EB – Water Quality Risk

This data layer is the Environmental Benefits (EB) Water Quality Risk map. It was developed by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Natural Resources Research Institute. EB Water Quality Risk represents the potential for overland flow of water into water bodies. It is based on a stream power index (which is a function of upstream drainage area and slope) and proximity to water. When water flows over land to a body of water, it can accumulate and transport soil, debris, and pollutants that can degrade water quality. The scores are a relative ranking across the state. Although it was developed to help identify and rank areas for conservation efforts, the EB Water Quality Risk is useful for many purposes.