Distribution and Characteristics of Blackwater Rivers and Streams of the Contiguous United States

Blackwater rivers and streams have stained or tea-colored water from tannins released by decaying plant matter. Natural conditions in these waters often differ from non-blackwater systems. For example, the pH and oxygen levels in waters can be very low, but completely natural. We examined an existing USEPA data set and found that blackwaters existed across the contiguous United States but were most common in the east. Water chemistry showed differences between blackwater and non-blackwater sites, but differences were not consistent across ecoregions making national scale generalizations difficult. Physical habitat data analysis did not show dramatic differences between blackwater and non-blackwater sites. Blackwater typically arises from streams that drain tannin-rich bogs/muskeg and wetlands, so as expected blackwater sites had a shorter Euclidean distance to wetlands than non-blackwater sites and existed in watersheds with a higher percentage of wetland habitat. Blackwaters in Northern and Temperate Plains tended to have higher acid neutralizing capacity, conductivity, and lower True Color; a visual color scale used for water purity. We posit that differences were because Color and Dissolved Organic Carbon at these sites were from buried wetland deposits rather than contemporary wetland habitats. Research needs that may increase our understanding and management of blackwaters include development of an operational definition that includes a classification framework and reference conditions for different blackwater types, identification of stressors and their associated dynamics that negatively impact blackwater systems, and development of data-driven, consistent, and repeatable assessment methods, including development of targets, protective of unique conditions in blackwater rivers and streams. Blackwater rivers and stream systems have stained or tea-colored water due to tannins released by decaying plant matter. Although blackwaters exist across the contiguous United States, they are most common in the eastern United States. Beyond their distinct appearance, the chemistry of blackwater systems can be very different from other stream types. For example, the pH and amount of oxygen in the water can be very low, but completely natural. As a result of these and other characteristics, the fish, plants, and animals that live in blackwaters can also be unique. Because of these considerations, management of these systems can be challenging. To address these challenges, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency scientists are studying these systems. One of their early findings is that different types of blackwaters exist across the country. The team has highlighted the need for a classification system to distinguish among these types. Once this system exists, scientists can begin to identify what is required to protect blackwater systems and the services they supply. There are a substantial number of blackwater rivers in multiple ecoregions of the United States The water chemistry of blackwater rivers and streams is often very different than that of non-blackwater rivers and streams We explore these differences and identify research needs that would contribute to their management and protection