reducing small farms inmpact

Erosion & Sedimentation:

Sedimentation of streambeds can occur when soil sediment is transported through wind or water and deposit in the stream. This could occur when livestock trample bank vegetation and expose soil susceptible to erosion. Excessive sedimentation can smother fish habitat and cloud sunlight in the water, creating ideal grounds for bacteria to grow.
 
Many grazing areas directly adjacent to a riparian zone over take critical vegetation that helps maintain cool water temperatures by creating shade. Cooler temperatures are associated with with high levels of dissolved oxygen and vital to many aquatic species.

Manure & Nutrient Issues:

Hobby farms, like large commercial farms, can have an impact on water quality. Waste products from livestock, as well as, fertilizers and pesticides application contribute to polluted runoff. Nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium may be beneficial for the growth of crops but can be detrimental to bodies of water. Increased algal growth choke water systems of sunlight and contribute to a decrease in dissolved oxygen, which is essential to fish.
In addition to the nutrient loading of streams and lakes, manure also contributes unwanted bacteria and parasites to water ways that may be harmful to human health.

Fecal Coliform Facts:

Individually, fecal coliform bacteria is not necessarily a harbinger of disease, but when found in large concentrations or colonies, they can be indicate the presence of other disease causing microorganisms, such as giardia or cryptosporidium.

The presence of fecal coliforms do indicate the presence of mammal feces in the water. The more closely related the mammal, the greater the chances are for infection if we come in contact with it either through ingestion or swimming. Ingestion of other organisms who have accumulated the bacteria can also result in infection.

Fecal coliform counts may fluctuate in a given body of water They can actually settle out of a water column into the sediments at the floor of the lake where the dark, moist atmosphere are perfect conditionsto multiply. When the sediment is stirred up, the bacteria reemerges and possibly contaminate the water.