Watershed Sampling Program
What We Do
The Marion County Public Health Department monitors the water quality of rivers and streams throughout Marion County. We sample and test surface water for a variety of bacterial, physical, and chemical parameters. We also post warning signs in areas susceptible to pollution, and our staff responds to complaints regarding non-permitted surface water discharges, sanitary sewer overflows, and other public health threats related to environmental health.
Map of Current Sampling Sites
Map of Historic Sampling Sites
Questions and complaints can be directed to:
Department of Water Quality & Hazardous Materials Management
3901 Meadows Dr., 2nd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone: 317.221.2147
MCPHD Monitoring Programs
Our ambient sampling program monitors 34 sites five times per month for E. coli bacteria and water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity and total dissolved solids. On a quarterly basis, samples are also collected and tested for chemical parameters including metals, ammonia, NO2, NO3, chloride, sulfate, hardness and volatile organic compounds. Most of these sites are located near combined sewer overflows that can discharge untreated sewage directly into the streams during rain events.
We also collect monthly grab samples for E. coli from major waterways in the county during the recreational season, April through October. The purpose of the sampling is to warn people of potentially elevated E. coli levels in areas frequented for recreation — including areas in or near parks, greenways, canoe launches, schools and fishing areas. Warning signs are posted where E. coli levels exceed the 235 cfu/100ml State Water Quality Standard. Approximately 60 sites are sampled during the season (often incorporated in the ambient projects), and about 80 signs are posted in the community.
In 1995, the Marion County Public Health Department implemented an herbicide monitoring program to evaluate the level of herbicides in source water. We sample sites from April through July at various locations upstream of drinking water intakes. Analysis includes: herbicides, metals, NO2, NO3, ammonia, chloride, sulfate, hardness, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity and total dissolved solids.
Since 1998 we’ve been annually collecting benthic macroinvertebrates from streams throughout the county. Benthic macroinvertebrates are animals lacking backbones (invertebrate), which can be seen with the naked eye (macro), and live part of their lives on or in the bottom (benthos) of a body of water. Macroinvertebrate collection and assessment are used as an indicator of overall stream health.
Macroinvertebrate Sampling Fact Sheet
Explanation of metrics used in assessment and Bug Key
Annual Macroinvertebrate Reports
Sampling results are updated annually.
Eagle Creek
Fall Creek
Herbicides
Lick Creek
Pleasant Run
Pogues Run
State Ditch
White River
Williams – Crooked
The Indiana State Department of Health, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources together establish recommendations for consuming fish from Indiana’s public waters. These recommendations help anglers avoid high levels of toxins from eating local fish. Toxins include mercury and PCBs, to which sensitive populations are more susceptible. The Indiana Fish Consumption Advisory lists specific fish species by stream for each county.
Marion County Guidelines
General Population (females over 50 years old, males over 18 years old)
Sensitive Population (females under 50 years old, males under 18 years old)
Additional Resources
Indiana State Department of Health – Fish Advisory Page
Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Fishing Guide & Regulations
Our Directive
We monitor the water quality of rivers and streams throughout Marion County.