watershed watchdogs

1. Watershed Watchdogs Understanding the Water Quality Index (WQI) Parameters

2. Define point-source and non-point source pollution.Define point-source and non-point source pollution.

3. What is the point of testing water quality? If we can’t trace the specific source of pollution, how can we possibly stop it? We know which substances are largely responsible for decreasing water quality, because we understand ecology. By testing the quality of the water, we find out what pollutants are present and can propose possible sources. Creating an environmentally aware public through EE will promote a more environmentally friendly way of life.

4. Water Quality Index (WQI) We test for nine parameters outlined by the National Sanitation Foundation The data is analyzed and the product is a score between 0 and 100 (worst to best) to compare stream health. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Fecal Coliform pH Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Water Temperature Phosphates (Orthophosphates) Nitrates Turbidity Total Dissolved Solids

5. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Fish need to breathe, just like humans do! High turbidity means less sunlight can reach SAVs and photosynthesis rates slow down. Less O2 is produced. The same way a paper towel can only hold so much water, water can only hold so much O2 – it has an oxygen saturation point. The higher the temperature, the less O2 the water can hold. Decreased SAVs mean less photosynthesis potential. Less O2 is produced. High turbidity means less sunlight can reach SAVs and photosynthesis rates slow down. Less O2 is produced. The same way a paper towel can only hold so much water, water can only hold so much O2 – it has an oxygen saturation point. The higher the temperature, the less O2 the water can hold. Decreased SAVs mean less photosynthesis potential. Less O2 is produced.

6. A fish kill in Maryland Low DO levels are the 3rd highest cause of fish kills in MD, leading to nearly 600 incidents in the past 20 years. (MDE) Most Maryland fish kills occur in estuaries. Out of 2400 fish kills in the past 20 years, here are some highlights, by county: Anne Arundel – 450 St. Mary’s - 119 Prince Georges – 99 Montgomery - 88 Carroll - 85 Charles –84 Frederick – 78 Source: MDE website http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/MultimediaPrograms/environ_emergencies/FishKills_MD/index.asp Low DO levels are the 3rd highest cause of fish kills in MD, leading to nearly 600 incidents in the past 20 years. (MDE) Most Maryland fish kills occur in estuaries. Out of 2400 fish kills in the past 20 years, here are some highlights, by county: Anne Arundel – 450 St. Mary’s - 119 Prince Georges – 99 Montgomery - 88 Carroll - 85 Charles –84 Frederick – 78 Source: MDE website http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/MultimediaPrograms/environ_emergencies/FishKills_MD/index.asp

7. Fecal Coliform Would you want to swim in your toilet? …Neither do the fish! E. Coli is the most common fecal coliform. Many pathogenic organisms are present in raw sewage, so E. coli can indicate presence of harmful orgs. Primary contact – high area dermal contact, swimming Secondary contact – low area dermal contact, washing vegetables According to a study done in New York, In all, the data indicate that the feces from these birds, especially the gulls, contain what can be considered significant numbers of FC per gram. Considering the average weights and FC concentrations of the gull and goose feces examined, they can potentially contribute approximately 1.77 × 108 and 1.28 × 105 FC per fecal deposit to the surface water, respectively. The potential FC impact of these birds is relative to the numbers and types of birds, as well as the duration and time of day that the birds roost on the surface water and their defecation rates. These investigators additionally collected several old, sun-dried fecal samples from docks adjacent to the reservoir and found significant numbers of viable FC bacteria. Samples were analyzed in the same fashion as the fresh feces except that additional buffer was used to facilitate pipetting of the sample. The dried “cakey” feces from five geese yielded a range of FC concentration, from 8.2 × 102 to 3.0 × 105/g. This indicates that runoff from bird feces may also impact water supplies, even if the birds do not roost overnight on the water. Most significantly, it appears that hundreds or thousands of birds roosting on the surface water, especially near intakes to aqueducts, would have an adverse effect on the microbiological quality of the water. This point is further proven in that counts of FC in the Kensico Reservoir decreased significantly once the NYC DEP Waterfowl Mitigation Program was implemented E. Coli is the most common fecal coliform. Many pathogenic organisms are present in raw sewage, so E. coli can indicate presence of harmful orgs. Primary contact – high area dermal contact, swimming Secondary contact – low area dermal contact, washing vegetables According to a study done in New York, In all, the data indicate that the feces from these birds, especially the gulls, contain what can be considered significant numbers of FC per gram. Considering the average weights and FC concentrations of the gull and goose feces examined, they can potentially contribute approximately 1.77 × 108 and 1.28 × 105 FC per fecal deposit to the surface water, respectively. The potential FC impact of these birds is relative to the numbers and types of birds, as well as the duration and time of day that the birds roost on the surface water and their defecation rates. These investigators additionally collected several old, sun-dried fecal samples from docks adjacent to the reservoir and found significant numbers of viable FC bacteria. Samples were analyzed in the same fashion as the fresh feces except that additional buffer was used to facilitate pipetting of the sample. The dried “cakey” feces from five geese yielded a range of FC concentration, from 8.2 × 102 to 3.0 × 105/g. This indicates that runoff from bird feces may also impact water supplies, even if the birds do not roost overnight on the water. Most significantly, it appears that hundreds or thousands of birds roosting on the surface water, especially near intakes to aqueducts, would have an adverse effect on the microbiological quality of the water. This point is further proven in that counts of FC in the Kensico Reservoir decreased significantly once the NYC DEP Waterfowl Mitigation Program was implemented

8. Raw sewage enters a stream Rainwater often overloads the city's outdated combined sewer system, causing more than three billion gallons of raw sewage to overflow directly into the Anacostia River, Potomac River, and Rock Creek in an average year. There are 59 combined sewer outfalls in the District, the largest ones discharging into the Anacostia. These discharges cause violations of standards for bacteria, oxygen, suspended solids, and other pollutants. Source: Earth Justice website (http://www.earthjustice.org/urgent/print.html?ID=17) WSSC serves 1.6 million people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties According to WSSC’s own reports to Maryland’s Department of the Environment, from January 2001 through July of this year, WSSC’s sewer system experienced 445 overflows that dumped more than 91 million gallons of raw sewage into streams and rivers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Discharges of raw sewage into waterways are illegal under the federal Clean Water Act. … likely many more than 445 sewer overflows over the last three-and-a-half years. Those were just the discharges WSSC reported. The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, has been documenting WSSC sewer system problems for several years, and estimates that there are hundreds of miles of broken and separated pipeline that may be leaking sewage into the water table in Maryland. Source: AWS press releaseRainwater often overloads the city's outdated combined sewer system, causing more than three billion gallons of raw sewage to overflow directly into the Anacostia River, Potomac River, and Rock Creek in an average year. There are 59 combined sewer outfalls in the District, the largest ones discharging into the Anacostia. These discharges cause violations of standards for bacteria, oxygen, suspended solids, and other pollutants. Source: Earth Justice website (http://www.earthjustice.org/urgent/print.html?ID=17) WSSC serves 1.6 million people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties According to WSSC’s own reports to Maryland’s Department of the Environment, from January 2001 through July of this year, WSSC’s sewer system experienced 445 overflows that dumped more than 91 million gallons of raw sewage into streams and rivers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Discharges of raw sewage into waterways are illegal under the federal Clean Water Act. … likely many more than 445 sewer overflows over the last three-and-a-half years. Those were just the discharges WSSC reported. The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, has been documenting WSSC sewer system problems for several years, and estimates that there are hundreds of miles of broken and separated pipeline that may be leaking sewage into the water table in Maryland. Source: AWS press release

9. pH Low pH (acid) can make toxic substances more mobile and easier for aquatic plants and animals to absorb. Aquatic plants help to buffer the pH by absorbing CO2, thereby raising the pH (CO2 makes water more acidic) pH: the inverse log of the ratio of H+ ions to OH- ions NO UNITS! From USGS: (http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/acidrain/2.html) What is acid rain? The term "acid rain" is commonly used to mean the deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, fog, dew, or dry particles. The more accurate term is "acid precipitation." Distilled water, which contains no carbon dioxide, has a neutral pH of 7. Liquids with a pH less than 7 are acid, and those with a pH greater than 7 are alkaline (or basic). "Clean" or unpolluted rain has a slightly acidic pH of 5.6, because carbon dioxide and water in the air react together to form carbonic acid, a weak acid. Around Washington, D.C., however, the average rain pH is between 4.2 and 4.4. The extra acidity in rain comes from the reaction of air pollutants, primarily sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, with water in the air to form strong acids (like sulfuric and nitric acid). The main sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industrial and power-generating plants. In Washington, the main local sources are cars, trucks, and buses. Low pH (acid) can make toxic substances more mobile and easier for aquatic plants and animals to absorb. Aquatic plants help to buffer the pH by absorbing CO2, thereby raising the pH (CO2 makes water more acidic) pH: the inverse log of the ratio of H+ ions to OH- ions NO UNITS! From USGS: (http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/acidrain/2.html) What is acid rain? The term "acid rain" is commonly used to mean the deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, fog, dew, or dry particles. The more accurate term is "acid precipitation." Distilled water, which contains no carbon dioxide, has a neutral pH of 7. Liquids with a pH less than 7 are acid, and those with a pH greater than 7 are alkaline (or basic). "Clean" or unpolluted rain has a slightly acidic pH of 5.6, because carbon dioxide and water in the air react together to form carbonic acid, a weak acid. Around Washington, D.C., however, the average rain pH is between 4.2 and 4.4. The extra acidity in rain comes from the reaction of air pollutants, primarily sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, with water in the air to form strong acids (like sulfuric and nitric acid). The main sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industrial and power-generating plants. In Washington, the main local sources are cars, trucks, and buses.

10. Acid Rain Paleo-ecological studies involving analysis of sediment cores collected during the 1980s showed that many of the study lakes became acidic only during the last 10 to 50 years, a period when air pollution and acidic deposition levels were highest. Other studies have documented that the decline and loss of entire fish populations also occurred in many lakes within the same timeframe. NO3 has a -1 charge SO4 has a -2 charge The nitric and sulfuric acids are each neutral. When added to water, the nitrates and sulfates then disassociate from their acids and leave their hydrogen+ to roam freely, thereby decreasing pH and increasing acidity of the water. Source: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dar/ood/acidrain.htmlPaleo-ecological studies involving analysis of sediment cores collected during the 1980s showed that many of the study lakes became acidic only during the last 10 to 50 years, a period when air pollution and acidic deposition levels were highest. Other studies have documented that the decline and loss of entire fish populations also occurred in many lakes within the same timeframe. NO3 has a -1 charge SO4 has a -2 charge The nitric and sulfuric acids are each neutral. When added to water, the nitrates and sulfates then disassociate from their acids and leave their hydrogen+ to roam freely, thereby decreasing pH and increasing acidity of the water. Source: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dar/ood/acidrain.html

11. Biochemical Oxygen Demand Tells us how much micro-organic matter is floating around in a stream When too much organic matter is in the water, the living matter eats nutrients and the dead matter breaks down when bacteria use oxygen to decompose it. So, if there are excess nutrients that cause algal blooms (which then die) or if there is a lot of raw sewage (organic waste) dumped in the water, LOTS of decomposition happens and too much oxygen gets used up – this can cause other aquatic organisms to suffocate! When too much organic matter is in the water, the living matter eats nutrients and the dead matter breaks down when bacteria use oxygen to decompose it. So, if there are excess nutrients that cause algal blooms (which then die) or if there is a lot of raw sewage (organic waste) dumped in the water, LOTS of decomposition happens and too much oxygen gets used up – this can cause other aquatic organisms to suffocate!

12. Algae Bloom This situation will show an extremely high biochemical oxygen demand.This situation will show an extremely high biochemical oxygen demand.

13. Temperature Change Aquatic organisms can’t pull on a sweater like we can – they need consistent temperatures!

14. These photos show streams with excellent bank vegetation – these streams receive good shade and won’t have trouble with thermal pollution. If the canopy were disturbed, the water would be heated by the sun.These photos show streams with excellent bank vegetation – these streams receive good shade and won’t have trouble with thermal pollution. If the canopy were disturbed, the water would be heated by the sun.

15. Phosphates (Orthophosphates) Orthophosphates are the limiting factor for plant growth! Define EUTROPHICATION: Eutrophication is the increase of nutrients in a body of water. This causes excess algae and plant growth, which increases turbidity and decreases photosynthesis of plants on the bottom of the water body. When those algae die, oxygen-consuming bacteria decompose the organic matter. Both of these processes decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the stream.Define EUTROPHICATION: Eutrophication is the increase of nutrients in a body of water. This causes excess algae and plant growth, which increases turbidity and decreases photosynthesis of plants on the bottom of the water body. When those algae die, oxygen-consuming bacteria decompose the organic matter. Both of these processes decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the stream.

16. This photo is of a eutrophied lake in Bryce, VA. Runoff of manure from a lakeside horse farm has put excess phosphates into the lake for years. Note the dead fish!This photo is of a eutrophied lake in Bryce, VA. Runoff of manure from a lakeside horse farm has put excess phosphates into the lake for years. Note the dead fish!

17. Nitrates Nitrogen is an indicator nutrient! Nitrogen is abundant in the environment. > 4.4 mg/L is unsafe for drinking water!Nitrogen is abundant in the environment. > 4.4 mg/L is unsafe for drinking water!

18. How nitrates get from automobiles into the water supply. NOx (nitrogen oxides) molecules are released in auto exhaust and combine with water droplets in the atmosphere. These nitrates then fall to earth and travel through the watershed. NOx – products of fossil fuel combustion: NO = nitric oxide (most common) NO2 = nitrogen dioxide N2O = nitrous oxideNOx (nitrogen oxides) molecules are released in auto exhaust and combine with water droplets in the atmosphere. These nitrates then fall to earth and travel through the watershed. NOx – products of fossil fuel combustion: NO = nitric oxide (most common) NO2 = nitrogen dioxide N2O = nitrous oxide

19. Nitrates in Groundwater When ingested, nitrates are converted to nitrites. Nitrites contribute to low blood oxygen, hypoxia, known as “blue baby syndrome” in infants aged 0-3 months. Primarily, nitrate-contaminated groundwater can seep into wells or poorly maintained pipes. When ingested, nitrates are converted to nitrites. Nitrites contribute to low blood oxygen, hypoxia, known as “blue baby syndrome” in infants aged 0-3 months. Primarily, nitrate-contaminated groundwater can seep into wells or poorly maintained pipes.

20. Turbidity Imagine that “LA Smog” happens underwater Suspended particles absorb heat energy from the sun, so water temperature increases with increased turbidity. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, so DO decreases. Turbid water does not allow as much light to pass through to SAVs for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis decreases and so does oxygen production. DO decreases. Suspended particles absorb heat energy from the sun, so water temperature increases with increased turbidity. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, so DO decreases. Turbid water does not allow as much light to pass through to SAVs for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis decreases and so does oxygen production. DO decreases.

21. Fitzroy River Estuary The Fitzroy River Estuary (Queensland, Australia) is an example of a naturally turbid tide-dominated estuary. Strong tidal currents resuspend coastal sediment. Consequently, total suspended solids may naturally attain several grams per litre in meso- and macro-tidal systems (e.g. mean tidal range > 2m) and turbidity levels are correspondingly high [2]. http://www.ozestuaries.org/oracle/ozestuaries/indicators/In_turbidity_f.htmlThe Fitzroy River Estuary (Queensland, Australia) is an example of a naturally turbid tide-dominated estuary. Strong tidal currents resuspend coastal sediment. Consequently, total suspended solids may naturally attain several grams per litre in meso- and macro-tidal systems (e.g. mean tidal range > 2m) and turbidity levels are correspondingly high [2]. http://www.ozestuaries.org/oracle/ozestuaries/indicators/In_turbidity_f.html

22. Total Dissolved Solids Exactly how much “stuff” is dissolved in this water? *** Stat from PG Co. Env. Sci text: 10 million tons of road salt per year are put onto US roadways High TDS can cause problems with osmosis in aquatic organisms. Water moves from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration (this means: if there is high salinity outside of a cell, and lower salinity inside of a cell, water will leave the cell to move outside where water is in a lower concentration until the concentrations are even). Phytoplankton and floating aquatic plants require dissolved nitrates and phosphates from water because they have no roots to take up those nutrients. http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/seiche/2002/06/a_tale_of_two_cities_lawn_care_practices.html*** Stat from PG Co. Env. Sci text: 10 million tons of road salt per year are put onto US roadways High TDS can cause problems with osmosis in aquatic organisms. Water moves from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration (this means: if there is high salinity outside of a cell, and lower salinity inside of a cell, water will leave the cell to move outside where water is in a lower concentration until the concentrations are even). Phytoplankton and floating aquatic plants require dissolved nitrates and phosphates from water because they have no roots to take up those nutrients. http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/seiche/2002/06/a_tale_of_two_cities_lawn_care_practices.html

23. A simple rule to remember is: SALT SUCKS Salt is a solute, when it is concentrated inside or outside the cell, it will draw the water in its direction. This is also why you get thirsty after eating something salty. http://www.biologycorner.com/bio1/diffusion.htmlA simple rule to remember is: SALT SUCKS Salt is a solute, when it is concentrated inside or outside the cell, it will draw the water in its direction. This is also why you get thirsty after eating something salty. http://www.biologycorner.com/bio1/diffusion.html

24. References: BTW Watershed Watchdogs Resource Booklet MDE website: http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/MultimediaPrograms/environ_emergencies/FishKills_MD/index.asp Earth Justice website: http://www.earthjustice.org/urgent/print.html?ID=17 NY State Dept of Env’tal Conservation: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dar/ood/acidrain.html Australian Government (OzEstuaries): http://www.ozestuaries.org/oracle/ozestuaries/indicators/In_turbidity_f.html Biology Corner:http://www.biologycorner.com/bio1/diffusion.html USGS Fact Sheet: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/acidrain/2.html Questions from teachers: “Do we walk through the tests in the field?” “Do we ___ like this in the field?” “Do we collect the BOD sample 5 days before students come into the park 5 days before the field study?” “What are the products of combustion in automobiles?” “Why do we multiply by 4.4 for the nitrate test result?” “What do the other colored colonies represent on the fecal coliform plate?” Comment: “I would like to see a wider temperature scale for the Dissolved Oxygen test so that I can have an accurate % saturation in all weather, throughout the year.” (Note: I have never seen a temperature outside of the given range, but should look into this.) NOTES:Be sure to bring EXTRA titrators! Be sure to check EVERY Starch Indicator to be sure they flow readily and react correctly with the yellow solution.Questions from teachers: “Do we walk through the tests in the field?” “Do we ___ like this in the field?” “Do we collect the BOD sample 5 days before students come into the park 5 days before the field study?” “What are the products of combustion in automobiles?” “Why do we multiply by 4.4 for the nitrate test result?” “What do the other colored colonies represent on the fecal coliform plate?” Comment: “I would like to see a wider temperature scale for the Dissolved Oxygen test so that I can have an accurate % saturation in all weather, throughout the year.” (Note: I have never seen a temperature outside of the given range, but should look into this.) NOTES:Be sure to bring EXTRA titrators! Be sure to check EVERY Starch Indicator to be sure they flow readily and react correctly with the yellow solution.