**Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site**

**Water Resources Monitoring 2003 Annual Report**

**Preface**

This annual report is part of an ongoing program to ensure that the
water resources of Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (SAGA) are
protected as outlined in the document Water Resources Monitoring Study
Plan, Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (August, 1995).

As a unit of the National Park Service, the SAGA is mandated by the
Organic Act and General Authorities Act to assure that park resources
and values remain "unimpaired," unless a specific law dictates
otherwise. Impairment is defined as "an impact that, in the professional
judgment of the responsible NPS manager, would harm the integrity of
park resources or values, including the opportunities that otherwise
would be present for the enjoyment of those resources or values." Park
resources that are subject to this standard include natural objects and
processes, including plants and animals. (National Park Service, 2001).

Establishment of the program in 1997 was made possible through funding
received from the National Park Service, WASO Water Resources Division,
which enabled the park to purchase the monitoring equipment required to
carry out this project as a long-term, in-house operation. Additional
support has been received from the Cape Cod National Seashore North
Atlantic Coastal Laboratory, which performs chemical analysis on
parameters that cannot be measured by park staff in the field. The
park's Natural Resource Division is responsible for sustaining the
program, which entails field data collection, maintenance of equipment,
and production of an annual interpretive report. The park also enlists
the participation of high school students, in an effort to provide
educational outreach opportunities to local students in the field of
natural resource management

The primary goal of conducting water quality monitoring at SAGA is to
quantitatively assess the overall condition of the park's water
resources, thereby providing management with the capability of detecting
any positive or negative changes in the system. This enables the staff
to identify issues that may require more detailed study and/or
mitigation in order to preserve and protect aquatic resources and
prevent impairment. The need for the program was evident in light of the
fact that the park\'s water resources have received only cursory
examination prior to the advent of this program. In fact, although the
park\'s water quality has been monitored in the past, the data
collection was sporadic (five samples of the park watershed over the
ten-year period 1981-1991. Due to such infrequent sampling, lack of
discharge data, and consistency among methods, the need to develop a
permanent and regimented monitoring program was apparent.

The conclusions reached in this report are based upon the professional
experience of park staff. The primary objective of the program is to
observe trends in the data to identify potential threats to the park's
water resources.

**Abstract**

[]{.mark}

The data collected in 2003 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. Water samples were also collected for subsequent analysis
of ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate ion concentration. Discharge was
measured at four stations: 1, 2, 3, and 6. Fecal coliform sampling was
conducted at stations 1, 2, 3, and 5, in July, August and November. A
biological assessment was done at stations 1, 2, 3, and 6, in June,
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 2003, the pH levels at
the six sampling sites ranged from 7.09 to 8.41.

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
conducted in 2003.\
The samples were analyzed at the Cape Cod National Seashore North
Atlantic Coastal Laboratory for analysis. All three nutrients show a
decrease in concentration compared with previous sampling results.

Stream discharge was greatest in November, while September had the
lowest. Unlike 2002, precipitation was above average in 2003, by .55
inches.

Fecal coliform levels were within the established limits for Class B
recreational waters as defined by the State of New Hampshire. Station 5
had two samples that measured high; otherwise, the data collected were
consistent with 2002 levels.

The biological health of the park's aquatic resources produced index
values indicating that, on average, the streams are in fair condition.
Only one August sample was in the "poor" category. Abundant water levels
provided for plentiful macroinvertebrate habitat, yielding an average
SQS index value in the "fair" category, five points higher than in 2002.
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 has been 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.

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 being 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 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.

[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 three times in 2003 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). While the
SQS parameters were updated mid-way through the season by the IWLA, the
Park used the older protocols for the remainder of 2003 for the sake of
consistency. The 2004 results will be derived using the updated
information.

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.

# Statistics 

Data from the past six years were compiled using JMP statistical
software (Appendix IV). Analysis was done by a volunteer trained in
advanced statistics.

**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 October sampling, with
Station 2 registering 3.72 degrees Celsius. The warmest temperature
reported was 23.29 degrees, during the July sampling at Station 4.
Average temperatures for the six stations generally increased from
Station 1 to Station 6. The average temperature for Station 5 is
slightly colder than Station 6. The most notable temperature difference
was found in July, when Station 1 was at 15.60 degrees and Station 6 at
23.04 degrees, a temperature differential of 7.44 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 14.0 mg/l in November (Station 6) and the minimum was 7.62
mg/l in July (Station 5). These levels were consistently high, with
greater than 85% saturation in all 42 of the readings.

[pH]{.underline}

pH values (Appendix III, Chart 3) at the six sampling station ranged
from 7.09 (Station 4, May) to 8.41 (Station 5-6, November). The average
was 7.85. The average for a given month ranged from 7.68 in May to 7.91
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 0.1115
mS/cm (Station 1, November) to 0.2290 mS/cm (Station 4, 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 (9.5 NTU, September). Station 5 had
the highest mean value (5.6 NTU), while Stations 1 and 6 had the lowest
mean values (3.0 NTU). On average, turbidity values increased following
the downstream gradient with the exception of Station 6.

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

[]{.mark}

The lowest amount of ammonium was recorded twice at 0.0004 mg/L. The
highest single measurement of ammonium was 0.2588 mg/L. The average
value was 0.0545 mg/L. No statistical difference was found between
stations.

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

The lowest amount of nitrate was 0.0597 mg/L. The highest single
measurement was 0.3167 mg/l. The average value was 0.1637 mg/L. No
statistical difference was found between stations.

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

[]{.mark}

# The lowest amount of phosphate was measured at 0.0039 mg/L. The highest single measurement was 0.1042 mg/l. The average value was 0.0106 mg/L. No statistical difference was found between stations. 

# 

# Stream Discharge

Water flow through the park varied from month to month (Appendix III,
Chart 6), but was generally greater with the spring thaw and fall rains.
Maximum output at Station 6 (below BMD Dam) was 60.648 Cubic Feet per
Second (CFS) in November, while flow at the same station was 3.916 CFS
in September. Station 1 averaged the lowest discharge at 1.196 CFS,
while Stations 2 and 3 were averaged 16.798 and 16.792 CFS,
respectively. Station 6 had the greatest average discharge at 19.062
CFS.

### [SQS Index]{.underline}

The Stream Quality Survey (SQS) index showed an average value of 14.1
for all samples, which is in the "Fair" category. The lowest value
identified was 10 at Station 1 in August, and the highest was 19 at
Station 6, also in August. There was no significant difference between
months for average sampling values; however, Station 6 yielded the
highest average value (17.67), while the lowest average (11.67) was
found at Station 1.

# Fecal Coliform

Three series of samples were collected in 2003 (Appendix I). The
concentrations of coliform ranged from 5 (Station 1, November) Colony
Forming Units per 100 ml of water (CFU) to "too numerous to count" for
one sample. The greatest quantifiable amount was 340 CFU (Station 5,
July). The average coliform concentration for all twelve samples was
88.5 CFU. This figure is higher than the past two years, closely
resembling the 2000 average of 77.4 CFU.

[]{.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. A direct correlation was found between water temperature
and discharge volume (Figure 1). Temperature decreases with increased
discharge. The increase in discharge may create more mixing within the
stream, bringing cooler water to the surface, and vice versa.

**Figure 1.**

**Bivariate Fit of Temperature By Discharge**

![](media/image1.wmf)

See Appendix IV for detailed statistical analysis.

![](media/image2.wmf){width="1.3645833333333333in" height="0.34375in"}

### [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 (Figure 2). This was apparent in the 2003 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.

## Figure 2.

###### Bivariate Fit of D.O. mg/L By Temperature 

![](media/image3.wmf)

See Appendix IV for detailed statistical analysis.

![](media/image2.wmf){width="1.3645833333333333in" height="0.34375in"}

[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. This variability led to a lack of confidence in
the accuracy of the turbidity readings. Further investigation using
statistical analysis of all samples showed 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.

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

[]{.mark}

High concentrations of ammonia can be toxic to aquatic life. While
available from the decomposition of plants, NH~4~ is more often the
result of commercial fertilizer applications. Ammonia ions are easily
transformed to nitrate in oxygenated waters. Acceptable levels of NH~4~
are site-specific based on pH and temperature. SAGA measurements
averaged 0.0545 mg/L. The EPA considers NH~4~ concentrations between
0.20 mg/L and 1.60 mg/L, at water temperatures between 5 and 30 degrees
C, and pH values between 8-8.5, to be of concern. No strong correlations
were found between the higher levels of ammonium, water temperature, and
pH. Based on these EPA standards, the ammonia concentrations in the
park's watershed are within acceptable levels and not currently a cause
for concern. In fact, since 1997, the observed levels of ammonium have
declined (Figure 3).

#### Figure 3.

**Bivariate Fit of NH4 mg/l By Year**

![](media/image4.wmf){width="4.180555555555555in"
height="3.2916666666666665in"}

See Appendix IV for detailed statistical analysis.

![](media/image5.wmf){width="1.1666666666666667in"
height="0.3472222222222222in"}

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

Like NH~4,~ NO~3~ can also be absorbed by aquatic organisms. SAGA
measurements averaged 0.1637 mg/L. The higher numbers seen in November
may be the result of increased plant decomposition at the end of the
growing season. Since nitrogen is a limiting nutrient, levels are
assessed primarily to determine if the watershed is subject to nutrient
loading from such sources as septic systems, agriculture, and
residential runoff. Nutrient enrichment can lead to eutrophication and
can cause algal blooms. The EPA considers levels over 10.0 mg/L to be of
concern. A reduced level of NO~3~ can be the result of denitrification
in the water column, or sediments removing nitrogen. Since 1997,
observed levels of nitrate have declined significantly (Figure 4).

**Figure 4.**

**Bivariate Fit of NO3 mg/l By Year**

![](media/image6.wmf){width="4.055555555555555in"
height="3.2916666666666665in"}

See Appendix IV for detailed statistical analysis.

![](media/image5.wmf){width="1.1666666666666667in"
height="0.3472222222222222in"}

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

[]{.mark}

As with nitrogen, phosphorus levels can determine if the watershed is
subject to nutrient loading from such sources as septic systems,
agriculture, and residential runoff. The New Hampshire Volunteer River
Assessment Program (VRAP) indicates that phosphorus is not typically an
area of concern in free flowing rivers and streams until the levels
exceed 0.05 mg/L. The total phosphorus level is determined by dividing
the phosphate value by three. This is due to the PO~4~ molecule being
three times heavier than the P molecule. SAGA's 2003 total phosphorus
levels averaged 0.0035 mg/L. This is well within the state standard.
None of the 42 samples taken in 2003 exceeded 0.03 mg/L total P. Figure
5 shows the decrease in phosphate over the past six years. The p-value
of 0.0002 indicates the decrease is significant.

#### Figure 5.

**Bivariate Fit of PO4 mg/l By Year**

![](media/image7.wmf){width="4.263888888888889in"
height="3.2916666666666665in"}

See Appendix IV for detailed statistical analysis.

![](media/image5.wmf){width="1.1666666666666667in"
height="0.3472222222222222in"}

### 

### 

### [Stream Discharge]{.underline}

Discharge was greatest in November, likely due to higher than average
rainfall in October and the lack of uptake from vegetation as it began
to go into dormancy. 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 2003 was 4.22 inches; .55
inches greater than the 3.67 inch average for the last 95 years
(Appendix III, Chart 7). No statistical correlation was found between NH
precipitation data and stream discharge, or between stations. Figure 6
shows a downward trend in discharge over the past seven years. A
cyclical pattern may be developing due to significant precipitation
events and the timing of discharge measurements. The next two to three
years should discern the pattern more clearly.

**Figure 6.**

**Bivariate Fit of Discharge (CFS) By Year**

![](media/image8.wmf){width="4.222222222222222in"
height="3.2916666666666665in"}

See Appendix IV for detailed statistical analysis.

![](media/image9.wmf){width="1.1666666666666667in"
height="0.3472222222222222in"}

# SQS Index

The average score for the SQS index was 14.1, which is considered
"Fair". Three of the 12 assessments made, scored above 16, which is
"Good". Station 6 averaged "Good" with an index of 17.7. Stations 1,2,
and 3 averaged 11.7, 13.3, and 13.7, respectively. Differences between
stations, and season, were not statistically significant, regarding
biological assessment

Although the index values register as "Fair", they improved from 2002 by
5 points. 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.

### [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
July of this year were similar to those found in August of 2000. Both
water temperatures and precipitation levels were similar between the two
years, indicating that there may be a relationship between these
parameters

Three rounds of samples were taken in 2003. Although more would be
desirable, the cost of such analysis makes widespread, routine testing
prohibitive. They showed variable concentrations of coliform, ranging
from 5 Colony Forming Units per 100 mL of water (CFU) to one sample that
was classified as "too numerous to count", or, greater than 250 CFU. The
greatest quantifiable level was 340 CFU (Appendix I) For comparison,
Class B recreational waters are not to exceed 406 CFU/100ml in any one
sample (NH State Criteria, see Bibliography). This standard is based on
a one-time sample. Sampling will continue in order to monitor for the
presence of this potentially harmful bacterium.

**Recommendations/Future Considerations**

1)  Include farm pond property in the water quality monitoring program.

2)  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.

3)  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.

4)  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.

5)  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).

6)  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.

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

8)  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.

9)  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. 2003. Available on-line at:
http://www.noaa.gov/climate.shtml

National Park Service. 2003. 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)**      ** **       ** **    ** **           ** **           ** **

  **5/23/03**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1654             98.2            13.31           0.2         7.24     8.23            0.0             2.052

  **Station 2**                  0.1591             97.1            12.88           0.2         7.34     11.18           2.0             14.685

  **Station 3**                  0.1630             98.4            13.21           0.4         7.21     11.25           3.4             16.692

  **Station 4**                  0.1622             99.3            13.32           0.5         7.09     12.87           1.9             

  **Station 5**                  0.1689             99.6            12.82           0.5         7.18     13.15           1.7             

  **Station 6**                  0.1599             97.4            13.29           0.2         7.10     14.22           1.0             18.040

                                                                                                                                         

  **6/12//03**                                                                                                                           

  **Station 1**                  0.1695             89.5            9.56            0.3         7.60     12.92           2.6             0.499

  **Station 2**                  0.1770             91.9            9.07            0.2         7.66     16.56           0.0             15.466

  **Station 3**                  0.1689             92.9            9.10            0.2         7.67     16.72           6.6             11.428

  **Station 4**                  0.1750             96.0            9.09            0.4         7.49     18.43           5.4             

  **Station 5**                  0.1770             93.9            9.10            0.6         7.56     18.75           5.9             

  **Station 6**                  0.1780             92.0            8.65            0.2         7.50     19.20           5.6             16.963

                                                                                                                                         

  **7/17/03**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1730             88.9            8.88            0.1         7.38     15.60           0.0             0.325

  **Station 2**                  0.2270             91.1            8.44            0.3         7.73     20.86           7.0             7.850

  **Station 3**                  0.2260             92.4            8.35            0.1         7.46     21.05           6.3             5.316

  **Station 4**                  0.2290             95.2            8.13            0.6         7.84     23.29           6.3             

  **Station 5**                  0.2190             85.7            7.62            0.6         7.50     21.72           9.5             

  **Station 6**                  0.2130             91.2            7.76            0.2         7.46     23.04           1.5             5.860

                                                                                                                                         

  **8/26/03**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.1520             90.1            9.06            0.1         7.69     15.50           1.7             0.565

  **Station 2**                  0.1920             94.4            8.94            0.3         7.68     18.33           4.6             8.208

  **Station 3**                  0.1880             95.1            8.98            0.1         8.15     18.62           3.7             8.225

  **Station 4**                  0.1910             97.1            8.87            1.0         7.98     20.35           4.9             

  **Station 5**                  0.1910             87.0            7.81            0.9         7.86     19.62           7.3             

  **Station 6**                  0.1910             93.1            8.42            0.1         8.11     20.87           1.8             7.038

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

  **9/22/03**                                                                                                                            

  **Station 1**                  0.167              89.3            9.61            0.2         7.79     12.44           2.2             0.861

  **Station 2**                  0.199              93.5            9.35            0.4         8.36     15.86           4.2             4.914

  **Station 3**                  0.198              93.9            9.37            0.3         8.28     15.96           0.0             4.632

  **Station 4**                  0.199              94.2            9.24            1.4         8.31     16.70           4.5             

  **Station 5**                  0.199              91.3            8.79            0.7         8.27     17.40           6.1             

  **Station 6**                  0.200              92.0            8.92            0.2         8.25     17.44           0.0             5.258

                                                                                                                                         

  **10/25/03**                                                                                                                           

  **Station 1**                  0.142              90.5            12.04           0.3         7.86     3.79            6.5             0.621

  **Station 2**                  0.147              93.0            12.40           0.5         8.17     3.72            6.4             17.490

  **Station 3**                  0.147              93.9            12.40           0.4         8.25     3.77            4.4             17.845

  **Station 4**                  0.147              92.2            12.18           1.5         8.26     4.10            4.7             

  **Station 5**                  0.149              91.1            11.99           1.4         8.18     4.22            4.8             

  **Station 6**                  0.150              92.3            12.25           0.3         8.22     4.05            6.4             19.628

                                                                                                                                         

  **11/28/03**                                                                                                                           

  **Station 1**                  0.112              91.2            11.98           0.2         8.20     4.88            8.0             3.450

  **Station 2**                  0.125              92.4            12.30           0.6         8.09     4.15            3.9             48.970

  **Station 3**                  0.124              92.1            12.25           0.2         8.33     4.23            6.0             53.406

  **Station 4**                  0.124              91.9            12.03           0.5         8.37     4.26            4.6             

  **Station 5**                  0.125              90.3            11.86           0.5         8.41     4.23            4.2             

  **Station 6**                  0.126              93.5            14.00           0.3         8.41     4.22            5.0             60.648

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

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

+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| ######  Coliform Samples                 |   |                        |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
|                                          |   |                        |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| **7/7/03**                               | * |                        |
|                                          | * |                        |
|                                          | C |                        |
|                                          | F |                        |
|                                          | U |                        |
|                                          | / |                        |
|                                          | 1 |                        |
|                                          | 0 |                        |
|                                          | 0 |                        |
|                                          | m |                        |
|                                          | L |                        |
|                                          | * |                        |
|                                          | * |                        |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 1                                |   | 160                    |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 2                                |   | 90                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 3                                |   | 136                    |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 5                                |   | 340                    |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| **8/27/03**                              |   |                        |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 1                                |   | 86                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 2                                |   | 52                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 3                                |   | 35                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 5                                |   | 11                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| **11/28/03**                             |   |                        |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 1                                |   | 5                      |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 2                                |   | 26                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 3                                |   | 33                     |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+
| Station 5                                |   | \>250                  |
+------------------------------------------+---+------------------------+

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

![](media/image10.jpeg){width="6.372916666666667in"
height="6.522222222222222in"}

**Appendix III: Data Charts**

![](media/image11.wmf)

![](media/image12.wmf)

![](media/image13.wmf)

![](media/image14.wmf)

![](media/image15.wmf)

![](media/image16.wmf)

![](media/image17.wmf)

##### Appendix IV: Statistical Analysis

**Bivariate Fit of Temperature by Discharge**

**Linear Fit**

####### Temperature = 14.251676 - 0.0664071 Discharge

Summary of Fit

  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  RSquare                                            0.036252

  RSquare Adj                                        0.029827

  Root Mean Square Error                             6.288365

  Mean of Response                                   13.30336

  Observations (or Sum Wgts)                         152
  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Analysis of Variance

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Source     DF        Sum of Squares       Mean Square       F Ratio
  ---------- --------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------
  Model      1         223.1164             223.116           5.6423

  Error      150       5931.5298            39.544            Prob \> F

  C. Total   151       6154.6462                              0.0188
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameter Estimates

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Term              Estimate        Std Error      t Ratio     Prob\>\|t\|
  ------------- --- --------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
  Intercept         14.251676       0.647721       22.00       \<.0001

  Discharge         -0.066407       0.027957       -2.38       0.0188
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The P-value of 0.02 indicates that we fail to reject the null hypothesis
of there being no cause and effect of discharge over temperature.

**Bivariate Fit of D.O. mg/L By Temperature**

**Linear Fit**

D.O. mg/L = 13.292914 - 0.2360953 Temperature

Summary of Fit

  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  RSquare                                            0.703319

  RSquare Adj                                        0.701594

  Root Mean Square Error                             1.079673

  Mean of Response                                   10.01845

  Observations (or Sum Wgts)                         174
  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Analysis of Variance

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Source     DF        Sum of Squares       Mean Square       F Ratio
  ---------- --------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------
  Model      1         475.30833            475.308           407.7475

  Error      172       200.49916            1.166             Prob \> F

  C. Total   173       675.80748                              \<.0001
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameter Estimates

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Term                 Estimate        Std Error     t Ratio     Prob\>\|t\|
  ---------------- --- --------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
  Intercept            13.292914       0.181646      73.18       \<.0001

  Temperature          -0.236095       0.011692      -20.19      \<.0001
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The P-value of .0001 means that we fail to reject the null hypothesis
that there is no relationship between dissolved oxygen and water
temperature.

**Bivariate Fit of NH4 mg/l By Year**

**Linear Fit**

NH4 mg/l = 76.860988 - 0.0383545 Year

Summary of Fit

  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  RSquare                                            0.056126

  RSquare Adj                                        0.046687

  Root Mean Square Error                             0.34409

  Mean of Response                                   0.118149

  Observations (or Sum Wgts)                         102
  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Analysis of Variance

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Source     DF        Sum of Squares       Mean Square       F Ratio
  ---------- --------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------
  Model      1         0.704036             0.704036          5.9463

  Error      100       11.839811            0.118398          Prob \> F

  C. Total   101       12.543847                              0.0165
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameter Estimates

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Term             Estimate         Std Error      t Ratio     Prob\>\|t\|
  ------------ --- ---------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
  Intercept        76.860988        31.47119       2.44        0.0164

  Year             -0.038354        0.015729       -2.44       0.0165
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Bivariate Fit of NO3 mg/l By Year**

**Linear Fit**

NO3 mg/l = 175.04323 - 0.0871808 Year

Summary of Fit

  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  RSquare                                            0.062449

  RSquare Adj                                        0.053074

  Root Mean Square Error                             0.738986

  Mean of Response                                   0.604682

  Observations (or Sum Wgts)                         102
  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Analysis of Variance

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Source     DF        Sum of Squares       Mean Square       F Ratio
  ---------- --------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------
  Model      1         3.637507             3.63751           6.6609

  Error      100       54.609973            0.54610           Prob \> F

  C. Total   101       58.247481                              0.0113
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameter Estimates

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Term             Estimate         Std Error      t Ratio     Prob\>\|t\|
  ------------ --- ---------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
  Intercept        175.04323        67.58912       2.59        0.0110

  Year             -0.087181        0.03378        -2.58       0.0113
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Bivariate Fit of PO4 mg/l By Year**

**Linear Fit**

PO4 mg/l = 21.571975 - 0.0107608 Year

Summary of Fit

  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  RSquare                                            0.127368

  RSquare Adj                                        0.118642

  Root Mean Square Error                             0.061619

  Mean of Response                                   0.040799

  Observations (or Sum Wgts)                         102
  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Analysis of Variance

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Source     DF        Sum of Squares       Mean Square       F Ratio
  ---------- --------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------
  Model      1         0.05541846           0.055418          14.5959

  Error      100       0.37968551           0.003797          Prob \> F

  C. Total   101       0.43510397                             0.0002
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameter Estimates

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Term             Estimate         Std Error      t Ratio     Prob\>\|t\|
  ------------ --- ---------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
  Intercept        21.571975        5.635764       3.83        0.0002

  Year             -0.010761        0.002817       -3.82       0.0002
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Bivariate Fit of Discharge (CFS) By Year**

**Linear Fit**

Discharge (CFS) = 3323.0052 - 1.6540142 Year

Summary of Fit

  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  RSquare                                            0.029689

  RSquare Adj                                        0.02322

  Root Mean Square Error                             18.09094

  Mean of Response                                   14.28041

  Observations (or Sum Wgts)                         152
  -------------------------------------------------- --------------------

Analysis of Variance

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Source     DF        Sum of Squares       Mean Square       F Ratio
  ---------- --------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------
  Model      1         1502.078             1502.08           4.5895

  Error      150       49092.342            327.28            Prob \> F

  C. Total   151       50594.420                              0.0338
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parameter Estimates

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Term             Estimate         Std Error      t Ratio     Prob\>\|t\|
  ------------ --- ---------------- -------------- ----------- -------------
  Intercept        3323.0052        1544.457       2.15        0.0330

  Year             -1.654014        0.772066       -2.14       0.0338
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The P-value of 0.03 indicates that we fail to reject the null hypothesis
of there being no cause and effect of yearly precipitation over stream
discharge.

##### Appendix V: Water Quality Standards

[Numerical Criteria]{.underline} specify a level or a range of levels
for each indicator needed to support the designated uses for each class.
For example, in New Hampshire, Class B waters can contain no more than
406 *Escherichia coli* bacteria per 100 mL to support swimming.

In most cases, fresh water volunteer monitoring groups monitor class B
waters (recreational waters that people contact directly as in for
swimming). Most of the waters in NH fall into this category. Class A
waters are usually designated drinking water supplies and are therefore
monitored by the drinking water suppliers.

Questions regarding monitoring, or the standards for a Class A water,
should be addressed to NH DES at (603) 271-2457.

EPA nutrient standards: Average Nutrients by Year

NH4- 0.20-1.6 mg/L is of concern NH4 P NO3

(pH 8-8.5, H2O temp 5-50 deg. C)

P \> 0.05 mg/L is of concern 1997 0.2767 0.0176 0.5648

NO3 critical level 10.0 mg/L 2000 0.1943 0.0383 0.8774

2001 n/a n/a 1.3380

2003 0.0545 0.0035 0.1637

Appendix VI: Glossary

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| +---------------+-------------------------------------------------+   |
| | ![](media/im  | ## Wilkes University Center for E               |   |
| | age18.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