A watershed is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a stream, river, or lake. The landscape is made up of many interconnected basins, or watersheds. Within each watershed, all water runs to the lowest point - a stream, river, or lake. On its way, water travels over the surface and across farm fields, forest lands, suburban lawns, and city streets.  It also seeps into the soil and travels as ground water. Large watersheds like the Mississippi River and Chesapeake Bay are made up of many smaller watersheds across several states. Everyone and everything in a watershed influences what happens to the watershed as a whole.

     In order to identify and characterize areas contributing to non-point source pollution, the JSWCD and the Yellow Creek Watershed Restoration Coalition is working with Yellow Creek Watershed Coordinator, Maggie Corder to identify what may be contributing to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in Yellow Creek and its tributaries. AMD has had a devastating impact on aquatic life throughout the coal producing regions of Ohio. Discharge associated with mining practices result in acidic and metal-laden waters. This results in the decline of biodiversity and poses risks to human health.

      For more information about Jefferson County watersheds visit the US EPA's surf your watershed website  or the Ohio EPA's surface water website.

Water Sampling Information for Well Owners in regards to Oil/Gas Drilling or who just want well water tested

Yellow Creek Watershed TMDL

Water sample data for acid mine drainage sites in Yellow Creek

Map of Yellow Creek

2010 TMDL for Jefferson County Streams

USGS Water Level for Yellow Creek and Short Creek

Jensie Mine Site (Wolf Run) under construction

Macroinvertebrate Identification

Riverine Fish Identification

YELLOW CREEK COALITION MEETING 

For specific information regarding Yellow Creek and other watersheds contact mcorder@jeffersoncountyoh.com