Water-Quality Data, Huron County, Michigan 2004

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a survey of water quality and
quantity in Huron County, Michigan from 1988-1990 (Sweat, 1992). In that study
atrazine, a widely-used agricultural herbicide with possible
endocrine-disrupting effects was detected in 9 of 9 surface-water samples.
Metolachlor, metribuzin, prometone, simazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
(2,4-D), and dichlorprop (2,4-DP) were also detected at some surface-water
sites. One pesticide, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), was detected
in two monitoring wells. Additionally, routine USGS monitoring through the
early 1990's indicated the Pigeon River in Huron County to have some of the
highest levels of nitrate-nitrogen and dissolved solids of any monitored river
in Michigan (Blumer and others, 1992). Recently, new methods of chemical and
biological analysis have been developed that allow better evaluation of the
nature and source of contamination of water. Eleven Huron County townships have
passed a resolution calling for evaluation of water quality in Huron County. In
2004 Huron County desired a survey of current water quality in their county. In
cooperation with Huron County, the USGS collected water samples for analysis of
microbiological, chemical and physical constituents from the Pinnebog and
Pigeon River watersheds in Huron County from April through November, 2004 to
assess the current state of Huron County's water quality.

{Summary provided by the USGS.]