leaved deciduous vegetation.  At the end of the code there is a character which refers to a modifying term to more thoroughly describe the wetland.  In the above example, the "A" indicates the wetland is temporarily flooded.

Water Quality Classification Maps
	The water quality of much of Connecticut's surface and ground waters is or has been monitored by the DEP.  State Water Quality Classification maps, produced by the DEP, indicate the locations where surface and ground water has been tested and how that water was subsequently classified.  In Connecticut, eight maps, drawn to a scale of 1:50,000, cover all major drainage basins.  
	
	Ground and surface waters are classified according to Connecticut Water Quality Standards (DEP 1992a).  Inland surface water classifications range from AA to D.  Class AA indicates very high quality water, designated as public drinking water, fish and wildlife habitat, and some recreational uses.  Class B is suitable for recreational use, fish and wildlife habitat, and navigation.  Class D waters have pollution problems that are not readily correctable, such as contamination of bottom sediments.  Coastal, marine and ground waters are classified similarly, but ground water classifications always begin with a "G" (e.g., GA).  Coastal and marine surface waters begin with "S."

	The water quality goal for all Connecticut surface waters is restoration to class B or A. Waters classified as D/B or C/A indicate their present condition and the restoration goal.  Similarly, ground water may be designated GC/GA.   Because it is impossible to monitor all of  Connecticut's lakes, ponds, wetlands and 6,800 miles of rivers and streams, some assumptions are made.  The primary assumption is that untested surface water has a classification of A (DEP 1992a).  

	A sample water quality map and accompanying classifications are presented at the end of this chapter.  Refer to Connecticut Water Quality Standards (DEP 1992a) for more detailed explanations of classifications.  Classifications given on the map indicate the water quality at a particular test site.  In the case of a stream, it is important to remember that a classification may not hold true for the entire watercourse due to the effects of  wetlands,  tributaries, and point and nonpoint inputs up- and downstream.  

	If your study stream has a water quality designation, you may use this as a reference point for interpreting your water quality data.  Do your data indicate that the water meets the criteria for the given classification?  

Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources Maps
	Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources maps, produced by DEP, indicate the locations of known active and inactive sites of surface and ground water discharge.  Each map is drawn to the same scale (1:50,000) and covers the same area as the corresponding state Water Quality Classifications map.  In Connecticut, eight maps cover all major drainage basins.  
	
	On each map, the major and regional drainage basins are indicated to show which watercourses may be affected by a discharge.  Symbols, representing specific pollutants, are located at surface and ground water discharge sites.  Solid symbols indicate active sites, while open symbols represent inactive sites. A sample Leachate map and descriptions of discharge symbols are found at the end of this chapter.  
	
	Using a leachate and wastewater map, the location of known pollution sources in the drainage basin can be identified.  However, since all discharges may not have been documented, a field investigation is needed to rule out any additional sources.  

Sample Maps and Keys
	The following maps illustrate a study area in Stanley Quarter Park, New Britain, Connecticut.  Each is accompanied by comments to help explain some of the map features and to give examples of the information one might gather from that particular map.




Topographic Map


1.	The main stem of the unnamed stream in Stanley Quarter Park originates in a wetland and 	ends at Stanley Quarter Park Pond.  The stream is just over half a mile long.  A branch 	joins the main stem from the southwest.   A second stream exits the pond and park and 	continues toward Piper Brook.

2.	The main stem of the stream drains an area within Stanley Quarter Park, while most 	drainage into the branch is from heavily urbanized sections of town.

3.	In order to assess the impact of the branch entering from the southwest, two potential 	monitoring sites would be just upstream and downstream of the confluence.

4.	Contour lines along the stream's course indicate a gentle slope, which means there is a 	good probability that this stream contains appropriate sampling areas with riffles.

5.	Because the stream is small, its flow may vary greatly.  This may make it inapproriate 	to use as a study stream, especially for collecting macroinvertebrates.
























Fig. 3.6.  Section of a topographic map from the New Britain quadrangle including Stanley Quarter Park (U.S.G.S.).  Scale 1:24,000.


Natural Drainage Basins in Connecticut Map


1.	Stanley Quarter Park and its associated streams are located within a drainage basin 	designated on this map by the number 4401.  Each number in the code is an identifier.  The 	first number identifies the major basin, the second number specifies the regional basin, and 	the last two numbers indicate the subregional basin. 
 	For code 4401:	
				
				 4 - Major Basin is the Connecticut River
		 		 4 - Regional Basin is the Park River
				01- Subregional Basin is Bass Brook

	The major basin is outlined by the thickest black lines on the map, the regional basin by 	slightly thinner lines, and the subregional basin by the thinnest lines. 

2.	To determine the local drainage for the stream and tributary that feed Stanley Quarter Park 	Pond, use the techniques described in Activity 3A (see page 3-10 for example).  The 	drainage basins for the main stream and its branch can be delineated separately using these 	same techniques.

3.	Refering to the local drainage basin drawn in on page 3-10, one can see that Holy Cross 	School and Eddy Glover Boulevard are located within the same basin as Stanley Quarter 	Pond Park.  Approximately half of the basin is urbanized.  Drainage from these urban areas 	may bring contaminants into the stream in Stanley Quarter Park.



















Fig. 3.7.  Section of the Natural Drainage Basins of Connecticut map (D.E.P.) including Stanley Quarter Park.  Scale 1:250,000.


Fig. 3.8.  Local drainage basin for Stanley Quarter Park drawn on the New Britain quadrangle topographic map.  Scale 1:24,000.

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Maps



1.	The main stream in Stanley Quarter Park originates in a classified wetland, flows through 	three more, and terminates in another, the park pond.  
 
2.	The wetland where the stream originates is approximately 11 acres in size.  The second, third and 	fourth wetlands are each less than 4 acres.  They are all designated PFO1E *.
					
					P = Palustrine
					FO = Forested
					1 = Broad-leafed deciduous
					E = Seasonally flooded/ saturated

3.	Wetland #5, the park pond, is approximately 7 acres and is designated POWH*.
					
					P = Palustrine
					OW =  Open water (unknown bottom)
					H = Permanently flooded

4.	The water quality of the stream will be modified each time it flows through a wetland. 

5.	A study of vegetation types, water flow and water retention at each of the wetlands could 	be helpful in characterizing the stream.

* See other NWI codes on page 3-13.


















Fig. 3.9.  Section of the National Wetlands Inventory Map (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) for the New Britain quadrangle including Stanley Quarter Park.  Scale 1:24,000.



Water Quality Classifications Map



1.	Based on the Water Quality Classifications Map, the streams in the Stanley Quarter Park drainage have not been classified.  Therefore, the water quality of these streams is assumed to be A by default.
 
 2.	Piper Brook is found within the same subregional basin as Stanley Quarter Park stream.  It is located to the east, just past Central Connecticut State University.  Piper Brook is classified A in one section and B in another.  The class B designation indicates a pollution source within that part of the drainage basin. 

3.	A tributary entering Piper Brook north and east of Central Connecticut State University is 	designated B/A indicating the present water quality is B, but the goal is A.  For a complete list and definitions of water quality classifications, refer to page 3-16.































Fig. 3.10.  Section of the Water Quality Map for the upper Connecticut River Basin (D.E.P.) including Stanley Quarter Park.  Scale 1:50,000.


Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources Map


1.	No discharge sites are identified within the Stanley Quarter Park drainage.  

2.	There are several active discharge sites within the subregional basin.  These include cooling water (clover shape), industrial/manufacturing wastewater (arrow shape), contaminated well (crescent shape) and road salt storage (circle)*.  There is also an inactive oil/chemical spill or leak, indicated by the unshaded tear-drop shape.

3.	Because none of these discharges are actually within the local Stanley Quarter Park drainage, they should not affect surface waters within that basin. There is a slight chance, 	however, that the designated discharge sites could be linked to the study drainage by groundwater.
	
4. 	A field investigation should be conducted to assure there are no additional discharge sites which are not designated on the map.

* See discharge symbols on page 3-19.


























Fig. 3.12.  Section of the Basin Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources Map for the upper Connecticut River Basin (D.E.P.) including Stanley Quarter Park.  Scale  1:50,000.



Table 3.2.  Discharge symbols for Basin Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources maps (D.E.P.)




























STUDENT ACTIVITY 3A:  Delineating a Drainage Basin

Materials Needed:   topographic map showing study stream
                         pencil or marker
                         transparent overlay (optional)


Directions:	
	
1)	Examine the topographic map and locate some well-known places, such as your school, 	churches, an airport, or major roads.

2)	Next, locate the stream and any nearby topographic high points (hills, ridges, etc.)
	
3)	If instructed by your teacher, place a transparency over the stream and surrounding high 	points.

4)	If using an overlay, trace the course of the stream.

5)	Draw a circle at the mouth or downstream point of discharge of the stream.
	
6)	Place an "X" at the top of the highest topographic points along both sides of the 			stream.

7) Starting at the circle, draw a line connecting the "X's" along one side of the stream, crossing to the other side at the highest elevation above the headwaters.  When crossing contour lines, be sure to do so at right angles (perpendicular to the lines).  Most drainage basins take the shape of a rough oval.















STUDENT ACTIVITY 3B: Determining the Latitude and Longitude of your Sampling Site

Materials Needed:   Topographic Map of the Study Area                  Ruler 
                         Transparent Overlay of the Drainage Basin          Calculator

1)  Position the drainage basin overlay on the topographic map.  Locate your sampling site and mark it on the overlay.

2)  In the corners of the map, locate the latitude and longitude values (coordinates).  For Connecticut, the values beginning with forty (for example, 41o 52' 30") represent latitude coordinates.  Values beginning with seventy (for example, 73o 37' 30") represent longitude coordinates.  We would read these example coordinates as "forty-one degrees, fifty-two minutes, 30 seconds north latitude, and seventy-three degrees, thirty-seven minutes, thirty seconds west longitude."  Because Connecticut is north of the Equator and west of the Prime Meridian, the coordinates are always given as N latitude and W longitude.  
	Each Connecticut quadrangle covers an area that is 7.5 minutes (7' 30") of latitude in length by 7.5 minutes of longitude in width.  Look along the side margins of the map. There are many numbers written there.  Find the ones that are given in the format for minutes and seconds (00' 00").  These values of latitude are given every 2.5 minutes (2' 30") .  Likewise, longitude values are reported every 2.5 minutes along the top and bottom of the map.
	Find the coordinates of latitude and longitude written in the map margins that most closely correspond to your sampling site, to give an approximate latitude and longitude for your site.

	_____o _____ ' _____ " N latitude 	 ______o _____' _____" W longitude

3)  Chances are these coordinates did not correspond exactly to your site.  In order to find the exact latitude and longitude of your site, you will need to do a little math.  

	First, measure the distance on the map, in a north-south direction, between the sampling site and the latitude coordinate you recorded above. 

		 Distance  = _______ in. or cm (circle the measurement unit you are using)

Now convert this distance from in. or cm to seconds of latitude by multiplying the distance you measured by the appropriate conversion factor.  

	1 cm on the map =  7.853 " of latitude	1 inch on the map = 19.835" of latitude


		Distance = ______ " of latitude
Add or subtract this distance (in seconds of latitude) from the approximate latitude recorded above.  If the sampling site is further north than the approximate latitude, add the distance.  If the sampling site is further south, subtract the distance.  Remember there are 60 seconds in a minute.  If the value you calculated has more than 60 seconds, convert it to minutes and seconds.


	Exact latitude =  ______o ______ '_____" N latitude

Now repeat this process for longitude.  Measure the distance on the map, in an east-west direction, between the sampling site and the approximate longitude coordinate you recorded above.


	Distance  = _______ in. or cm (circle the measurement unit you are using)

Convert this distance from in. or cm to seconds of longitude by multiplying the distance you measured by the appropriate conversion factor.  

		1 cm on the map =  10.417 " of longitude*        
		1 inch on the map =  26.374 " of longitude*


		Distance = ______ " of longitude

Add or subtract this distance (in seconds of longitude) from the approximate longitude recorded above.  If the sampling site is further west than the approximate longitude, add the distance.  If the sampling site is further east, subtract the distance.


	Exact longitude = _____ o_____ '_____" W longitude


Look carefully at the latitude and longitude you calculated for your sampling site.  Make sure these coordinates fall within the range of latitude and longitude values on the topographic map.  If they do not, you made a math error somewhere.  Using the coordinates you calculated, find the location on the map they correspond to.  Is this your sampling site?




*Note: these conversion values will vary slightly depending on the quadrangle you are working with.  The further north, the more degrees of longitude per inch or cm.  To obtain a precise conversion factor, set up a ratio of  inches or cm to degrees of longitude.



STUDENT ACTIVITY 3C:  Using Resource Maps to Characterize Land Use and Identify Potential Pollution Sources

Materials Needed
For Each Team

Topographic Map
Transparent overlay of the drainage basin for your study stream
Available for all Teams

National Wetlands Inventory Map
Natural Drainage Basins of Connecticut Map
Water Quality Classifications Map
Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources Map 
  and Inventory if available
Water Quality Standards (CT DEP 1992)

Determine if a site is likely to have riffle habitat (Topographic Map, scale 1:24,000).
	Correctly position your drainage basin overlay on the topographic map.  Locate familiar buildings, road intersection, streams, ponds, etc. to orient yourself.  If your sampling site has already been chosen, locate it on the map.  If it has not been chosen, identify a potential study site along the study stream.  Look at the distance between contour lines along the length of the stream near the site.  Contour lines that are spaced widely apart indicate flat areas, where the stream is moving slowly and the substrate is likely to be sandy or silty.  Contour lines that are very close together indicate a steep slope, which would probably result in a waterfall or rapids.  Riffle habitats are likely to occur along areas of moderate slope, where there are between 1 and 10 contour lines per inch along the stream.

1) How close are the contour lines in the stream near your study site?  ___/in.   Is this site likely to have riffle habitat?  



Characterize land use within the watershed (Topographic Map, scale 1:24,000).
	On topographic maps, houses are represented by black squares and larger buildings by rectangles or irregular blocky shapes.  Heavily urbanized areas, where there are too many buildings to be represented separately, are shaded pink.  Wooded areas are green.  Open areas, such as golf courses and fields, are white.  Streams, rivers, lakes and ponds are blue.  Wetlands are indicated by what look like clumps of grass.  Roads may be black and/or red.  (Note: Features that appear in purple represent the revisions to the original map.  Try to identify these features based on shape.)  Examine the area within the watershed upstream of your study site and look for these features.

2) Approximately what percent of the watershed upstream of your site is represented by heavily urbanized areas (shaded pink)? ____  dense residential areas (close housing)?_____  sparse residential or rural areas? _____ undeveloped lands or wetlands?______ 

3)  Are there any features/areas depicted within the watershed that may be a potential source of polluted runoff (nonpoint pollution) or direct discharges (point source pollution)? 

4) How would you characterize the overall land use within the watershed upstream of your sampling site?

Identify wetlands along your study stream (National Wetlands Inventory Map, scale 1:24,000).
	Wetlands, such as swamps, marshes, and wet meadows, can improve the water quality of streams by acting as pollution filters and sediment traps.  They also serve as "sponges" that absorb flood waters and help prevent downstream damage.  Wetlands may also add some nutrients and organic material to streams.  The stream water within or just downstream of a wetland may have chemical and biological properties that are more similar to the wetland than to the stream a bit further away.  
	Position your drainage basin overlay on the National Wetlands Inventory Map.  This map is drawn at the same scale as the topographic map.  Locate wetlands adjacent to and near your study stream upstream of your sampling site.  Look at the legend at the bottom of the map to find out what the codes mean. 

5) What is the most common wetland code found along your study stream?


6) What does this code mean?



7) From this code, try to give a general description of this type of wetland? (For example, is it a wooded swamp, a grassy marsh, a deep pond, a shallow pond with lily pads, a mudflat?)




8) How do you think these wetlands could affect water quality at your sampling site?




9) Do you think this sampling site may be too close to a wetland?








Locate your study stream's watershed (Natural Drainage Basins of Connecticut Map, scale 1:125,000).
	If your study stream does not enter Long Island Sound directly, it enters a larger stream that may enter a larger stream, and so on, until entering a watercourse that connects to the Sound.  The watershed of your study stream is a part of the watershed of the stream your stream feeds into, and so on.
	On the Natural Drainage Basins of Connecticut Map, watershed boundaries for the larger rivers and streams in Connecticut are delineated and given a 4 digit code.  The largest watersheds are called Major Basins, indicated by the first digit in the code.  All rivers draining Major Basins enter Long Island Sound directly (except the Hudson River).  Major Basins are divided into Regional Basins (2nd digit) which are divided further into Subregional Basins (last 2 digits).  Locate your study stream on this map.  (Note: you will not be able to overlay the drainage basin you drew from the topographic map because the maps have different scales.)

10)  What is the number of the drainage basin that includes your study stream? ________


11)  What are the Major, Regional and Subregional basins indicated by this number?  Look at the legend at the left-hand side of the map.

Major Basin ________________________________________________

Regional Basin ______________________________________________

Subregional Basin ___________________________________________


12)  Where does water from your study stream eventually enter Long Island Sound? 



13)  What streams/rivers does that water pass through before entering the Sound?



Determine whether the water quality in your study stream has been classified (Water Quality Classifications Map, scale 1:50,000).

	Water Quality Classifications maps show where water quality has been tested and classified according to state water quality standards.  Below is a brief explanation of those standards.  For more detailed information, refer to Water Quality Standards (CT Department of Environmental Protection 1992).  The state goal for all surface waters is at least Class B, unless this is determined to be unattainable.

Ground Waters

GAA:  presumed safe for drinking as a public water supply; state goal is to maintain this quality by banning almost all discharges
GA:  presumed safe for drinking as a private and potentially as a public water supply; state goal is to 	maintain this quality by banning almost all discharges 
GB: not suitable for drinking; located within urban or industrialized areas; state goal is to restore these waters through clean-up
GC: permitted to be used for solid waste disposal
GB/GA: presently GB, but state goal is GA for private drinking water source

Surface Waters

AA: uncontaminated; designated for use as a public water supply, fish and wildlife habitat and limited recreation; state goal is to maintain quality by 	banning discharges
A: uncontaminated; designated for use as a potential public water supply, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation; state goal is to maintain quality by banning discharges
B: fishable/swimmable, fish and wildlife habitat; some discharges permitted
C: suitable for some recreational activities, certain fish and wildlife habitat, industrial use and navigation; pollution sources, such inadequate wastewater treatment, are correctable through established management practices
D: same as above except pollution sources, such as sediment contamination, are not readily correctable
B/A: presently classified as B, but state goal is A

14) Has the water quality in your study stream been classified?		
	If so, what is the classification?		
	What does the classification mean?


15) Have other waters within the watershed been classified?		
	Find the closest site upstream of your study site that has been classified.  
	What is the classification?		
	
	What does the classification mean? (Note: Refer to CT DEP Water Quality Standards
	for more detailed water quality classifications.)



	How might this affect water quality in your study stream?


Determine if there are known pollution discharges in the watershed (Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources Map, scale 1:50,000).

	On the Leachate and Wastewater Discharge Sources Map, known active and inactive discharge sites are shown by various symbols that denote different types of pollution sources  Locate your study stream on the map, and refer to the symbols legend.  For more detailed information about a particular discharge, refer to the Leachate and Wastewater Discharges Inventory that accompanies the map, if available.

16)  Are there any known discharges along your study stream?		
	What type?

	Ground water or surface water? 
  
	Active or inactive?


17)  Are there other discharges within the watershed upstream of your sampling site?
	What type?

	Ground water or surface water?
   
	Active or inactive?


18) How might discharges you listed in questions 16 and 17 affect water quality at your 
sampling site?



Homework:
1) Using the information you gathered from the various resource maps, write 2 - 3 paragraphs summarizing your findings.  In your writing, characterize the watershed of your study stream based on what you now know about land use, wetlands, known discharges and water quality classifications.

2) What would you expect water quality to be like at your sampling site?


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