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The Thompson Creek watershed is an important part of the natural environment in Chesterfield County. Thompson Creek itself travels 52 miles from the headwaters in Pageland, SC, to the Pee Dee River in Cheraw, SC. It provides homes for all types of creatures: frogs, fish, insects, and plants. These organisms also play a role in keeping our watershed healthy. When you hear the term “water quality” most people just think about clean drinking water. But there is so much more to it. Water quality affects our health, the environment, and the world around us. It is a way to measure how clean or healthy water is. Healthy water equals a healthy watershed which in turn means a healthy environment. Good water quality means the water does not contain harmful chemicals, dangerous bacteria, or pollution. Whoa those are scary words! Let us try that again: good water quality means the creek or stream has the right balance of natural ingredients, such as oxygen and minerals, which wildlife and plants need to survive. One key part of keeping the water balanced is something called pH.

What is pH?
pH stands for the Potential of Hydrogen. It is a way to measure how acidic or basic the water is. To understand better, imagine a scale that goes from 0 to 14. A pH of seven, is directly in the middle of the scale and is considered neutral. Pure water usually has a pH of seven. Lemon juice or vinegar is more acidic; it has a low pH of 4 or 5. Baking soda or soap has a higher pH of 9 or 10. Most freshwater streams have a pH between 6.5 to 8.5, which is just right for the living organism that depend on the creek.

Why pH Matters?
When the pH of the creek falls outside of the normal range of 6.5 to 8.5, it can be detrimental to the ecosystem. If the water becomes too acidic (low pH), it can damage or kill aquatic animals. Fish eggs may not hatch, and many species cannot survive in acidic conditions. If the water becomes too basic (high pH), that is also harmful. It can cause stress or behavioral changes in fish and aquatic insects. Some species are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality, so even a small shift in pH can have a significant impact. That is why testing for pH is so important, it helps us know whether a stream is healthy or if something might be going wrong.

What can affect pH?
Many factors can change the pH of a creek. One major factor is rainwater. Rain affects all aspects of water quality but especially pH. During a rainstorm, more water runs off nearby fields, roads, and land than usual. This runoff can carry pollution into the creek. Pesticides and fertilizers used on land often contain elements such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Which can alter water quality. Pollution from within the watershed, no matter how far from the stream, can eventually find its way into the creek and change its pH levels. Natural factors can also affect pH. Things like rotting leaves, organic matter, and minerals in the rocks and soil can all influence the water’s balance.

Why Test pH?
Testing pH in freshwater streams is a small but powerful way to keep an environment balanced. While it is only one part of water quality, pH testing plays a key role in protecting the plants and animals that depend on clean water. Whether you are a student, a hiker, or someone who knows nothing about water science, this article shows how easy it is to understand what makes a watershed healthy. Testing for pH is a small step that leads to big changes and a healthier world for all of us.