Your Land & Water

Health Report for the East Credit Countryside

Summary of the findings of the East Credit Subwatershed Study

The health and productivity of the East Credit countryside is generally good; however, there are a few localized issues to be addressed that will further improve the quality of the subwatershed’s natural environment.

Surface water quality testing shows that, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, water temperature and bacteria are at slightly elevated levels for select locations in the East Credit, which could hinder the ability of the aquatic environment to thrive.  Similarly, chloride, nitrogen and bacteria have been found at elevated concentrations in local groundwater at some locations.

The number and different kinds of aquatic species as measured at three locations in the East Credit indicate that the river is in generally fair health.  Recent fisheries monitoring shows some recovery in two tributaries, but a decline in health since 1999 is most apparent in the lower main channel east of Highway 10.

Cold water fish are found throughout the East Credit River and its tributaries.  Cold, cool and warm water fish are found downstream of numerous wetland complexes.  The presence of brook trout is an indicator of good groundwater supplies and water quality since these species tend to be more sensitive to water quality impairments.  Limitations to fish production seem to relate to agricultural areas, on-line ponds and major roads. Wetlands and the lack of riffles represent some natural limitations.

On land, diversity of plants and animals is good in the northern part of the subwatershed.  Further south, near Olde Base Line Road, terrestrial communities are generally smaller and less connected to other natural areas, likely because of limited amount of habitat.  Overall forest and meadow cover is significantly patchier in the southern part of the subwatershed.

There is good groundwater recharge in the East Credit due to the near absence of municipal storm water drains, predominance of sandy loam soils with high infiltration, and the presence of large wetland areas that hold and store precipitation.

To learn more about the health of the East Credit River you can download the complete subwatershed study report at the bottom of this page.