In 2012, Indiana began protecting Flat Creek, a 54-mile stream affected by pollution. 10 years later, multiple stretches had recovered enough to be removed from the listFlat Creek in Indiana experienced significant water quality issues for years. A 2012 plan initiated watershed improvement efforts and best ...
03 Sep, 2026, 02.51 AM IST
In 1994, Idaho listed Rapid Creek for sediment after grazing added excess sediment. 20 years later, 3 reaches were delisted after BMPs improved habitat and water qualityRapid Creek in southeastern Idaho was listed for sediment impairment in 1994 after assessments found that several streams did not support c...
03 Sep, 2026, 12.40 AM IST
In 1996, Illinois added Lake Decatur to its pollution list after farm runoff harmed its water. 28 years later, nitrogen levels fell below the 7.8 mg/L limitLake Decatur's water quality improved after implementing agricultural best management practices. Efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment ru...
02 Sep, 2026, 10.55 PM IST
In 2002, Illinois listed Sugar Creek as polluted by 2 water-quality problems. 20 years later, 1 was cleared after cleanup efforts helped restore healthy oxygen levelsSugar Creek's dissolved oxygen impairment was cleared after twenty years of restoration work. Projects across the watershed focused on redu...
02 Sep, 2026, 07.32 PM IST
In 2006, Delaware listed Broadkill River waters as impaired for nutrients. 18 years later, BMPs helped restore 7.6 miles of Ingrams Branch, bringing phosphorus levels below the state thresholdIngrams Branch in Delaware has reached an important water-quality milestone. The 7.6-mile stream segment was once impaired by excess phosph...
02 Sep, 2026, 06.02 PM IST
In 2012, Cleveland Metroparks surveyed Beecher’s Brook after Ohio listed the Chagrin River as impaired, then restored 350 feet. 8 years later, fish scores improved againBeecher's Brook restoration project removed a fish passage barrier and enhanced habitat. This work led to marked improvements in fish and m...
01 Sep, 2026, 08.33 PM IST
In 2019, Pennsylvania completed AMD abatement at Fran Camp Run No. 2 Mine, restoring 1.4 miles of Cooks Run. 7 years later, pH and metal impairments were finally clearedAn abandoned Pennsylvania coal mine cleanup project significantly improved Cooks Run water quality. The 2019 abatement project addressed ac...
01 Sep, 2026, 07.40 PM IST
In 2016, Colorado listed 67 miles of Timpas Creek as impaired for sulfate. 7 years later, local farmers helped delist 24 miles after BMPs restored drinking water qualityTimpas Creek's sulfate levels significantly decreased due to improved irrigation practices. Voluntary efforts by local producers focused on...
01 Sep, 2026, 05.48 PM IST
In 1996, Illinois listed Lake Decatur for phosphorus and nitrogen pollution. 25 years later, 3 grants helped Decatur expand BMPs and improve water quality in the lakeLake Decatur has struggled with agricultural runoff pollution for several years, prompting the launch of a water quality initiative aimed a...
01 Sep, 2026, 01.06 AM IST
In the late 1990s, Arkansas agencies urged landowners to use BMPs to keep cattle from streams. Today, 2 agencies and local owners protect these sensitive waters togetherFulton County faced water quality issues, prompting conservation efforts in the late 1990s. Landowners embraced livestock exclusion and con...
31 Aug, 2026, 10.38 PM IST
In 2008, Virginia listed Grease Creek as impaired for swimming. 16 years later, DEQ cleared it from the impaired list after watershed BMPs restored water quality in 2024Grease Creek in Virginia has finally escaped a problem that followed it for 16 years. The creek was listed as impaired for swimming in 2008...
31 Aug, 2026, 10.29 PM IST
In 2006, Arkansas DEQ listed Clear Creek for E. coli. 12 years later, the creek attained the recreation standard in 2018, restoring contact recreation after BMP projectsClear Creek in Arkansas has seen remarkable recovery since battling E. coli contamination back in 2006. Persistent water quality checks and...
31 Aug, 2026, 09.28 PM IST
In 2006, Virginia flagged the Rapidan River for failing swimming standards. 18 years later, DEQ removed it from the impaired list after BMPs restored water qualityRapidan River water quality in Virginia has finally turned a corner after nearly two decades of concern. A section once flagged for failing...
31 Aug, 2026, 09.00 PM IST
In 1998, PA DEP listed 67 miles of Warrior Run for siltation and flow problems. 26 years later, 8.5 miles were delisted after farmers and agencies improved water qualityWarrior Run water quality has improved after years of work across Pennsylvania’s agricultural watershed. In 1998, the state listed 67 miles...
31 Aug, 2026, 07.32 PM IST
In 1994, Idaho listed Rapid Creek for sediment impairment. 18 years later, restoration improved habitat scores and Lower Rapid Creek was removed from the 2012 impaired waters listRapid Creek in southeastern Idaho offers a compelling example of how long-term watershed restoration can transform water quality and aquati...
29 Aug, 2026, 08.28 PM IST
In 1996, New York flagged Upper Tonawanda Creek as a water-supply concern. 16 years later, NYSDEC removed it from the impaired list after farm BMPs improved water qualityNew York's Tonawanda Creek was once impaired by agricultural pollution. Farmers implemented best management practices to reduce soil erosio...
29 Aug, 2026, 12.19 AM IST
In 2004, community partners began tackling Kent Park Lake's nutrient and sediment pollution. 20 years later, the lake met water quality standards and was removed from Iowa's impaired-waters list in 2024Kent Park Lake restoration took 20 years to deliver a result Iowa officials could finally recognize. The lake once struggled with nutrient ...
28 Aug, 2026, 08.08 PM IST