Agriculture

Cows allowed in a stream

 

Animal waste, including manure and urinary waste can enter streams directly when livestock wade in and around the water. Animals also trample streambanks and damage fish habitat. Animal wastes deposited in waterbodies can accelerate eutrophication and contaminate water used for fishing, swimming, and drinking. Streambank fencing is one way to protect streams from this type of livestock damage (See best management practices).