Upfront
Mystery solved
By Pat Naugle, board member, Strawberry Hill Nature Center & Preserve
Adams County is at the headwaters of two important rivers: the Potomac and Susquehanna. Without upstream neighbors, we are fortunate that our water resources are generally of good quality. But how do you know?
Some of the most “pristine” streams in Pennsylvania look beautiful, but there is not a living thing in them because of acid mine drainage. Water quality can not be determined by casual observance—it requires some detective work.
The detective work starts with examining the aquatic life in the stream. Most folks are aware of fish in streams; fish are an indicator of water quality, with wild trout being the best indicator. Obviously, the trout and other fish must consume something to survive, and aquatic insects are the next thing down on the food chain. Just ask any fly fisher. He or she will validate the linkage between fish and aquatic insects.
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