Over 1/4 mile of eroding streambank immediately upstream on the reservoir  on the Thief River will be stabilized using a combination of rock armor and vegetation that will affect the drinking water supply of Thief River Falls.  The Thief River is a turbidity-impaired tributary of the Red River of the North and target actions for drinking water protection are identified in the county's comprehensive local water management plan.

Installation of erosion control structures to eliminate or reduce the effects of gullies is a high priority due to the large amount of sediment they have contributed to the Red Lake River. The high sediment loading is affecting water quality, aquatic life, downstream water supply sources and recreational use of the Red Lake River.

Currently, there are approximately 5,050 feedlots with fewer than 300 animal units that need to come into compliance with State feedlot rules.  Clean Water Feedlot Water Quality Management Grant funds are being used to provide financial assistance to landowners with feedlot operations less than 300 animal units in size and  located in a riparian area or impaired watershed.   

Fish Lake is a headwater of the Watonwan River.  The lake is a regionally known fishery due to its unusual depth >20', lack of a mud bottom, and a naturally reproducing smallmouth bass fishery. The watershed has many tile drainage systems that are a source of nutrients to the lake.