The dipper is an indicator species of clean, fast-flowing upland streams, with individual welfare closely tied to invertebrate prey availability that is affected by pollution and acidification.
Dippers on polluted or acidified streams face reduced prey availability causing the welfare harm of food insecurity. Each breeding pair relies on an adequate density of aquatic invertebrates within their territory. Pollution events that crash invertebrate communities force dippers to expand territories or face starvation. The clean water requirements of this species make it a welfare indicator for the entire stream ecosystem.