**Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site**

**Water Resources Monitoring 2004 Annual Report**

**Abstract**

[]{.mark}

The data collected in 2004 indicate that the overall water quality and
biological integrity of the aquatic ecosystems at the Saint-Gaudens
National Historic Site, Cornish, New Hampshire, are in good condition.
Data were collected at six permanent water-monitoring stations
established in 1997. The following parameters were measured at the six
stations on a monthly basis, beginning in May and concluding in
November: conductivity, dissolved oxygen, depth, pH, water temperature,
and turbidity. Discharge was measured at four stations: 1, 2, 3, and 6.
Fecal coliform sampling was conducted at stations 1, 2, 3, and 5
September. A biological assessment was done at stations 1, 2, 3, and 6,
in May, August, and November.

Water temperatures were as expected, showing the effects of both
seasonal changes in air temperature and water discharge volume. The
Blow-Me-Up Brook, located in the well-shaded Ravine, consistently
registered the coldest water temperatures.

Throughout the course of the sampling season, the park's streams and
pond exhibited a high capacity for carrying oxygen, which is critical
for the survival of aquatic organisms. There was a direct correlation
between water temperature and oxygen content: colder water temperatures
in the spring and fall resulted in greater oxygen content in the water.
In July, the lowest percent saturation and concentration of oxygen were
observed; however, these values are well within State of New Hampshire
standards for Class A waters, which require a dissolved oxygen content
of at least 75% saturation and a minimum of 6 mg/l.

Past and present pH sampling indicates that the park waters maintain a
very stable, slightly alkaline, value range. In 2004, the pH levels at
the six sampling sites ranged from 7.18 to 8.17.

Turbidity values are highly variable with storm events and stream
substrate. The station sited within the pond, where silt accumulates,
registered the highest average turbidity.

Dissolved nutrient sampling (ammonium, nitrate and phosphate) was not
conducted in 2004.

Stream discharge was greatest in August, while October registered the
lowest discharge volume. Precipitation was above average for five of the
seven months that sampling was conducted in 2004, following a similar
pattern as 2003. For the calendar year, annual precipitation was 3.96
inches below the 100-year average; however, for the sampling season
precipitation was 2.02 inches above the 100-year average.

Fecal coliform levels were within the established limits for Class B
recreational waters as defined by the State of New Hampshire.

The biological health of the park's aquatic resources produced an
average index value of 15.5 indicating that the streams are in fair
(index value 11-16) condition based on the assessment protocols. No
samples were in the "poor" category. Abundant water levels provided for
plentiful macroinvertebrate habitat, yielding an average SQS index value
in the high end of the "fair" category. The average SQS index value in
2003 was 14.08. The streams contain a diversity of benthic
macroinvertebrates that are intolerant of pollution.

**Introduction**

# Statement of Problem

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (SAGA) is a rural park located
approximately 15 miles south of Lebanon in Cornish, New Hampshire.
Although water quality monitoring has been conducted at the park in the
past, data collection was sporadic (five samples over the ten-year
period 1981-1991). Due to the infrequency of sampling, lack of
consistency among methods, and lack of water discharge data, it is
difficult to evaluate the data or determine any long-term trends
pertaining to the water quality of the Blow-Me-Down watershed. In 1997,
a permanent monitoring program was established to address the lack of
baseline data. The program also aids the park in meeting the reporting
requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act, as well as
monitoring its "vital signs" in conjunction with the Northeast Temperate
Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring program.

Development in the drainage basins surrounding SAGA is currently
limited; however, land use in adjacent areas is changing and it is
essential that SAGA generate baseline water resources data and monitors
the status of those resources via a long-term monitoring strategy. The
strategy includes a suite of useful water quality parameters, in
addition to the implementation of the Izaak Walton League of America\'s
Stream Quality Survey (SQS), a rapid bio-assessment technique. This
dual, complementary approach allows not only for the characterization of
water quality based on pre-set state and federal standards, but also of
the actual effects of this water quality on SAGA\'s surface aquatic
ecosystems.

# Objectives of Study

Through long-term water quality and biological monitoring activities,
the park's objective is to detect changes in the relative health of the
surface stream ecosystems and identify external factors that may be
degrading the species distribution and, therefore, the functional
integrity of those ecosystems. If and when a case can be suggested for a
cause and effect relationship between specific external factors and SAGA
water resources, the appropriate local, state, and federal environmental
enforcement officials will be notified, and the situation corrected by
educating and working with the potentially responsible parties. In
addition, other, more focused investigations may be necessary to
substantiate the existence of problems beyond the resolution of this
program.

[Description of Study Site]{.underline}

SAGA encompasses a variety of watershed types from predominantly
well-drained, upland terrain to lower elevation streams and associated
wetland areas (approx. 300-600 feet altitude range). Two major surface
streams, Blow-Me-Down Brook and Blow-Me-Up Brook, begin upstream of the
park, flow through the park, and eventually empty directly into the
Connecticut River. Blow-Me-Down Brook enters the park on the northwest
boundary and meanders through the western side of the park (defining
that portion of the park boundary) and into Blow-Me-Down Pond.
Blow-Me-Up Brook enters the park on the northeast boundary and joins
Blow-Me-Down Brook in the western-central region of the park (where it
again is part of the park boundary). Beyond Blow-Me-Down Pond, water
exits the park over the historic Blow-Me-Down Dam and flows under New
Hampshire Route 12A and into the Connecticut River. Both of these
streams have headwaters located adjacent to land uses which may be
potentially harmful to the water resources within SAGA (i.e. residential
septic systems, limited agriculture, and landscape development).
Management concerns include the potential threat posed by the use of
road deicing chemicals on nearby roads, as well as erosion and
siltation.

The water quality-monitoring program consists of monthly (approximately
May -- November) sampling at six permanent monitoring stations (Appendix
II), all but one station located within the NPS boundary. Due to the
climate and resultant hazardous conditions of this region (i.e. ice and
high water), it is usually not feasible to conduct monitoring activities
from approximately December to March. Also, parameters that cannot be
measured in the field are analyzed with the help of in-kind laboratory
services from the Cape Cod National Seashore, North Atlantic Coastal
Laboratory as well as at a cost basis at a local water laboratory.

**Methods**

[Physical Quality Parameters]{.underline}

The following water quality parameters are measured at all six of the
site's permanent monitoring stations: water temperature, water depth,
dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and turbidity. These were measured
in the field using a Hydrolab H20^®^ submersible sonde with a Scout II
display unit. The instrument is calibrated on a regular basis and
checked for accuracy prior to the collection of field data.

Other parameters including nitrogen (NH~4~ - ammonia, NO~3~ -- nitrate)
and phosphorus (PO~4~ -orthophosphate) are measured colorimetrically
using the Cape Cod National Seashore, North Atlantic Coastal Lab's
Lachat autoanalyzer. Park personnel collected water samples, which were
filtered through 0.4-micrometer Millipore membranes and preserved,
chilled, with 0.4 mL of 2N HCl, prior to analysis. These nutrients were
not assessed in 2004. The park is currently awaiting the completion of a
Water Resources Scoping Report as a result of a technical assistance
request made to the National Park Service Water Resources Division. The
report will address the viability of current monitoring protocols. For a
number of reasons, nutrient analysis has proven to be problematic since
the program began in 1997.

[Flow Rate]{.underline}

Stream discharge was measured at stations 1, 2, 3, and 6 using a
Marsh-McBirney, Model 2000, electromagnetic flow meter to determine spot
flow rates. The total flow was estimated by dividing the stream into
equal-width segments using a tape stretched from bank to bank. A
velocity measurement was recorded at the center of each segment at 60%
of the segment's depth. The flow volume through the segment was found by
multiplying the spot velocity by the cross-sectional area (CSA): the
width of the segment multiplied by the depth at the segment's center.
The sum of these segments' flow was the estimated stream flow, recorded
in cubic feet per second (CFS).

[Biological Quality Parameters]{.underline}

Fecal coliform levels were assessed once in 2004 at stations 1, 2, 3,
and 5. Samples were collected in sterile containers, placed on ice, and
transported within six hours to a local laboratory for analysis.

The Izaak Walton League of America's Stream Quality Survey (SQS) was
performed at stations 1, 2, 3, and 6. Water depth is too great to
conduct SQS at stations 4 and 5, and the rocky bottom sampling method is
inappropriate for the benthic substrate at these locations. This portion
of the water quality monitoring program was conducted in order to
quantitatively evaluate the distribution and diversity of the benthic
macroinvertebrates in the park's streams. The exact protocol for
conducting the SQS is found in the **Save Our Streams, Volunteer
Trainers Handbook** (Izaak Walton League of America, 1994). SQS
parameters were updated in 2003 by the IWLA; however, the park continued
to use the older standards for the 2004 season for the sake of
consistency. Following the completion of the Water Resources Scoping
Report, the park will determine whether or not to adopt the revised
standards.

The SQS protocols generate a numerical index of aquatic "health" based
on the diversity of several groups of taxa and their overall ability to
survive in water containing pollution (sensitive, somewhat sensitive,
tolerant). Stream health is based on an aggregate "score" for each
particular sampling station (\<11 poor, 11-16 fair, 17-22 good, \>22
excellent). A 1m x 1m kick seine net with 1mm pores is placed in the
stream with the lower edge flat against the bottom. An area of streambed
approximately 1m^2^ immediately upstream of the net was rubbed by hand,
followed by a general dislodging of the sediment to loosen any
invertebrates. All those remaining in the net when it is scooped out of
the water are identified by general taxa. The "score" increases by
finding a representative of a taxon, with pollution-sensitive taxa worth
three "points," moderately sensitive taxa worth two and
pollution-tolerant taxa worth one "point." Additional representatives
are not factored into the aggregate score.

**Results** (See Appendix I for raw data)

# Water Temperature

Water temperature levels at the six permanent monitoring stations
followed a typical seasonal fluctuation (Appendix III, Chart 1). The
coldest temperatures recorded were during the November sampling, with
Station 1 registering 3.95 degrees Celsius. The warmest temperature
reported was 22.14 degrees, during the July sampling at Station 6.
Average temperatures for the six stations generally increased from
Station 1 to Station 6. The most notable temperature difference was
found in July, when Station 1 was at 15.51 degrees and Station 6 at
22.14 degrees, a temperature differential of 6.63 degrees.

# Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels varied according to season (Appendix III,
Chart 2). The highest levels were found in the spring and fall, while
the lowest readings were recorded during the middle of the summer. The
maximum was 13.57 mg/l in May (Station 6) and the minimum was 8.43 mg/l
in July (Station 6). These levels were consistently high, with greater
than 88% saturation in all 42 of the readings.

[pH]{.underline}

pH values (Appendix III, Chart 3) at the six sampling station ranged
from 7.18 (Station 4, May) to 8.17 (Station 6, November). The average
for all samples at all stations was 7.73. The average for a given month
ranged from 7.30 in May to 8.04 in November. There was an apparent trend
of increasing pH values seasonally from May to November. pH values did
not vary significantly between stations.

# Conductivity

Conductivity values for the six sampling stations ranged from 0.1172
mS/cm (Station 1, November) to 0.2117 mS/cm (Station 5, July). There are
apparent trends associated with the conductivity values, as the values
tended to increase seasonally from May to July, and then remained
somewhat static for the months of August and September, after which,
they decreased. (Appendix III, Chart 4).

# Turbidity 

The highest turbidity value (Appendix III, Chart 5) for the six sampling
stations was recorded at Station 5 (10.0 NTU, June). Station 5 had the
highest mean value (6.5 NTU), while Station 1 had the lowest mean value
(1.1 NTU). On average, turbidity values increased following the
downstream gradient with the exception of Station 6.

[Ammonium - NH~4~]{.underline}

[]{.mark}

This parameter was not assessed in 2004.

[Nitrate- NO]{.underline}~3~

This parameter was not assessed in 2004.

[Phosphate- PO]{.underline}~4~

[]{.mark}

This parameter was not assessed in 2004.

# Stream Discharge

Water flow through the park varied from month to month (Appendix III,
Chart 6), with the trends of greater discharge levels usually associated
with the spring thaw and fall rains not readily apparent. Maximum output
at Station 6 (below BMD Dam) was 22.336 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) in
August, while flow at the same station was 7.501 CFS in September.
Station 1 averaged the lowest discharge at 1.594 CFS, while Stations 2
and 3 were averaged 11.361 and 11.746 CFS, respectively. Station 6 had
the greatest average discharge at 14.009 CFS.

### [SQS Index]{.underline}

The Stream Quality Survey (SQS) index showed an average value of 15.5
for all samples, which at the high end of the "Fair" category. The
lowest value identified was 13 at Station 1 in August and Stations 1 and
3 in November. The highest index value was 19 at Station 3 in August.
There was no significant difference between months for average sampling
values; however, Station 2 yielded the highest average value (16.33),
while the lowest average (12.67) was found at Station 1.

# Fecal Coliform

One series of samples were collected in September, 2004 (Appendix I).
The concentrations of coliform ranged from 9 (Station 1) Colony Forming
Units per 100 ml of water (CFU) to 147 (Station 5). The average coliform
concentration for the four samples was 89.25 CFU. This figure closely
resembles the 2003 average of 88.5 CFU (based on a twelve-sample
average).

[]{.mark}

#### Discussion

### [Temperature]{.underline}

Water temperature typically changes in response to seasonal changes in
air temperature, which was clearly seen in the SAGA data; with the
highest temperatures recorded during the summer sampling. The lowest
temperatures were generally recorded at stations 1 and 2. This is
consistent with a system where sunlight produces the warm air and water
temperatures. A relatively negligible amount of sunlight reaches this
portion of the watershed due to the steep topography and abundant canopy
cover of the forest and likely accounts for the cooler water
temperatures. Another factor influencing water temperature is discharge.
The average air temperature was 0.5 degrees warmer in August as compared
to July, while the average water temperature for all six stations was
1.37 degrees warmer in July. There is an apparent correlation between
water temperature and discharge volume, with temperature decreasing with
increased discharge. In August the discharge rate at the time of
sampling was almost double that of July.

### [Dissolved Oxygen]{.underline}

Generally, there is an inverse relationship between dissolved oxygen and
water temperature, i.e. colder water has a greater capacity for holding
oxygen. This was apparent in the 2004 data, as the least amount of DO
was observed in July when water temperature was the highest. A deviation
from the intuitive pattern is due to the consistency of DO amounts in a
given sampling and the lack of repetitions. The turbulent waters of
Blow-Me-Up Brook (Station 1), Blow-Me-Down Brook (Stations Two and
Three) and especially the area below the dam (Station 6) would logically
have more dissolved oxygen due to aeration. The relative lack of
variation may be explained by the Percent Saturation data, as the water
was usually near saturation, when extra potential aeration would have
little effect. High DO levels signify a non-eutrophic system, which is
important for ecological health.

Based on the data collected in between 1997 and 2004, the park meets and
exceeds the New Hampshire DO standards for Class A waters: minimum of
6.0 mg/l (based on any single sample)

And a minimum of 75% saturation (based on daily average of all samples).

[pH]{.underline}

Fresh water pH values fall somewhere between 6.5 and 8.2, although wide
variations can occur. At SAGA, the waters were somewhat alkaline, i.e.
above 7.0. The data show no clear trends in the order of the stations'
pH, indicating a lack of change from the water flow downstream, or a
constant effect of a local condition such as a patch of basic mineral in
the streambed. pH did show an increasing trend across the year,
indicating that seasonal change in flow rate and precipitation may be
somewhat important to acidity. This change was not statistically
significant, and while snowmelt may be acidic, the effects appear to
dissipate with time. The Blow-Me-Down watershed appears to be buffered
against the acidic precipitation that is threatening much of New
England.

### [Conductivity]{.underline}

Conductivity is a measure of how easily water will conduct an electrical
current, which is dependent upon the concentration of dissolved ions
(e.g. salinity). The soils in and along Blow-Me-Down Brook contain clay,
which will increase conductivity. Conductivity showed a slight seasonal
increase that peaked in July, followed by a slight decline in the fall.
This is a normal reaction to increases and decreases in water
temperature. Much of the relevant variance may be connected to weather
events rather than seasons. Addition of ions from runoff, particularly
road care on the adjacent highway (NH Route 12-A) would be primarily
tied to storms and snowmelt. Conductivity readings may decrease as the
system is flushed out. There are no standards for specific conductivity
because the levels vary with geology, however, SAGA's values fall within
the low end of the EPA's range for rivers throughout the United States.
Though specific standards for conductivity do not exist, the park
measures this parameter in order to look for changes or anomalies over
time, as sudden drastic changes may indicate a problem in the watershed.

### [Turbidity]{.underline}

Turbidity is the measure of suspended solids in a body of water;
therefore it is also a relative measure of water clarity. High turbidity
may limit the depth to which light can diffuse underwater; thus limiting
the maximum depth for photosynthesis. It can also be partially
indicative of nutrient-overloading (eutrophication) problems due to
excess algal growth. A suspicion of harmful loading would have to be
corroborated by other evidence to show that it was not a sustainable
level of algae growth or turbidity from non-living material.

Turbidity readings on the HydroLab measuring device were highly
variable, often jumping 50% or more between readings while the probe was
submerged and immobile. In the past, this variability led to a lack of
confidence in the accuracy of the turbidity readings; however, previous
investigation using statistical analysis showed that turbidity readings,
while appearing to be unreliable, are not problematic. Stations 4 and 5
tend to show the highest values for turbidity for the entire sampling
season. This is presumed to be an artifact of the sampling sites, as
there is significant sedimentation present at both locations. The impact
of the probe on the stream substrate generates enough sediment that the
turbidity reading may reflect the impact of the probe, rather than the
prevailing value. Repetitions and testing for acceptable variation may
increase the confidence level experienced with the probe.

### [Stream Discharge]{.underline}

Discharge was greatest in August due to the timing of the sampling, as
well as the above average rainfall that month. Station 1 on Blow-Me-Up
Brook produced, by far, the least volume of water throughout the
sampling period. In most instances, the amount of water produced by the
Blow-Me-Up and the Blow-Me-Down Brooks was additive and approximated the
amounts measured at Stations 3 and 6. Average monthly precipitation for
2004 was 4.00 inches; .29 inches greater than the 110-year average for
the same period, i.e. May - November (Appendix III, Chart 7).

# 

# SQS Index

The average score for the SQS index was 15.5, which is at the high end
of the "Fair" category. Five of the 12 assessments made, scored above
16, which is "Good." Station 2 averaged "Good" with an index of 17.0.
Stations 1, 2, and 3 averaged 12.7, 16.6, and 16.0, respectively.
Differences between stations, and season, were not statistically
significant, regarding biological assessment.

Although the index values register as "Fair," they are at the highest
end of the category and show an improvement of 1 point over the 2003
average SQS. These scores indicate an apparent lack of pollution in the
watershed. The "Pollution Tolerant" organisms, those that would remain
in a polluted watershed, were outnumbered by the "Pollution Sensitive"
taxa. Additionally, variances in SQS values over the years are generally
attributed to changes in water levels, i.e. available macroinvertebrate
habitat, not to watershed pollution.

### [Fecal Coliform]{.underline}

Fecal coliform is indicative of the presence of a bacterium that
threatens human health and water usage. It is introduced by wildlife,
such as beaver, deer and waterfowl, all of which occur in the park's
watershed. Other common and potentially harmful sources of fecal
coliform include agricultural and human waste. Fecal coliform levels for
this year were similar to those found in previous years.

Only one round of samples was taken in 2004. Although more would be
desirable, the cost of such analysis makes widespread, routine testing
prohibitive. The single round of samples taken in November showed
variable concentrations of coliform, ranging from 9 Colony Forming Units
per 100 mL of water (CFU) at Station 1 (Blow-Me-Up Brook) to 147 CFU at
Station 5 (Blow-Me-Down Pond). For comparison, State of New Hampshire
Class S surface waters are not to exceed 153 CFU/100ml in any one
sample. This standard is based on a one-time sample. All of the 2004
SAGA samples met NH Class A standards. Sampling will continue in order
to monitor for the presence of this potentially harmful bacterium, with
a minimum goal of sampling at least three times per year.

**Recommendations/Future Considerations**

1.  Incorporate any pertinent findings or recommendations of the
    Saint-Gaudens NHS Water Resources Scoping Report into the water
    quality monitoring program (report to be completed in 2005).

2.  Share data with the NPS Northeast Temperate Network, Inventory &
    Monitoring program.

3.  Include farm pond property in the water quality monitoring program.

4.  Maintain the current sampling practices with repetitions for
    physical parameters measured with the Hydrolab and flow meter.
    Increasing from one to three repetitions will enhance the validity
    of data collected. Once one suite of samples has been taken, it is
    recommended that they be repeated. In most cases, sampling can still
    be done in one day, though the October and November sampling may
    require additional time due to weather conditions and amount of
    daylight. Continuing this sampling will aid in identifying trends
    and allow for better identification of anomalies.

5.  Should inappropriately high levels of coliform be detected, expand
    the frequency of coliform sampling. Additionally, should coliform
    levels exceed standards for recreational waters, contact the New
    Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and recommend that
    they investigate upstream, to determine the source of the coliform.
    Park staff may want to consider sampling the small stream leading
    from visitor parking lot. Coliform sampling should coincide with the
    SQS.

6.  When practical, continue using school groups to assist with water
    quality monitoring program especially the SQS. In this manner, the
    park can provide educational opportunities for local students while,
    at the same time, continue to further the park mission of preserving
    and protecting its resources.

7.  Perform conductivity and pH samples during or at the end of the
    snowmelt period to determine if there are important shifts in these
    values. Of particular concern are changes in salinity resulting from
    road salt runoff (as measured by conductivity) and changes in
    acidity resulting from possibly acid snow melting (as measured by
    pH).

8.  Do special physical-properties samples following storm events. Many
    of the physical parameters such as turbidity, conductivity, nitrogen
    levels, temperature, discharge, and DO may be significantly affected
    by storm events.

9.  Obtain weather-monitoring equipment in order to correlate on-site
    weather conditions with water quality parameters.

10. Consider including additional major dissolved ions (Cl-, Ca+, Mg++)
    into the sampling program. Metals are measured under the New
    Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Volunteer River
    Assessment Program. Sampling for metals may be costly and require
    additional effort and funding.

11. Consider a statistical comparison with the following parameters:
    fecal coliform, water temperature, and precipitation.

**Bibliography**

Environmental Protection Agency. Water Quality Monitoring and
Assessment.

Available on-line at: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/monitoring/

Isaak Walton League. 1994. Save Our Streams, Volunteer Trainers Handbook

National Weather Service Climate Data, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. 2004. Available on-line at:
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/NH.html

National Park Service. 2004. National Park Service Management Policies.
Available on-line at: http://www.nps.gov/refdesk/mp/index.html

Roman, Charles T. 1992. Review of Water Quality Sampling in the
Blow-Me-Down Watershed from 1982 -- 1991

State of New Hampshire. 2000. Surface Water Quality Regulations, Chapter
1700. NH Department of Environmental Services. Available on-line at:
http://www.des.state.nh.us/Rules/water.htm

Water Resources Division and Service wide Inventory & Monitoring
Program. 2000. Baseline water quality Data Inventory and Analysis,
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Technical Report
NPS/NRWRD/NRTR-99/242. National Park Service, Washington D.C.

Wilkes University, Center for Environmental Quality, Geo-Environmental
Sciences and Engineering

> Department, Water Quality Terms Available on-line at:
> http://www.odak.com/GlossaryofWaterQualityTerms.html

Zubricki, Brendan. 1995. Water Resources Monitoring Study Plan,
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

Appendix 1: Water Quality Data

  ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------- --------------- ----------- -------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
                                                                                                                                         

                                                    Station 1 - BMU                                                                      
                                                    Brook                                                                                

                                                    Station 2 - BMD                                                                      
                                                    Brook (above                                                                         
                                                    confluence with                                                                      
                                                    BMU)                                                                                 

                                                    Station 3 - BMD                                                                      
                                                    Brook (below                                                                         
                                                    confluence)                                                                          

                                                    Station 4 - BMD                                                                      
                                                    Brook (Route                                                                         
                                                    12A)                                                                                 

                                                    Station 5 - BMD                                                                      
                                                    Pond                                                                                 

                                                    Station 6 - BMD                                                                      
                                                    Brook (below                                                                         
                                                    dam)                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                         

  **[Parameters]{.underline}**   **Conductivity**   **Dissolved**   **Dissolved**   **Depth**   **pH**   **Temp.**       **Turbidity**   **Discharge**

  **[ ]{.underline}**            **mS/cm**          **Oxygen**      **Oxygen**      **(M)**     ** **    **(Celsius)**   **(NTU)**       **(CFS)**

  **[ ]{.underline}**            ** **              **(% Satur.)**  **(mg/l)**      ** **       ** **    ** **           ** **           ** **

  **5/25/04**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1637             99.1            13.47           0.2         7.31     7.97            0.0             3.031

  **Station 2**                  0.1662             98.8            13.01           0.3         7.40     10.91           3.0             17.763

  **Station 3**                  0.1691             98.5            13.34           0.4         7.35     11.04           2.1             18.402

  **Station 4**                  0.1683             99.2            13.42           0.5         7.18     11.58           1.8             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.1659             98.3            13.39           0.5         7.22     12.02           2.0             N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.1677             98.0            13.57           0.2         7.35     12.73           1.0             20.226

                                                                                                                                         

  **6/22//04**                                                                                                                           

  **Station 1**                  0.1697             90.1            10.17           0.1         7.40     12.75           1.0             0.760

  **Station 2**                  0.1723             92.5            9.61            0.2         7.43     15.91           2.0             15.466

  **Station 3**                  1.7540             90.8            9.52            0.2         7.67     16.34           4.4             11.428

  **Station 4**                  0.1769             94.9            9.30            0.4         7.38     17.18           7.3             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.1758             95.2            9.41            0.5         7.55     18.42           10.0            N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.1771             91.9            9.07            0.2         7.49     19.01           3.3             16.963

                                                                                                                                         

  **7/16/04**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1962             91.1            9.15            0.1         7.36     15.51           0.0             1.176

  **Station 2**                  0.2013             92.4            9.02            0.2         7.64     19.81           3.0             9.527

  **Station 3**                  0.2104             90.9            8.91            0.2         7.55     20.05           4.2             11.170

  **Station 4**                  0.2089             95.5            8.92            0.5         7.81     21.23           5.1             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.2117             88.9            8.54            0.6         7.60     21.45           7.0             N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.2088             92.6            8.43            0.2         7.43     22.14           1.0             11.850

                                                                                                                                         

  **8/24/04**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1865             91.1            9.21            0.1         7.71     15.37           1.9             2.517

  **Station 2**                  0.1922             93.7            9.15            0.3         7.65     18.88           5.1             18.315

  **Station 3**                  0.1971             94.2            9.06            0.2         7.91     18.91           4.2             19.471

  **Station 4**                  0.1983             95.9            9.14            0.6         7.83     19.25           6.3             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.1962             92.6            8.87            0.5         7.77     19.61           8.1             N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.1955             93.3            8.74            0.2         7.86     19.94           2.0             22.336

                                                                                                                                         

  **9/16/04**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1754             90.5            9.82            0.1         7.75     12.52           1.9             1.024

  **Station 2**                  0.1896             94.6            9.44            0.3         7.82     15.48           2.8             5.718

  **Station 3**                  0.1926             94.9            9.41            0.3         7.85     15.91           1.0             6.994

  **Station 4**                  0.1959             93.2            9.37            0.5         8.01     16.50           3.0             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.1903             92.0            9.01            0.6         7.99     17.23           5.5             N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.1985             91.1            8.95            0.2         8.03     17.38           1.0             7.501

                                                                                                                                         

  **10/22/04**                                                                                                                           

  **Station 1**                  0.1460             92.1            11.98           0.2         7.75     4.76            2.9             0.761

  **Station 2**                  0.1492             92.8            12.04           0.4         7.89     4.81            1.8             4.752

  **Station 3**                  0.1521             93.9            12.15           0.3         7.95     4.90            3.1             5.185

  **Station 4**                  0.1507             92.9            12.00           0.6         8.16     4.89            4.4             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.1530             92.0            11.82           0.6         8.09     4.92            5.7             N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.1550             92.5            12.13           0.2         8.11     4.91            1.8             6.439

                                                                                                                                         

  **11/10/04**                                                                                                                           

  **Station 1**                  0.1172             94.2            12.31           0.2         7.81     3.95            0.0             1.886

  **Station 2**                  0.1238             93.7            12.38           0.5         7.99     4.14            2.5             7.989

  **Station 3**                  0.1265             93.5            12.29           0.3         8.03     4.20            6.1             9.571

  **Station 4**                  0.1289             92.1            12.22           0.5         8.07     4.23            8.0             N/A

  **Station 5**                  0.1303             91.4            11.95           0.5         8.14     4.25            7.2             N/A

  **Station 6**                  0.1293             92.7            12.91           0.2         8.17     4.24            3.0             12.725

                                                                                                                                         
  ------------------------------ ------------------ --------------- --------------- ----------- -------- --------------- --------------- ---------------

+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
| ######  Coliform Samples                     |   |                    |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
|                                              |   |                    |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
| **9/21/04**                                  | * |                    |
|                                              | * |                    |
|                                              | C |                    |
|                                              | F |                    |
|                                              | U |                    |
|                                              | / |                    |
|                                              | 1 |                    |
|                                              | 0 |                    |
|                                              | 0 |                    |
|                                              | m |                    |
|                                              | L |                    |
|                                              | * |                    |
|                                              | * |                    |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
| Station 1                                    |   | 9                  |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
| Station 2                                    |   | 18                 |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
| Station 3                                    |   | 83                 |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+
| Station 5                                    |   | 147                |
+----------------------------------------------+---+--------------------+

**Appendix II: SAGA Water Quality Monitoring Stations**

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.2034722222222225in"
height="8.115277777777777in"}

**Appendix III: Data Charts**

![](media/image2.wmf)

![](media/image3.wmf)

![](media/image4.wmf)

![](media/image5.wmf)

![](media/image6.wmf)

![](media/image7.wmf)

![](media/image8.wmf){width="6.492361111111111in"
height="4.464583333333334in"}

**Appendix IV: Glossary**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| +---------------+-------------------------------------------------+   |
| | ![](media/i   | ## Wilkes University Center for E               |   |
| | mage9.png){wi | nvironmental Quality GeoEnvironmental Sciences  |   |
| | dth="1.260416 | and Engineering Department Water Quality Terms  |   |
| | 6666666667in" |                                                 |   |
| | he            |                                                 |   |
| | ight="1.0in"} |                                                 |   |
| +---------------+-------------------------------------------------+   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

We depend upon water for our very existence. The impact of water quality
and quantity issues has never been greater. Yet the terminology used to
describe the water we drink, the water we provide to plants and animals,
the water stored underground, in lakes, rivers, and oceans, is not well
understood by many.

This listing of water-related terms is intended to reduce the potential
for misunderstanding presentations made by elected officials,
environmental agencies and news reporters. The definitions and
associated explanations provide working knowledge of water. Some
terminology could be defined differently to describe water supply issues
in other locations in the world.

**Absorption** is the process by which chemical in gaseous, liquid or
solid phases are incorporated into and included within another gas,
liquid, or solid chemical. For example, sponges absorb water.

**Acidity** -The base neutralizing capacity of water is known as
acidity. Acids contribute to corrosiveness, influence chemical
reactions, and chemical/biological processes. Acidity is determined
using a titrametric or potentiometric method.

**Adsorption** is the adherence of gas molecules, ions or solutions to
the surface of solids. For example, odors from freezers and
refrigerators are adsorbed to baking soda.

**Alkalinity:** The acid neutralizing capacity of water is known as
alkalinity. For surface waters alkalinity has been called \"The
Protector of the Stream\", since the alkalinity of the water rests
sudden changes in the pH of the stream associated with the influx of
acid deposition, water containing organic acids, groundwater discharges
or industrial wastes.

Most surface waters have alkalinity's \< 200 mg CaCO3/L, but in
limestone areas the alkalinity's can be greater than 1000 mg CaCO3/L. In
some cases, pristine surface water has very low alkalinities and
therefore they would be adversely impacted by acid mine drainage and
acid rain. The alkalinity of precipitation can be from 1 to about 10 mg
CaCO3/L. Typically the best alkalinity for aquatic life is between 100
and 120 mg CaCO3/L. Alkalinity is determined using a titrametric or
potentiometric method.

**Ammonia (NH4)**: There is no MCL established for ammonia. Ammonia is
very toxic to fish and aquatic life. Ammonia concentrations of 0.06 mg/L
can cause gill damage in fish and 0.2 mg/L is lethal to trout.
Concentrations in excess of 0.1 mg/L suggest domestic or agricultural
sources of waste.

**Conductivity:** The theoretical definition of conductivity is the
\"reciprocal of the resistance of a cube of a substance 1 cm on a side
at a specified temperature\". Typically the units of measure are
microhms/cm (uohms/cm) or microsiemens/cm (uS/cm). Conductivity or
specific conductance is a measure of the ability of a fluid to carry a
charge, which is directly related to the concentration of dissolved
substances. As the total dissolved substances in the water increases,
the conductivity of the water also increases. For More information see
Total Dissolved Solids.

**Diffusion** is a process where heat or chemicals are transported in
response to differences in chemical concentration or temperature.
Movement is from high concentration (or temperature) to low
concentration (or temperature). This process could involve liquids,
gases and solids.

**Discharge area** is an area where groundwater moves toward or is
delivered to the soil surface. Groundwater can flow into springs, or
seeps; contribute baseflow to streams; or provide supplemental water for
plant use.

**Effluent** is the discharge of a contaminant or contaminants with
water from animal production or industrial facilities or wastewater
treatment plant.

**Erosion** is the process or series of processes that removes soils,
crop residues, and organic matter from the land surface in runoff
waters, or by wind. Water droplets begin the erosion process by
detaching soil particles. Runoff waters transport the detached particles
to local and regional streams or lakes. Soil erosion represents the
single largest source of nonpoint pollution in the United States.

**Eutrophication** is the process of surface water nutrient enrichment
causing a water body to fill with aquatic plants and algae. The increase
in plant life reduces the oxygen content of the water. Eutrophic lakes
often are undesirable for recreation and may not support normal fish
populations.

**Evapotranspiration (ET)** is the process of changing soil water into
water vapor through the combination of soil evaporation and plant water
use, or transpiration.

**Fecal coliform** is a portion of the coliform bacteria group
originating in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals that pass
into the environment as feces. Fecal coliform often is used as an
indicator of the bacteriological safety of a domestic water supply.

The fecal coliform bacterial densities will be determined using the
membrane filtration technique. The MF procedure uses an enriched lactose
medium and an incubation temperature of 44.5 + 0.2oC. Fecal coliform is
bacteria typically found in the feces of warm-blooded mammals. Fecal
coliform colonies produced by the M-FC medium are blue, while
non-coliform colonies are pale yellow, gray, or cream color. Since fecal
coliform is found in mammalian waste, it is recommended that fecal
coliform be absent from potable water.

**Groundwater recharge** is the process where water enters the soil and
eventually reaches the saturated zone. Recharge varies from place to
place due to the amount of rainfall, infiltration, and surface
vegetation.

**Hydrologic cycle** describes the constant movement of water above, on,
and below the earth\'s surface. Processes such as precipitation,
evaporation, condensation, infiltration and runoff comprise the cycle.
Within the cycle, water changes forms in response to the Earth\'s
climatic conditions.

**Losing stream (influent stream)** is a stream or portion of a stream
that discharges water into the groundwater.

**Non-point source (NPS) pollution** is the source of surface or
groundwater pollution originating from diffuse areas without
well-defined sources. The most common examples of NPS are chemicals that
enter surface water during runoff events from cropland and turf grass,
and soil erosion from cultivated cropland and construction sites.

**Part-per-million (ppm)** is a measure of concentration of a dissolved
material in terms of a mass ratio (milligrams per kilogram, mg/kg). One
part of a contaminant is present for each million parts of water. For
water analysis, parts per million often is presented as a mass per unit
volume (milligrams per liter, mg/l). There are one million milligrams of
water in one liter.

**Permeability** is the property of porous materials indicating the ease
with which liquids or gases will be transmitted through a soil or other
porous material. Permeabilities are not affected by changing the type of
liquid.

**pH** is a numerical measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water. The
pH scale ranges from 1 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral.
The technical definition of pH is that it is a measure of the activity
of the hydrogen ion (H+) and is reported as the reciprocal of the
logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity. Therefore, a water with a pH of
7 has 10-7 moles per liter of hydrogen ions, whereas, a pH of 6 is 10-6
moles per liter. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.

**Phosphate (PO4):** There is no MCL for phosphate. In surface waters,
phosphate is typically a limiting plant nutrient. The recommend maximum
concentration in rivers and streams is a concentration of 0.1 mg/L of
total phosphate.

**Point source (PS) pollution** is the source of surface or groundwater
pollution that originates from a well-defined source. Examples include:
industrial effluent; large animal containment facilities; city
wastewater treatment discharges, or chemical spills. Point sources
commonly are associated with pipeline discharges of some type.

**Pollutant** is any unwanted chemical or change in physical property
that renders a water supply unfit for its intended use.

**Porosity** is the ratio of the volume of open spaces or voids to the
total volume of a porous material. For example, a sand and gravel
deposit may have 20 percent porosity. Porosity determines the amount of
water that can be stored in a saturated formation. A saturated formation
100 feet thick with porosity of 20 percent could store an equivalent
water depth of approximately 20 feet.

**Potable water supply** is a source of water that can be used for human
consumption.

**Precipitation** is the process where water vapor condenses in the
atmosphere to form water droplets that fall to the earth as rain, sleet,
snow or hail. Nebraska\'s long-term annual precipitation varies from 16
inches in the west to 34 inches in the southeast. Annual deviations can
be greater than 30 percent.

**Runoff** is precipitation or irrigation water that does not infiltrate
but flows over the land surface toward a surface drain, eventually
making its way to a river, lake or an ocean.

**Spring** is the point of natural groundwater discharge to a soil
surface, river, or lake.

**Turbidity:** Turdidity is a measure of the cloudiness or opaqueness of
the water and is measured in nephelometric turbidity units (ntu).
Nephelometry is the measurement of suspended particles, or cloudiness.
The turbidity is influenced by the amount and nature of suspended
organic and inorganic material in water. Typically, the higher the
concentration of the suspended material the greater the turbidity. The
value of 1 ntu is recommend for drinking water, since higher turbidities
could cause aesthetic problems or inhibit the ability of a system to
disinfect the water. The source of turbidity could be fine sand, silt,
and clay (i.e., soil separates); organic material, particles of iron and
manganese or other metal oxides, rust from corroding piping, or
carbonate precipitates. Turbidity measurements are typically not made on
surface water sources - see Total suspended solids.

**Watersheds** are regional basins drained by or contributing water to a
particular point, stream, river, lake or ocean. Watersheds range in size
from a few acres to large areas of the country.

**Water table** is the upper level of a saturated formation where the
water is at atmospheric pressure. The water table is the upper surface
of an unconfined aquifer.

For More information about the Environmental Quality Center, please
contact:

[ Attn: Mr. Brian Oram, Professional Geologist
(PG)](mailto:boram@wilkes.edu?subject=giardia)\
Laboratory Director\
Wilkes University\
GeoEnvironmental Sciences and Engineering Department\
PO Box 111\
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766\
1-800-572-4444 ext. 4619\
(570) 408-4619