The Agua Hedionda Creek flows through the Dawson Reserve on its way toward the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, CA providing habitat and nutrients to numerous plants and animals along its path.
From the Agua Hedionda Watershed Webpage:
"Urban growth and the resulting loss of permeable soil has led to the degradation of the Agua Hedionda Watershed. Recent growth and anticipated future development mean that a watershed that is already impaired could get even worse. Already,
- Notable bank undercutting, and bank erosion characterize creeks in the Agua Hedionda Watershed.
- Agua Hedionda Creek is listed as an impaired water body by the California State Water Resources Control Board for manganese, selenium, sulfates and excessive total dissolved solids.
- Water quality analysis shows high nitrate levels, coliform bacteria and the presence of a pesticide called diazinon.
- The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is also listed for excessive sedimentation/siltation, as well as coliform bacteria."
Download the 
Draft Management Plan for the Agua Hedionda Creek.
