Aug. 18--Fish can tell you a lot about water.

Yesterday, they told the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that the Salt Creek watershed is still one of the cleanest in the state.

EPA researchers identified more than 20 species of fish, including pollution-intolerant sand darters. That's a promising sign that the water is clean, said Holly Tucker, environmental specialist with the agency.

The agency collects data through this method -- called "electrofishing" -- several times a week and invited the public to watch yesterday's demonstration in Hocking County.

Tucker and two other EPA environmental specialists gathered the fish from Salt Creek after first stunning them by pumping an electric current into the water for about five minutes. As the fish slowly floated to the surface, they were scooped up with nets.

The EPA crew then quickly examined the fish, cataloged them and released them back into the water before they revived. The number and type of fish give a good indication of the quality of the water, Tucker said.

Yesterday's catch was good news for people who draw water from the watershed. Part of the Scioto River basin, the Hocking County watershed drains 555 square miles and affects the cleanliness of connecting waterways in six counties, including Fairfield, Pickaway and Ross, said Erin Strouse, EPA spokeswoman.

The most recent study, in 2006, showed that more than 90 percent of the watershed was in good or excellent condition. The watershed isn't due for another in-depth study for about 10 years, but basic tests show water quality is good.

Still, the watershed is not pristine, Tucker said. Pollution from all-terrain vehicles driving along the stream bed, erosion from gravel mining and discharge from wastewater-treatment plants all affect the area's water quality.

"I see a lot of positives," she said, "but we need local people to be involved to keep it that way."

Hocking County resident Andy Jones, who was among a group of 10 local residents who showed up for yesterday's demonstration, said she is interested in stepping up and starting a watershed conservation group.

Jones said she has noticed pollution and erosion in the watershed during her frequent kayaking trips.

"I want people to start protecting the valley in their backyards," she said.

Among her suggestions: discourage ATV use near the stream, educate farmers on conservation, and work with wastewater plants to keep pollution down.

alutz@dispatch.com

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