This article was written by a Jefferson High School student in Melissa Hittner’s 2023-2024 AP Environmental Science class and edited by Friends of the Big Sioux River staff.

The sun was shining brightly, and the warmth was only a foreshadowing of the hot day ahead of us as my dad, sister, and I drove to Palisades State Park to enjoy a day on the water. I became eager for what was ahead when we arrived at the section of Split Rock Creek where we could enter the water in our kayaks. Kayaking was nothing new to my sister and me because we had been doing it since we were young. Before I knew it, we were joining the other kayakers paddling along the river, taking in the beauty of our surroundings.

Palisades State Park is truly one of the most memorable destinations in South Dakota, with its Sioux quartzite formations lining Split Rock Creek. These formations range from shelves that ascend above the water's surface to towering 50-foot vertical cliffs. Palisades State Park also provides important ecosystem services. The park's diverse plant and animal communities contribute to the overall health of the surrounding ecosystem by regulating water flow, improving air quality, and supporting pollinators. The park's natural areas also help to maintain soil health and prevent erosion, which helps to protect the quality of nearby water sources.

Split Rock Creek is a part of the Big Sioux River watershed, which covers over 9,000 square miles of the upper Midwest Region. Water enters Split Rock Creek through precipitation in the surrounding area, such as rain and snowmelt, as well as through streamflow from smaller tributaries. The water from Split Rock Creek flows downstream, eventually flowing into the Big Sioux River. As the water travels through Split Rock Creek, it can pick up pollutants from various sources, including agricultural runoff, leaking septic tanks, and stormwater runoff. These pollutants can negatively impact the water quality and contribute to the presence of harmful bacteria.

As my dad, sister, and I kept paddling along the river, some people near us were messing around and, as a result, fell in the water. I remember my dad reminding us that while the water felt cool on that hot day, it was not safe to swim in it. Now I know that it was because of pollutants in the water. In the case of Split Rock Creek, one of the primary sources of pollution is E. coli, a type of fecal coliform bacteria that can cause illness in humans if ingested. 

The effects of E. coli in the Palisades can be detrimental to human health. Once ingested, E. coli can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also cause more serious illnesses, such as kidney failure and sepsis, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Additionally, high levels of E. coli can harm aquatic life and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

However, there are solutions to address this issue. Investing in better wastewater treatment facilities can prevent E. coli and other pollutants from entering the water. Additionally, encouraging farmers to use best management practices, such as planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and properly managing manure, can help reduce agricultural runoff and the amount of E. coli that enters the waterways. Promoting responsible pet ownership, such as cleaning up after pets and keeping them out of the water, can also reduce the amount of pet waste that enters Split Rock Creek. Finally, educating the public about the sources and effects of E. coli contamination and how they can help reduce it can help raise awareness for this issue. It is essential to address the issue of E. coli contamination and reduce the pollution in the waterways.

I hope that Split Rock Creek and Palisades State Park will be protected and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations of people and wildlife. Additionally, I hope that people will continue to appreciate the natural beauty of the area just like I did on that hot summer day.