Whitewater Creek IA 01-NMQ-104

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment in S24, T88N, R1W, Dubuque County in August 1991. Runoff monitoring by DNR/LTRMP staff.

Basis for Assessment

Stream was monitored by the DNR/LTRMP staff during runoff events on May 28 and July 1, 1996.  Results of that study show that the Whitewater Creek watershed contributes relatively high levels of suspended solids and nutrients to the North Fork Maquoketa River.  Despite these results, no biological monitoring has been conducted to determine whether the high levels of suspended solids and nutrients are impairing the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses.  A review of the field sheet from August 1991 DNR stream use assessment indicates above average habitat quality for this stream reach due to very diverse substrates, presence of pool/riffle sequences, and only minor impacts to the physical characteristics of this stream.  Results of biological sampling, however, are incomplete due to difficulty seining over rocky substrates- only three cyprinid species were captured.  Thus, due to lack of sufficient biological information, changed the assessment of support of the Class B(LR) uses from FST to "not assessed." Additional monitoring is needed to determine the status of the aquatic communities of this stream and to provide the information necessary for developing an accurate assessment of support of the Class B(LR) uses.