We describe water as cold, clear, cloudy, blue, brown, calm. All of these describe qualities of water. Other properties of water require specialized tests to measure things like pH, dissolved oxygen concentrations, conductivity or turbidity. How we use water plays a role in our perception of water quality. Streams leading into Caesar Creek Lake may be used for fishing, recreation, crop irrigation, water for livestock and other uses. Most of the incoming creeks are wadable. Color ranges from clear to brown depending on recent rains. Turbidity or cloudiness can also be dependent on rain. pH in the streams is slightly basic with values >7. Local geology greatly influences pH and provides a buffer to help prevent drastic swings in pH. Conductivity levels are typically higher in the streams due to close contact with limestone and other rocks that can partially dissolve in water. Dissolved oxygen levels are typically higher in streams but can become depleted in warm summer months when stream flows can be reduced to a trickle. Land use can also have a large impact on water quality in streams. Nutrient enrichment from fertilizer runoff or leaking septic systems can negatively impact stream water quality. Sediment can also negatively impact a stream. Water quality is closely tied to what is happening on land near the streams. Since streams leading into Caesar Creek Lake are typically shallow, water quality and conditions can change rapidly. The amount of water moving through the streams can also change rapidly.