 DO level: 9.8 ppm  Hardness: 110ppm CaCo 3 (this is high due to limestone aquifers, not a bad thing)  Alkalinity: ppm (also high due to limestone aquifers, not a bad thing)  pH: 7.4  Nitrates: < 1ppm NO 3  Ammonia-Nitrogen: 0 ppm  Phosphates: < 0.05 ppm

 Essential nutrient for plant and animal growth.  Slight increases may cause: › Accelerated plant growth › Algae blooms › Low DO › Death of certain aquatic organisms  Phosphates should stay below 0.1 mg/L to avoid severe impact.  High levels of phosphates could be caused from: › Wastewater treatment plants › Faulty septic systems › Runoff from farms

 Also known as DO  Minimum DO level needed to keep a stream healthy is 5 ppm, but 9 is optimal. › Levels that are too high can be harmful to aquatic life. Fish in waters containing excessive dissolved gases may suffer from "gas bubble disease".  Natural stream purification processes require adequate oxygen levels in order to provide for aerobic life forms.

 Factors that influence the amount of the chemical: › The amount of carbon-based mineral molecules suspended in the water from the soil/bedrock through which it passed (Limestone aquifer)  The optimal amount of the chemical: › At least 20 ppm CaCO 3  Factors affected by the amount of the chemical: › Buffers the streams pH preventing acids from dropping the pH of the water

 pH stands for potential hydrogen  pH of water is affected by: › The bedrock and soil composition such as limestone (which neutralizes the acid) › The amount of plant growth and organic material within a body of water › Chemicals from industries, communities, and agriculture › Acid precipitation › Coal mine drainage  Pure, or neutral water, has a pH of 7, anything lower than 7 is acidic, and anything higher (up to 14) is basic.  pH involves synergy, when acidic water comes in contact with certain chemicals and metals, it can make them become more poisonous than normal.

 Factors that influence the amount of the chemical: › Amount of carbon-based mineral molecules suspended in the water from the soil/bedrock through which it passed (Limestone aquifer)  Optimal amount of the chemical: › At least 20 ppm CaCO 3  Factors that are affected by the amount of the chemical: › Carbonate buffers the stream’s pH, negatively influences toxicity of other compounds in the water, supplies organisms living in the stream with calcium needed for nutrition

 Nitrate is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless compound.  Nitrate can be expressed as either NO 3 (nitrate) or NO 3 -N (nitrate-nitrogen). Nitrate levels above the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 10mg/L NO 3 - N or 45 mg/L NO 3 may cause methemoglobinemia in infants.  Low levels of nitrates occur naturally in groundwater.  Proper management of fertilizers, manures, and other nitrogen sources can minimize contamination of drinking water supplies.

 Colorless gas with a strong pungent odor.  Reacts with water to create a weak base.  Elevated levels of ammonia causes harm to aquatic life.  Fish may suffer a loss of equilibrium, hyperexcitability, increased respiratory activity and oxygen uptake, and increased heart rate. At extreme ammonia levels, fish may experience convulsions, coma, and death.  Ammonia is a toxic substance in an excess amount.  Sources of Ammonia: › Fertilizers › Faulty septic tanks › Cleaning products

 “Water Tests: Definitions, Purposes, and Sources.” Lehigh Earth Observatory. Web. 06 Nov  