Kuskokwim Watershed Council Key Parameters for Baseline Water Quality Assessment © David Griso

Baseline Water Quality Data Consistent sampling over time (~3 years) –Recommend sampling 1-2 times/month in summer and once in winter Documents current water quality conditions Compare with EPA and ADEC water quality standards to determine exceedances Used to identify problems and for future comparisons

Baseline Site Selection Representative sites Accessible year round Generally pristine, untouched areas

Water Sample Collection Ideally, collect sample at –middle of stream (highest flow) –on straight away –at mid-depth

Water Quality Parameters The “Vital Signs” Temperature pH Specific Conductance Dissolved Oxygen

YSI 556 Multi-probe

Water Temperature Aquatic organisms are temperature- sensitive Temperature affects dissolved oxygen Affected by season, erosion, reduced streamflow, etc. Indicator of Climate change © Renee Fredericks

pH Measures how acidic/basic the water is Naturally determined by geology –Areas with Limestone bedrock have higher pH pH of streams/lakes change naturally throughout day—photosynthesis Can be affected by acid mine drainage, pollution (lead acid batteries)

Source: pH Scale

Specific Conductance Measures the ability of water to pass an electrical current Indicator of the amount of dissolved minerals in the water (salts, metals, ions) –A good “screening” test for heavy metals Petroleum products do not affect conductivity readings

Dissolved Oxygen DO is the oxygen dissolved in water DO is important for organisms to grow, develop, and survive DO comes from aeration (rapids), photosynthesis, other chemical reactions Primary indicator of a stream’s ability to support fish

Sampling for Pike in the mouth of the Johnson river © David Griso

ADEC Water Quality Standards Temperature –Drinking H 2 0 < 15 ºC, spawning areas/egg & fry incubation < 13 ºC pH –Drinking H 2 0 = 6.0 to 8.5 Specific Conductance –No standard Dissolved Oxygen –Drinking H 2 0 >4 mg/L, >7 mg/L for waters with resident or anadromous fish

Turbidity Cloudiness of the water Natural causes: suspended sediment, micro-organisms, glacial silt Human causes: roads, logging, construction

Turbidity Nephelometric Turbidity Units ADEC standard: not more than 5 NTU above baseline conditions when < 50 NTU - We need to know what baseline is! High turbidity can clog fish gills, cover plants, increase water temperature

Any Questions? © David Griso