U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Quality of Water on the Prairie

Band Potawatomi Reservation,

Northeastern Kansas, February

1999 Through February 2001

By THOMAS J. TROMBLEY

Water-Resources Investigations Report 01–4196

Prepared in cooperation with the

PRAIRIE BAND POTAWATOMI

Lawrence, Kansas

2001
Cover photograph taken by Gregory P. Wold, Biologist, Prairie Band of Potawatomi, Mayetta, Kansas.
U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Prepared in cooperation with the

PRAIRIE BAND POTAWATOMI

Quality of Water on the Prairie

Band Potawatomi Reservation,

Northeastern Kansas, February

1999 Through February 2001

Water-Resources Investigations Report 01–4196
U.S. Department of the Interior

Gale A. Norton, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Charles G. Groat, Director

For additional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased fro

District Chief U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Geological Survey Information Services

4821 Quail Crest Place Building 810

Lawrence, KS 66049–3839 Box 25286, Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225–0286

The use of trade, firm, or brand names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsem

by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Content

CONTENTS

Abstract ................................................................................................................................................................................. 

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 

Methods ................................................................................................................................................................................ 

Sample Collection........................................................................................................................................................ 

Sample Analyses.......................................................................................................................................................... 

Surface-Water Quality .......................................................................................................................................................... 

Physical Properties ...................................................................................................................................................... 

Nutrients ..................................................................................................................................................................... 

Nitrite Plus Nitrate ............................................................................................................................................ 

Ammonia .......................................................................................................................................................... 

Phosphorus ........................................................................................................................................................ 

Pesticides .................................................................................................................................................................... 

Bacteria ....................................................................................................................................................................... 

Ground-Water Quality .......................................................................................................................................................... 

Physical Properties ..................................................................................................................................................... 

Major ions ................................................................................................................................................................... 

Calcium.............................................................................................................................................................. 

Magnesium ........................................................................................................................................................ 

Sodium............................................................................................................................................................... 

Potassium........................................................................................................................................................... 

Bicarbonate........................................................................................................................................................ 

Sulfate................................................................................................................................................................ 

Chloride ............................................................................................................................................................. 

Dissolved Solids ......................................................................................................................................................... 

Nutrients ..................................................................................................................................................................... 

Trace Constituents ...................................................................................................................................................... 

Arsenic............................................................................................................................................................... 

Boron ................................................................................................................................................................. 

Iron..................................................................................................................................................................... 

Manganese ......................................................................................................................................................... 

Pesticides .................................................................................................................................................................... 

Bacteria ....................................................................................................................................................................... 

Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................... 

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 

FIGURES

1. Maps showing location of water-quality sampling sites on and near Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation,

northeastern Kansas ............................................................................................................................................... 

2–12. Graphs showing:

2. Distribution of specific conductance values in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 through

February 2001.................................................................................................................................................... 

3. Comparison of specific conductance values and streamflow at surface-water-quality sampling site SC03,

February 1999 through February 2001.............................................................................................................. 

4. Distribution of pH values in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 through February 2001 ............. 

5. Distribution of dissolved-oxygen concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 through

February 2001.................................................................................................................................................... 
IV Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

FIGURES—Continued

6. Comparison of dissolved-oxygen concentrations and water temperatures in surface-water-quality sam

February 1999 through February 2001 ..................................................................................................

7. Distribution of nitrite plus nitrate concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 thr

February 2001 ........................................................................................................................................

8. Distribution of ammonia concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 through

February 2001 ........................................................................................................................................

9. Distribution of total phosphorus concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 thro

February 2001 ........................................................................................................................................

10. Distribution of triazine screen concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999 throu

February 2001 ........................................................................................................................................

11. Distribution by date of triazine screen concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, February 199

through February 2001...........................................................................................................................

12. Distribution of fecal coliform concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, June 1996 through

February 2001 ........................................................................................................................................

13. Map showing generalized geology underlying Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation...............................

14–17. Graph showing:

14. Distribution of specific conductance values measured onsite in ground-water-quality samples, Septem

through December 2000.........................................................................................................................

15. Distribution of pH measured onsite in ground-water-quality samples, September through December 

16. Distribution of selected major ion and dissolved-solids concentrations in ground-water-quality samp

September through December 2000.......................................................................................................

17. Distribution of selected trace constituent concentrations in ground-water-quality samples, September

through December 2000.........................................................................................................................

TABLES

1. Location of surface-water-quality sampling sites used in this study of Prairie Band Potawatomi

Reservation, northeastern Kansas................................................................................................................

2. Location and description of ground-water-quality sampling sites used in this study of Prairie Band Potaw

Reservation, northeastern Kansas................................................................................................................

3. Results of analysis of streamflow and physical properties in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie 

Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, February 1999 through February 2001.............................

4. Results of analysis of nutrients in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi

Reservation, northeastern Kansas, February 1999 through February 2001.................................................

5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie

Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, February 1999 through February 2001 ...................

6. Results of analysis of bacteria in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservat

northeastern Kansas, February 1999 through February 2001......................................................................

7. Results of analysis of physical properties in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatom

Reservation, northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000.....................................................

8. Results of analysis of major ions and dissolved solids in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Ban

Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000.................................

9. Results of analysis of nutrients in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reserva

northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000..........................................................................

10. Results of analysis of trace constituents in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi

Reservation, northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000.....................................................

11. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie 

Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000.................................

12. Results of analysis of bacteria in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservat

northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000..........................................................................
Conten

Temperatures given in this report can be converted to degrees Celsius (o

C) or degrees

Fahrenheit (oF) by the equations:

o

C = 5/9 (oF - 32) o

F = 9/5 (oC) + 32.

Sea level: In this report, “sea level” refers to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of

1929—a geodetic datum derived from a general adjustment of the first-order level nets

of the United States and Canada, formerly called Sea Level Datum of 1929.

CONVERSION FACTORS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Multiply By To obtain

acre 4,047 square meter

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter

gallon per minute (gal/min) 0.06309 liter per second

microgram per liter (μg/L) 1.0 part per billion

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer

milligram per liter (mg/L) 1.0 part per million

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer

ton 907.2 kilogram

ton 0.9072 megagram
VI Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001
Abstrac

Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservatio

Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

By Thomas J. Trombley

Abstract

Water-quality samples were collected from

20 surface-water sites and 7 ground-water sites

across the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation

in northeastern Kansas as part of a water-quality

study begun in 1996. Water quality is a very

important consideration for the tribe. Three

creeks draining the reservation, Soldier, Little

Soldier, and South Cedar Creeks, are important

tribal resources used for maintaining subsistence

fishing and hunting needs for tribal members.

Samples were collected twice during June 1999

and June 2000 at all 20 surface-water sites after

herbicide application, and nine quarterly samples

were collected at 5 of the 20 sampling sites from

February 1999 through February 2001. Samples

were collected once at six wells and twice at one

well from September through December 2000.

Surface-water-quality constituents analyzed

included nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria. In

addition to nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria,

ground-water constituents analyzed included

major dissolved ions, arsenic, boron, and dissolved iron and manganese.

The median nitrite plus nitrate concentration

was 0.376 mg/L (milligram per liter) for 81 surface-water samples, and the maximum concentration was 4.18 mg/L as nitrogen, which is less than

one-half the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

for drinking water of 10 mg/L as nitrogen. Fiftyone of the 81 surface-water-quality samples

exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency’s recommended goal for total phospho

of 0.10 mg/L for the protection of aquatic life

Triazine concentrations in 26 surface-wate

quality samples collected during May and Jun

1999 and 2000 exceeded 3.0 μg/L (microgram

per liter), the Maximum Contaminant Level

established for drinking water by the U.S. Env

ronmental Protection Agency. Triazine herbic

concentrations tended to be highest during lat

spring runoff after herbicide application. Hig

concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in su

face water are a concern on the reservation wi

fecal coliform concentrations ranging from 4 

greater than 31,000 colonies per 100 milliliter

water with a median concentration of 570 col

nies per 100 milliliters. More than one-half of 

surface-water-quality samples exceeded the K

sas Department of Health and Environment co

tact recreation criteria of 200 and 2,000 colon

per 100 milliliters of water and were collected

mostly during the spring and summer.

Two wells had sodium concentrations of ab

10 times the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agengy health advisory level (HAL) of 20 mg

concentrations ranged from 241 to 336 mg/L. 

water from two wells, sulfate concentrations

exceeded 800 mg/L, more than three times the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secon

ary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) fo

drinking water of 250 mg/L. All but two of th

eight ground-water-quality samples had dissolved-solids concentrations exceeding the SM

of 500 mg/L. The highest concentration of

2,010 mg/L was more than four times the SMC
2 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

Dissolved boron concentrations exceeded the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 600-μg/L

HAL in water from two of the seven wells sampled. Because the HAL is for a lifetime of exposure, the anticipated health risk due to dissolved

boron is low. Dissolved iron concentrations in

ground-water samples exceeded the 300-μg/L

SMCL for treated drinking water in three of the

seven wells sampled. Dissolved manganese concentrations in water from the same three wells

also exceeded the established SMCL of 50 μg/L.

Dissolved pesticides were not detected in any of

the well samples; however, there were degradation products of the herbicides alachlor and metolachlor in several samples. Insecticides were not

detected in any ground-water-quality samples.

Low concentrations of E. coli and fecal

coliform bacteria were detected in water from two

wells, and E. coli was detected in water from one

well. Much higher concentrations of E. coli, fecal

coliform, and fecal streptococcus were detected in

water from one well when samples were collected

shortly after the well was drilled.

Water quality on the Prairie Band Potawatomi

Reservation is generally sufficient to meet the

requirements of the tribe. Major concerns for surface water are related to agricultural runoff and

include increased triazine herbicide concentrations during the spring and summer and high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria. Major

concerns for ground water are related to high mineral concentrations resulting from dissolution of

the surrounding sedimentary rocks.

INTRODUCTION

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation (fig. 1)

is located in Jackson County, about 20 mi north of

Topeka in northeastern Kansas. The reservation covers

an area of 121 mi2

, of which 40 mi2 is currently (2001)

tribally owned (tribal trust, allotted, or recent purchases); the remainder of reservation land is designated as fee ownership and owned primarily by

nontribal members.

Water quality is an important consideration for the

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Three of the four

creeks draining the reservation, Soldier (locally

referred to as Big Soldier Creek), Little Soldi

South Cedar Creeks, are important tribal reso

These creeks are particularly important for m

ing subsistence fishing and hunting needs of t

members. Consequently, the quality of surfac

needs to be maintained at a level that poses n

to human health and protects wildlife resourc

reservation. Ground-water quality also is a m

cern to the tribe. Wells are used for domestic 

supply throughout the reservation. The tribe i

oping the economic base of the reservation, a

ble, usable ground-water supply is an importa

that development.

Nonpoint sources such as agricultural lan

seepage from septic systems or sewage lagoo

ing a rural population are considered the prim

sources of potential water-quality problems o

ervation. No documented point sources of wa

discharge, such as a factory or waste-treatmen

flow, are located on the reservation (Latane D

Potawatomi Department of Planning and Env

tal Protection, oral commun., 1999).

Under the Federal Clean Water Act of 19

Indian tribe is sovereign for the purposes of de

the authority to regulate water within reservat

boundaries. As part of efforts to develop a wa

for their reservation, which includes setting w

quality standards for surface water, the Prairie 

Potawatomi began a study in cooperation wit

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 1996 to de

monitor the quality of water on the reservatio

This report is the second in a series of rep

resulting from this cooperative study and a pr

cooperative study with four Kansas tribes and 

Bureau of Indian Affairs to describe the wate

resources on Indian lands in northeastern Kan

southeastern Nebraska (Trombley and others, 

The first report in the series describes surface

quality on the reservation from June 1996 thr

November 1998 (Trombley, 1999). This repo

describes selected water-quality characteristic

face and ground water on the reservation usin

samples collected from February 1999 throug

February 2001.
Method

METHODS

Sample Collection

Samples were collected twice at all 20 surfacewater-quality sampling sites (fig. 1, table 1) during

June 1999 and June 2000, after seasonal herbicide

application on fields in the area, and nine samples

were collected approximately quarterly at 5 of the

20 sampling sites during February 1999 through F

ruary 2001. Surface-water-quality sampling sites 

selected to represent areal distribution across the

Figure 1. Location of water-quality sampling sites on and near Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation,

northeastern Kansas.

P

SC07

SC05

SC08

PBPW6

Mayett

e

39°22'30"

95°52'30" 95°45'

39°15'

0 1 2 3 4 5 MILES

0 1 2 3 4 5 KILOMETERS

PBPW

PBPW01A PBPW02

EXPLANATION

Boundary of reservation

Water-quality sampling sites

Surface-water site and map identifier

 used in tables

Surface-water site sampled quarterly

 and map identifier used in tables

Ground-water site and map identifier

 used in tables

1846

1861

SC04

3

SC02

LSC0

LSC03

BC0

LSC09

LSC

Jackson

County

Prairie Band

Potawatomi

Reservation

Delaware

River

Basin

Perry

Lake

Topeka

Index map

KANSAS

R. 13 E. R. 14 E. R. 15 E. 

T.

7

S.

T.

8

S.

T.

9

S.

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:24,000, 1991

Alber Equal Area projection

Standard parallels 29°30' and 45°30, central meridian 96°

J

lm

k

k

S

ed

Creek

Soldier
4 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Table 1. Location of surface-water-quality sampling sites used in this study of Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas [*, asterisk indicates quarterly samples collected at site] Map identifier (fig. 1) Site identification number Local number (township, range, section)1

1Local numbers are assigned according to a modification of the Bureau of Land Management’s system of land subdivision. In this system, the first set of digits i

north (N) or south (S) of the Kansas-Nebraska State line; the second set refers to the range east (E) or west (W) of the sixth principal meridian; and the third set refers to tThe terminal letters refer to the 160-acre, 40-acre, 10-acre, and 2.5-acre tracts within the section. The letters A, B, C, D are assigned in a counterclockwise direction beexample, the local number 7S 14E 35DCDC indicates a site located in the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter o

Stream basin and site name

Bills Creek Basin

BC01 392425095445100 7S 15E 28CDD Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 

Little Soldier Creek Basin

LSC01 392328095490300 7S 14E 35DCDC Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 

LSC02 392143095482700 8S 14E 12CCDD Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta LSC03* 391915095463100 8S 15E 29CCBC Little Soldier Creek, O Road near Mayetta LSC04* 391720095454200 9S 15E 08ABAA Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta LSC05 391721095460900 9S 15E 05CDCD Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt LSC06* 391720095445400 9S 15E 04CDDD Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt LSC07 391704095441700 9S 15E 10BCBB Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt LSC08 391629095452400 9S 15E 09CCCC Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt LSC09 391628095452800 9S 15E 17AAAA Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 

Soldier Creek Basin

SC01 392603095563000 7S 13E 23BBBB Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 

SC02 392512095552800 7S 13E 23 DDDD Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville SC03* 06889180 8S 13E 12BABB Soldier Creek near Saint Clere SC04 391956095544000 8S 13E 25ABAB Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere SC05 392049095531300 8S 14E 18DDDD Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere SC06 391852095534500 8S 14E 31BADD South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere SC07* 391557095531100 9S 14E 17CBBC Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia SC08 391813095513200 8S 14E 33CDDD James Creek, 142 Road near Delia SC09 391630095520800 9S 14E 08DDDD James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 

South Cedar Creek Basin

SCC01 392212095441800 8S 15E 09ADDA South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 
Method

reservation, surface water flowing into and out of the

reservation, and surface water downstream from

potential sources of contamination. Surface-waterquality samples were collected for the analysis of

physical properties, nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria. Surface-water sampling methods are described in

Trombley (1999).

Seven wells (fig. 1, table 2) within or directly adjacent to the reservation were sampled during September through December 2000 for ground-water-quality

analysis. Six of the wells sampled were domestic supply wells for residences. One well (S28–4, fig. 1) was

drilled on September 21, 2000, as part of a test for

developing the tribe’s water supply. Domestic wells

were chosen for sampling because they (1) provide

wide areal coverage of ground water on the reservation

and (2) are generally, easily accessible under all

weather conditions. In addition to physical properties,

nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria as analyzed for surface-water-quality samples, ground-water-quality

samples were analyzed for major dissolved ion concentrations, dissolved iron and manganese concentrations, and arsenic concentrations.

The water-supply test well was sampled twice.

The first sample was collected on September 22, 2000,

the day after it was drilled. The well had been pumped

for about 4 hours at a rate of about 100 gal/min prior to

sampling. The second sample was collected on September 25, 2000, at the end of an aquifer test for which

the well was pumped continuously for 3 days at a rate

of about 100 gal/min. Samples were collected from the

six domestic wells on November 30 and December 1,

2000. These wells are in continual use and were each

pumped for about 0.5 hour prior to sample collection.

Ground-water-quality samples were collected 

processed in a mobile water-quality laboratory. E

ing submersible pumps, permanently installed in 

domestic well, were used to deliver water to the l

surface, and a permanent spigot or hydrant near th

wellhead was used as the water-quality sampling

point. All materials in contact with the water sam

downgradient from the existing plumbing consiste

either stainless steel or Teflon.

 Ground-water-sampling protocols followed d

ing this study are described in detail in Koterba an

others (1995). To minimize the risk of sample con

ination, all sample collection and preservation too

place in dedicated environmental chambers consi

of clear polyethylene bags supported by tubular p

vinyl chloride (PVC) frames. Sampling equipmen

extending from the permanent sampling point nea

wellhead to the sampling chamber inside the mob

laboratory, was thoroughly decontaminated betwe

each sample. Sampled wells were first purged of p

ble stagnant water. During the initial pumping per

onsite measurements of specific conductance, pH

water temperature, and dissolved oxygen were m

tored every 5 minutes in a closed-cell, flow-throu

chamber until readings stabilized. Once stable m

surements were obtained, water flow inside the la

tory was redirected to the clean sampling chambe

where water was collected immediately for analy

Sample Analyses

Surface- and ground-water samples for determ

tion of physical properties, nutrients, major dissol

ions, arsenic, boron, and dissolved iron and mang

Table 2. Location and description of ground-water-quality sampling sites used in this study of Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation,

northeastern Kansas

Map identifier (fig. 1) Site identification number

Local number

(township, range, section)

Latitude Longitude Altitude of 

surface

(feet above 

(degrees, minutes, seconds) level)

PBPW01 392514095492201 07S 14E 23CDDB01 39o 25' 14.3" 95o 49' 22.0" 1,202

PBPW01A 392517095493401 07S 14E 23CCDA01 39o 25' 16.7" 95o 49' 33.7" 1,202

PBPW02 392511095472201 07S 15E 30BBAA01 39o 25' 11.0" 95o 47' 21.7" 1,153

PBPW03 392051095552501 08S 13E 14DDDD01 39o 20' 50.7" 95o 55' 25.2" 1,049

PBPW03A 392052095552901 08S 13E 14DDDB01 39o 20' 52.0" 95o 55' 29.5" 1,054

PBPW06 391539095540801 09S 14E 18CCDC01 39o 15' 38.9" 95o 54' 08.2" 1,038

S28–4 391920095443001 08S 15E 28DACD01 39o

 19' 19.4" 95o 44' 24.4" 1,100
6 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

nese concentrations were analyzed at the USGS

National Water-Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colorado, using methods described in Ziegler and

Combs (1997). Nutrient analyses included a determination of total nitrogen, nitrite plus nitrate, dissolved

ammonia, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate concentrations. Dissolved pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, were analyzed using two

methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

(ELISA) was used for all samples to screen for triazine

herbicides. Samples were analyzed at the USGS laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas, using procedures

described in Thurman and others (1990) and used previously in a surface-water study of atrazine in northeastern Kansas (Pope and others, 1997). Selected

surface-water and all ground-water samples were

analyzed using both ELISA and gas chromatography/

mass spectrometry (GC/MS) as verification of the

ELISA method. Samples from selected surface-water

sites were analyzed at the USGS National Water-Quality Laboratory for a wide range of dissolved pesticides

(Trombley, 1999) using methods described in Ziegler

and Combs (1997).

Fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus bacteria

concentrations were analyzed by tribal or USGS personnel. All bacteria were processed within 6 hours of

collection and analyzed using the membrane-filtration

method presented in Wilde and others (1998, p. 3–38).

Slightly different minimum reporting and detection levels are possible from sample analysis to sample

analysis at the laboratory. Determination of minimum

report levels by the USGS is explained in detail by

Childress and others (1999). Accordingly, concentrations are reported as less than (<) the minimum reporting level for samples in which the constituent was

either not detected or could not be identified. Constituents that were detected at concentrations less than the

minimum report level and that could be identified were

estimated. Estimated concentrations are noted with a

remark code of “E.” These data should be used with

the understanding that their uncertainty is greater than

that of data reported without the “E” remark code

(Childress and others, 1999).

SURFACE-WATER QUALITY

Physical Properties

Specific conductance (table 3) can be use

indicator of dissolved-solids concentration, an

generally increases as the concentrations of c

magnesium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, an

increase (Hem, 1992, p. 66–69). Specific con

ance values for streams on the Prairie Band P

watomi Reservation ranged from 128 to 1,440 

(microsiemens per centimeter at 25 oC), with 

value of 509 μS/cm, during the February 1999 

February 2001 sampling period (fig. 2). At a

sampling site (SC03, for example), specific c

tance values tended to be highest during low 

flow periods with no runoff and lowest during 

of high streamflow with high runoff (fig. 3). T

est specific conductance (1,440 μS/cm) was 

at sampling site LSC06 (table 3) on Novembe

2000, when streamflow was minimal at 0.10 f

median specific conductance value in sample

that site was 792 μS/cm. The lowest observed 

conductance value (128 μS/cm) occurred in a 

from site SC03 (table 3) on June 22, 1999, wh

dier Creek was at its highest flow during wate

sampling of 3,050 ft3

/s.

Hydrogen activity of water is measured b

According to Hem (1992, p. 64), pH of stream 

not affected by pollution generally ranges fro

8.5 standard units. The lower the pH value, th

acidic the water. Values for pH greater than 7

dard units are indicative of alkaline water, and 

less than 7.0 standard units are indicative of a

water. Where photosynthesis by aquatic orga

takes up carbon dioxide during daylight and r

carbon dioxide at night, pH fluctuations may 

and the maximum daytime pH value may be a

9.0 standard units. In contrast, other factors, s

oxidation of dissolved ferrous iron, can lower 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (

recommends a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 standar

(range of Secondary Maximum Contaminant 

SMCL) for drinking-water supplies because, 

that range, pH can be adjusted easily by treatm

cesses.

Onsite measurements of pH in 73 surface

quality samples (fig. 4) collected from the res

between February 1999 and February 2001 ra

from a low of 6.7 to a high of 8.3 standard un
Surface-Water Quality 7

Table 3. Results of analysis of streamflow and physical properties in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, nor

through February 2001—Continued

Map identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Streamflow

(ft3/s)

Specific

conductance

(μS/cm)

pH, onsite

(standard

units)

Air

temperature

(oC)

W

te

Bills Creek Basin

BC01 Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 6/22/99 1010 2.0 433 6.7 -- 

6/27/00 1025 .09 477 7.3 -- 

Little Soldier Creek Basin

LSC01 Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1445 3.1 250 7.1 26.0 

6/27/00 1300 .08 312 7.8 21.2 

LSC02 Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1200 19 229 7.9 25.0 

6/27/00 1430 .26 439 7.7 20.6 

LSC03 Little Soldier Creek, O Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1100 6.5 582 7.7 10.0 

5/11/99 1055 8.6 598 7.8 15.5 6/23/99 1400 35 318 7.8 26.0 9/14/99 0915 -- 670 7.7 12.5 11/2/99 1055 0 718 7.7 11.5 2/15/00 1320 .30 622 7.9 18.0 5/16/00 1425 1.7 522 8.0 22.0 6/27/00 1130 1.9 411 7.8 19.2 

11/28/00 1005 0 718 7.3 8.5 

2/21/01 1115 1.6 269 7.5 -4.0 

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1145 8.4 606 8.2 4.5 

5/11/99 1100 12 610 7.9 20.0 6/23/99 1010 18 393 7.8 21.0 2/15/00 0845 .38 554 7.8 4.0 5/16/00 0935 2.1 498 8.0 22.0 6/27/00 1015 2.9 434 7.7 19.5 2/21/01 1005 3.1 258 7.5 -5.5 

Table 3. Results of analysis of streamflow and physical properties in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, nort

through February 2001

[ft3/s, cubic feet per second; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; oC, degrees Celsius; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mm of Hg, millimeter of merc
8 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Little Soldier Creek Basin—Continued LSC05 Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1110 6.5 340 7.8 24.0 

6/27/00 1110 .53 505 7.7 21.5 

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 2/9/99 1030 1.7 681 8.2 4.0 

5/11/99 0950 3.0 629 7.8 14.0 6/23/99 0910 6.5 294 7.7 20.5 9/14/99 0905 .06 669 7.9 17.0 11/2/99 0935 .10 792 7.7 11.5 2/15/00 0920 .23 909 7.7 8.0 5/16/00 0835 .34 967 7.9 18.0 6/27/00 0845 .57 745 7.6 18.5 8/29/00 0835 .01 933 7.4 26.0 

11/28/00 0920 .10 1,440 7.7 6.0 

2/21/01 0910 -- 928 7.5 -4.5 

LSC07 Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1435 3.5 302 7.7 27.0 

6/27/00 1600 .23 504 7.7 25.5 

LSC08 Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1230 12 254 7.8 25.0 

6/27/00 1230 3.0 494 7.8 24.5 

LSC09 Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1320 32 369 7.8 26.0 

6/27/00 1400 5.2 508 7.9 28.0 

Soldier Creek Basin SC01 Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1830 -- 182 7.5 -- 

6/28/00 1445 8.8 468 7.9 28.0 

SC02 Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1850 57 227 -- 20.5 

6/28/00 1325 1.5 714 7.7 26.0 

SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 2/9/99 1400 34 645 8.2 5.0 

5/11/99 1310 66 669 8.0 14.9 

Table 3. Results of analysis of streamflow and physical properties in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Streamflow

(ft3/s)

Specific

conductance

(μS/cm)

pH, onsite

(standard

units)

Air

temperature

(

oC)

t
Surface-Water Quality 9

Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1545 3,050 128 7.4 -- 

9/14/99 1220 3.0 697 8.0 17.0 11/2/99 1115 4.1 819 8.0 11.0 2/15/00 1100 4.2 689 8.1 13.0 5/16/00 1100 5.9 664 8.1 23.0 6/28/00 1100 17 482 7.8 32.0 8/29/00 1025 .61 653 7.6 24.5 

11/28/00 1120 1.2 853 8.0 

2/21/01 1255 26 331 7.6 -5.0 

SC04 Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1715 -- 152 -- 25.5 

6/28/00 1330 18 478 8.0 24.0 

SC05 Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1530 60 237 -- 27.0 

6/28/00 0915 1.1 509 7.6 20.0 

SC06 South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1415 14 219 -- 24.0 

6/28/00 1240 .52 537 7.9 23.0 

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 2/9/99 1540 54 656 8.2 5.0 

5/11/99 1515 100 681 8.0 18.0 6/22/99 0945 57 486 -- -- 6/22/99 0950 57 486 -- -- 9/14/99 1020 4.9 655 8.1 17.0 11/2/99 1300 5.1 781 8.1 12.0 2/15/00 1215 7.7 644 8.2 14.0 5/16/00 1240 13 556 8.0 26.5 6/28/00 0830 26 432 7.7 20.0 8/29/00 1250 .74 621 8.0 29.5 

11/28/00 1410 2.1 775 8.3 8.0 

2/21/01 1415 41 324 7.7 -5.0 

Table 3. Results of analysis of streamflow and physical properties in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, nor

through February 2001—Continued

Map identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Streamflow

(ft3/s)

Specific

conductance

(μS/cm)

pH, onsite

(standard

units)

Air

temperature

(oC)

W

te
10 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Soldier Creek Basin—Continued SC08 James Creek, 142 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1230 119 181 -- -- 

6/28/00 1105 .17 315 7.7 24.0 

SC09 James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1125 73 186 -- -- 

6/28/00 0950 .50 544 7.8 25.0 

South Cedar Creek Basin SCC01 South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 6/23/99 1100 3.0 496 7.4 21.0 

6/27/00 0935 .57 526 7.7 19.0 

Table 3. Results of analysis of streamflow and physical properties in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued Map identifier (fig. 1) Stream basin and site name Date of sample collection (month/day/ year) Time of sample collection (24 hour) Streamflow (ft3/s) Specific con- ductance

(μS/cm)

pH, onsite

(standard

units)

Air

temperature

(

oC)

t
Surface-Water Quality 

1 10 100 1,000 10,000

Streamflow, in cubic feet per second

0

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

Specific conductance, in microsiemens

per centimeter at 25 °C 

(table 3), similar to samples col

lected between 1996 and 1998

(Trombley, 1999). Consequently

of surface water on the reservat

continues to be within acceptab

limits as established by the U.S

Environmental Protection Agen

(1986).

Results of dissolved-oxygen

measurements are shown in figu

Concentrations ranged from 0.9 

15.0 mg/L in samples collected 

throughout the reservation (tabl

During the first sampling period

from 1996 to 1998 (Trombley,

1998), dissolved oxygen ranged

from 6.3 to 18 mg/L. Higher di

solved-oxygen concentrations a

generally more desirable than lo

concentrations for maintaining w

quality to support aquatic organi

Several factors can affect dissolv

oxygen concentration, including

water temperature and barometri

pressure. A comparison of dissolved-oxygen concentrations to

water temperature generally sho

that dissolved oxygen decreased 

water temperature increased (fig

Two dissolved-oxygen concentra

tions less than 5.0 mg/L with w

temperatures less than 10 oC tha

not follow this general trend

occurred in November (one in 1

and one in 2000) in samples col

lected at sampling site LSC03 f

a stagnant pool where there was 

flowing water.

Nutrients

Nitrogen and phosphorus ar

essential for the growth and rep

duction of plants (Hem, 1992,

p. 121). Rooted aquatic plants a

algae, for example, require disso

forms of nitrogen and phosphor

nutrients. Compounds of nitrog

such as nitrite, nitrate, and amm

are the basic building blocks for 

Figure 2. Distribution of specific conductance values in surface-water-quality samples,

February 1999 through February 2001.

Figure 3. Comparison of specific conductance values and streamflow at surface-waterquality sampling site SC03, February 1999 through February 2001.

Figure 4. Distribution of pH values in surface-water-quality samples, February 1999

through February 2001. BC01 LSC01

LSC02

LSC03LSC04LSC05

LSC06

LSC07

LSC08

LSC09

SC01

SC02

SC03

SC04

SC05

SC06

SC07

SC08

SC09

SCC01

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

Specific conductance, in microsiemens

per centimeter at 25 °C (μS/cm)

Median (509 μS/cm)

BC01

LSC01

LSC02

LSC03

LSC04

LSC05

LSC06

LSC07

LSC08

LSC09

SC01

SC02

SC03

SC04

SC05

SC06

SC07

SC08SC09

SCC01

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

pH, in standard units

Acceptable range for drinking-water supplies 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986)

Median (7.8 standard units)
12 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 BC01 LSC01 LSC02 LSC03 LSC04 LSC05 LSC06 LSC07 LSC08 LSC09 SC01 SC02 SC03 SC04 SC05 SC06 SC07 SC08 SC09 SCC01

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

0

5

10

15

20

Dissolved-oxygen concentration,

in milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Median

(8.2 mg/L)

10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Water temperature, in degrees Celsius

0

5

10

15

20

Dissolved-oxygen concentration,

in milligrams per liter

0 5

tein synthesis. Phosphorus serves as an energy source

in cellular chemical reactions. However, large inputs

of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds to streams can

cause excessive algal growth. This may result in tasteand-odor problems in drinking water, reduce the aesthetic and recreational value of water, and stress

aquatic organisms due to decreased dissolved-oxygen

concentrations when algal blooms die. Therefore, it is

desirable to prevent or mitigate the introduction of

excessive nutrient concentration

surface water used as public sup

where sensitive aquatic organism

be present.

Major sources of nutrients in 

around the reservation include a

tural activities such as the applic

fertilizers to enhance crop produ

the pasturing and confined feedi

livestock. Common fertilizers us

include, among others, anhydrou

nia, ammonium nitrate, urea, and 

and diammonium phosphates. T

amount of fertilizer sold in Kans

increased substantially during th

four decades. In 1950, about 180,

of fertilizer (Kansas State Board 

culture and U.S. Department of

Agriculture, 1985) were sold in Kansas, wher

1999, sales increased to more than 2,000,000 

(Kansas Department of Agriculture and U.S. 

ment of Agriculture, 2000). It is likely that th

wide increasing trend in fertilizer use also occ

and near the reservation. Additionally, farm li

such as cattle and buffalo can produce consid

amounts of nitrogenous waste (urine and man

can concentrate in areas where large numbers 

mals are pastured or confined. Decomposition 

amounts of fertilizers and manure can release 

to surface runoff or to shallow ground water w

potential for discharge to nearby streams.

A less significant potential source of nutr

the reservation is bacterial decomposition of p

animal protein and seepage from septic system

sewage lagoons. Also, nutrients, particularly 

and ammonia, may be components of precipi

(Christensen and Pope, 1997); however, beca

dominant agricultural land use in the area, pre

tion is probably a relatively minor contributor 

nutrients to reservation surface water.

Nitrite Plus Nitrate

Nitrate is formed by complete oxidation o

nium ions by microorganisms found in soil, w

sewage, and the digestive tract (U.S. Environm

Protection Agency, 1986). In most oxygenate

water, nitrate is by far the dominant ion due t

oxidation of nitrite. Nitrate nitrogen is the for

nitrogen most easily used by most rooted gree

and algae. Nitrate nitrogen generally occurs i

Figure 5. Distribution of dissolved-oxygen concentrations in surface-water-quality

samples, February 1999 through February 2001.

Figure 6. Comparison of dissolved-oxygen concentrations and

water temperatures in surface-water-quality samples,

February 1999 through February 2001.
Surface-Water Quality 

taminated surface water, with a worldwide average

concentration of 0.30 mg/L (Reid and Wood, 1976,

p. 235). Larger nitrate nitrogen concentrations may

stimulate growth of rooted plants or accelerate algal

production to an extent that may result in taste-or-odor

problems in finished drinking water. Because most

aquatic organisms can tolerate nitrite plus nitrate

concentrations far in excess of what normally might be

found even in contaminated surface water, no waterquality criteria have been established for protection of

aquatic life. However, a Maximum Contaminant Level

(MCL) in drinking water of 10 mg/L as nitrogen was

established by the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (1986) for nitrite plus nitrate as nitrogen

because of possible toxic effects to infants.

Concentrations of dissolved nitrite plus nitrate

(table 4, fig. 7) in surface-water-quality samples from

the reservation were less than the minimum reporting

levels of 0.050 or 0.047 mg/L as nitrogen in 14 of the

81 samples analyzed. The median concentration was

0.376 mg/L, and the maximum concentration was

4.18 mg/L. The highest concentrations of dissolved

nitrite plus nitrate were found in samples from Little

Soldier Creek (sampling sites LSC01, LSC02, LSC03,

LSC04, fig. 7) and were collected during high-flow

conditions on June 23, 1999 (table 4). These high concentrations probably are due to runoff from fields and

pastures. However, these concentrations were considerably less than the MCL of 10 mg/L. In the samples

collected before February 1999 (Trombley, 1999,

p. 16), the maximum nitrite plus nitrate concentration

was 1.46 mg/L from Soldier Creek sampling

site SC03.

Ammonia

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (1986), concentrations of ammonia as nitrogen ranging from 0.44 to 19 mg/L (uncorrected for

pH) are acutely toxic to 19 freshwater invertebrate

species. Concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 3.8 mg/L

are acutely toxic to 29 fish species. Acute toxicity of

ammonia in fish causes increased respiration, oxygen

uptake, and heart rate; reduction in hatching success

and growth and morphologic development; and injuries to gills, liver, and kidneys. At larger concentrations, fish may experience convulsions, coma, and

death. The most likely source for ammonia on the reservation is from nonpoint sources related to agricultural land use or septic systems.

Dissolved ammonia concentrations as nitroge

(table 4) for surface-water samples collected from 

reservation ranged from a low of less than 0.020 m

to a high of 1.85 mg/L, with a median concentratio

0.030 mg/L. Thirty of the 81 samples had concen

tions less than minimum reporting levels of either

0.020 or 0.041 mg/L. As with samples collected

before February 1999 (Trombley, 1999, p. 21), m

other concentrations were less than about 0.06 mg

(fig. 8). The highest concentrations ranging from

0.256 to 1.85 mg/L were from samples collected 

ing November and February quarterly sampling, w

icy and low-flow conditions may have hampered 

oration of ammonia to the atmosphere. None of th

dissolved ammonia as nitrogen concentrations

exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Age

(2000) chronic water-quality criterion, which vari

depending on water temperature and pH. The crite

ranged from about 1.5 to 4.5 mg/L under the temp

ture and pH conditions present during the samplin

period from February 1999 through February 200

Phosphorus

Excessive concentrations of phosphorus in w

may contribute to eutrophication of water bodies.

Eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) is characteri

by excessive nutrient concentrations, decreasing d

solved-oxygen concentrations, and dense growths 

algae (Reid and Wood, 1976, p. 293). The U.S. E

ronmental Protection Agency (1986) established 

goal for total phosphate concentration (as phospho

of 0.10 mg/L for aquatic life. Higher concentratio

also may interfere with coagulation in water-treatm

plants. To prevent excessive algal growth, the con

tration should not exceed 0.050 mg/L in any strea

the point where it enters a lake or reservoir nor sh

it exceed 0.025 mg/L within the lake or reservoir

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986). P

tial sources for high concentrations of phosphoru

streams on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservat

are probably human or animal waste and fertilizer

applied to agricultural lands.

Total phosphorus concentrations in surface-w

quality samples from the reservation (table 4, fig. 

remain similar to those collected before February 

(Trombley 1999), with concentrations less than th

minimum reporting level of 0.050 mg/L in 6 of

81 samples. Sixteen samples had concentrations e

to or less than 0.050 mg/L. The median concentra

was 0.180 mg/L, and the maximum concentration 
14 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Table 4. Results of analysis of nutrients in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, Februa

February 2001—Continued Map identifier (fig. 1) Stream basin and site name Date of sample collection (month/day/ year) Time of sample collection (24 hour) Nitrite (mg/L as N) Nitrite plus nitrate, dissolved (mg/L as N) Ammonia as nitrogen (mg/L as N) Ammonia a

nitrogen plu

organic material (mg/L as N

Bills Creek Basin BC01 Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 6/22/99 1010 0.019 0.124 0.032 1.0 

6/27/00 1025 .034 .528 .035 .62 

Little Soldier Creek Basin LSC01 Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1445 .033 3.48 .082 1.7 

6/27/00 1300 .040 .166 .024 1.3 

LSC02 Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1200 .032 4.18 .075 2.7 

6/27/00 1430 .010 .228 <.020 .55 

LSC03 Little Soldier Creek, O Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1100 <.010 .224 <.020 .22 

5/11/99 1055 <.010 .247 .059 .33 6/23/99 1400 .036 3.37 <.020 2.7 9/14/99 0915 <.010 <.050 <.020 .31 11/2/99 1055 <.010 <.050 <.020 .45 2/15/00 1320 <.010 <.050 <.020 .22 5/16/00 1425 .015 .364 .038 .45 6/27/00 1130 <.010 .270 .028 .57 

11/28/00 1005 <.006 <.047 <.041 .40 

2/21/01 1115 .014 .525 .256 1.0 

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1145 <.010 .287 <.020 .25 

5/11/99 1100 <.010 .332 .060 .29 6/23/99 1010 .038 2.51 .028 1.5 2/15/00 0845 <.010 <.050 .024 .21 5/16/00 0935 .018 .417 .086 .65 6/27/00 1015 .011 .371 .034 .68 2/21/01 1005 .017 .748 .110 .97 

Table 4. Results of analysis of nutrients in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, Februa[mg/L, milligrams per liter; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; <, less than indicated minimum report level; E, estimated; --, not determined]
Surface-Water Quality 15

Little Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

LSC05 Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1110 0.016 1.02 0.022 1.3 

6/27/00 1110 <.010 .376 <.020 .29 

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 2/9/99 1030 .019 .595 .292 .74 

5/11/99 0950 .060 1.02 .75 6/23/99 0910 .021 .591 <.020 1.3 9/14/99 0905 <.010 .074 <.020 .17 11/2/99 0935 <.010 <.050 <.020 .41 2/15/00 0920 .037 1.42 1.78 3.1 5/16/00 0835 .035 .620 .092 1.7 6/27/00 0845 .016 .263 .062 .95 8/29/00 0835 <.010 <.050 <.020 .24 

11/28/00 0920 .010 .443 .347 2.0 

2/21/01 0910 .018 .779 1.85 2.6 

LSC07 Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1435 .013 .222 .023 1.3 

6/27/00 1600 <.010 .163 <.020 .49 

LSC08 Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1230 .013 .584 <.020 .85 

6/27/00 1230 <.010 .443 .041 .43 

LSC09 Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1320 .025 1.82 .020 1.2 

6/27/00 1400 <.010 .348 .029 .62 

Soldier Creek Basin

SC01 Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1830 .021 2.39 .057 5.2 

6/28/00 1445 .123 2.50 .064 .88 

SC02 Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1850 .012 .335 .041 2.4 

6/28/00 1325 <.010 .225 .031 .24 

Table 4. Results of analysis of nutrients in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, Februa

February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Nitrite

(mg/L as N)

Nitrite plus

nitrate,

dissolved

(mg/L as N)

Ammonia as

nitrogen

(mg/L as N)

Ammonia a

nitrogen plu

organic

material

(mg/L as N
16 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Soldier Creek Basin—Continued SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 2/9/99 1400 <0.010 1.08 <0.020 <0.10 

5/11/99 1310 <.010 1.42 .057 .40 6/22/99 1545 .015 .627 .089 5.0 9/14/99 1220 <.010 .323 <.020 .37 11/2/99 1115 <.010 .072 <.020 .41 2/15/00 1100 <.010 .093 <.020 .31 5/16/00 1100 .010 .226 <.020 .71 6/28/00 1100 .103 2.16 .107 1.0 8/29/00 1025 <.010 <.050 <.020 .58 

11/28/00 1120 <.006 <.047 <.041 .36 

2/21/01 1255 .030 .945 .375 1.2 

SC04 Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1715 .016 .842 .103 5.7 

6/28/00 1330 .094 2.07 .087 .93 

SC05 Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1530 .014 .944 .051 2.5 

6/28/00 0915 <.010 .229 .024 .50 

SC06 South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1415 .019 1.93 .037 5.4 

6/28/00 1240 .012 .142 .068 .62 

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 2/9/99 1540 <.010 .927 <.020 .35 

5/11/99 1515 <.010 1.39 .073 .52 6/22/99 0945 .016 1.92 .024 .69 6/22/99 0950 .018 1.94 .035 .69 9/14/99 1020 <.010 <.050 <.020 .86 11/2/99 1300 <.010 <.050 <.020 .45 2/15/00 1215 <.010 <.050 <.020 .25 

Table 4. Results of analysis of nutrients in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, Februa

February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Nitrite

(mg/L as N)

Nitrite plus

nitrate,

dissolved

(mg/L as N)

Ammonia as

nitrogen

(mg/L as N)

Ammonia a

nitrogen plu

organic

material

(mg/L as N
Surface-Water Quality 17

Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 5/16/00 1240 .041 .578 .180 .82 

6/28/00 0830 0.098 2.12 0.148 1.2 8/29/00 1250 <.010 <.050 <.020 .54 

11/28/00 1410 <.006 <.047 <.041 .49 

2/21/01 1415 .024 .839 .371 1.5 

SC08 James Creek, 142 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1230 <.010 .135 <.020 4.3 

6/28/00 1105 <.010 .061 <.020 .48 

SC09 James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1125 .011 .750 .023 2.8 

6/28/00 0950 <.010 .166 .024 .31 

South Cedar Creek Basin

SCC01 South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 6/23/99 1100 .023 .998 .028 .75 

6/27/00 0935 <.010 .388 .043 .58 

Table 4. Results of analysis of nutrients in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, Februa

February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Nitrite

(mg/L as N)

Nitrite plus

nitrate,

dissolved

(mg/L as N)

Ammonia as

nitrogen

(mg/L as N)

Ammonia a

nitrogen plu

organic

material

(mg/L as N
18 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 BC01 LSC01 LSC02 LSC03 LSC04 LSC05 LSC06 LSC07 LSC08 LSC09 SC01 SC02 SC03 SC04 SC05 SC06 SC07 SC08 SC09 SCC01

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

0.01

0.10

1.0

10

Nitrite plus nitrate concentration,

in milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Minimum reporting level (0.050 or 0.047 mg/L)

Median

(0.376 mg/L)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1986)

Maximum Contaminant Level (10 mg/L)

EXPLANATION

Nitrite plus nitrate concentration

Nitrite plus nitrate concentration less than 

 minimum reporting level but plotted at 

 minimum reporting level

1.86 mg/L, with 51 surface-wat

ity samples from throughout the 

tion exceeding the 0.10-mg/L g

aquatic life established by the U

ronmental Protection Agency (

The large number of total phosp

concentrations near and exceed

0.10 mg/L probably reflects non

source contributions from agric

activities or septic systems on a

upstream from the reservation.

Pesticides

Several studies relating to h

use have been conducted in Kan

ing the past few years. Atrazine

the triazine herbicides, is the m

bicide of interest in and around 

ervation because it has been use

the 1950s in the production of c

grain sorghum in the area. Anot

potential source of atrazine may 

use in controlling weeds along r

rights-of-way and along roads a

ways. It is the most frequently 

herbicide in Kansas surface wa

(Stamer and Zelt, 1994).

Atrazine, where used exten

may pose a potential threat to s

water on the reservation becaus

sible adverse effects on human 

and potential toxicity to aquatic 

Currently (2001), the Kansas D

ment of Health and Environmen

and the U.S. Environmental Pro

Agency (2000) have established 

annual mean MCL of 3.0 μg/L 

ished drinking-water supplies.

On the basis of a study of a

concentrations in the Delaware 

Basin (fig. 1) in northeastern K

Pope and others (1997) showed 

daily mean triazine concentrati

exceeded 3.0 μg/L at times dur

months of May, June, and July. 

mean triazine concentrations eq

greater than 30 μg/L were not u

mon. However, daily mean conc

tions greater than 3.0 μg/L were 

Figure 7. Distribution of nitrite plus nitrate concentrations in surface-water-quality

samples, February 1999 through February 2001.

Figure 8. Distribution of ammonia concentrations in surface-water-quality samples,

February 1999 through February 2001. BC01 LSC01 LSC02 LSC03 LSC04 LSC05 LSC06

LSC07LSC08LSC09

SC01

SC02SC03

SC04

SC05SC06

SC07

SC08

SC09

SCC01

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

0.01

0.10

1.0

5.0

Ammonia concentration,

in milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Minimum reporting

level (0.020 mg/L)

EXPLANATION

Median (0.030 mg/L)

Minimum reporting

level (0.041 mg/L)

Ammonia concentration

Ammonia concentration less than minimum

 reporting level but plotted at minimum

 reporting level
Surface-Water Quality 

BC01

LSC01

LSC02

LSC03

LSC04

LSC05LSC06

LSC07

LSC08

LSC09

SC01

SC02

SC03

SC04

SC05

SC06

SC07

SC08

SC09

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

0.01

0.10

1.0

10

Total phosphorus concentration,

in milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Recommended goal for

aquatic life (0.10 mg/L)

Upper limit to prevent algal growth in stre

also minimum reporting level (0.050 mg/L

Median (0.180 mg/L)

EXPLANATION

Phosphorus concentration

Phosphorus concentration less than minimum

 reporting level but plotted at minimum

 reporting level

0.10

0.08

1.0

10

20

Triazine screen concentration,

in micrograms per liter (μg/L)

BC01

LSC01

LSC02

LSC03

LSC04

LSC05

LSC06

LSC07

LSC08

LSC09

SC01

SC02

SC03

SC04

SC05

SC06

SC07

SC08

SC09

Surface-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)

Minimum reporting level (0.1 μg/L)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (200

Maximum Contaminant Level for atrazine

(annual mean of 3.0 μg/L)

Median (0.5 μg/L)

EXPLANATION

Triazine screen concentration

Triazine screen concentration less than 

 minimum reporting level but plotted at 

 minimum reporting level

other times of the year and generally

were less than 1.0 μg/L between

August and April; consequently, the

annual mean triazine concentration for

the Delaware River Basin during July

1992 through September 1995 was less

than the MCL (Pope and others, 1997).

In a study of the distribution, transport, and relative age of atrazine in

Perry Lake (southeast of the reservation; see index map in fig. 1), Fallon

(1994) described the effects of precipitation, reservoir residence time, and

herbicide application. Runoff occurring immediately after atrazine application increased atrazine concentrations

in the lake. Results of the study by Pope

and others (1997) of the Delaware

River Basin and the study by Fallon

(1994) of Perry Lake suggest that runoff resulting from precipitation in late

spring and early summer after atrazine

application increases atrazine concentrations in the streams.

Figure 10 shows the concentrations

of dissolved triazine herbicides as analyzed using the ELISA method (triazine screen in table 5). Of the 81 triazine

analyses, 24 contained triazine concentrations less than the minimum reporting level of 0.1 μg/L. The median

concentration was 0.5 μg/L, and the

maximum concentration was 10 μg/L.

Triazine concentrations in 26 samples

equaled or exceeded 3.0 μg/L. Ten

samples that equaled or exceeded

3.0 μg/L were from the Little Soldier

Creek Basin, and 14 were from the Soldier Creek Basin. Eleven of the

14 Soldier Creek Basin samples were

from sampling sites on Soldier Creek.

With one exception, all samples with

detected concentrations equal to or

greater than the median value of

0.5 μg/L were collected in either May

or June of 1999 or 2000 as illustrated in

figure 11, which shows triazine herbicide concentrations by date. In surface-water-quality samples collected before February 1999, triazine concentrations

exceeded the 3.0-μg/L MCL in four samples collected

on June 26, 1996 (Trombley, 1999, p. 23).

Dissolved atrazine concentrations (table 5) us

the GC/MS method ranged from a low of 0.01 μg

a maximum of 7.87 μg/L. Of the 23 surface-wate

samples analyzed using this method, four had con

trations of dissolved atrazine that were less than a 

Figure 9. Distribution of total phosphorus concentrations in surface-water-qualit

samples, February 1999 through February 2001. Water-quality criteria from U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (1986).

Figure 10. Distribution of triazine screen concentrations in surface-water-quali

samples, February 1999 through February 2001.
20 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued Map identifier (fig. 1) Stream basin and site name Date of sample collection (month/day/ year) Time of sample collection (24 hour) Triazine pesticides or met

Triazine screen using ELISA

(μg/L)

Atrazine,

dissolved,

using

GC/MS

(μg/L)

Deethylatrazine

(μg/L)

Deisopropylatrazine

(μg/L)

Bills Creek Basin

BC01 Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 6/22/99 1010 0.1 -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1025 10 -- -- -- 

Little Soldier Creek Basin

LSC01 Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1445 3.0 -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1300 4.0 -- -- -- 

LSC02 Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1200 10 7.87 1.9 0.75 

6/27/00 1430 3.0 -- -- -- 

LSC03 Little Soldier Creek, O Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1100 <.1 -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1055 .1 -- -- -- 6/23/99 1400 10 6.92 2.1 .75 9/14/99 0915 <.1 -- -- -- 11/2/99 1055 .1 -- -- -- 2/15/00 1320 <.1 -- -- -- 5/16/00 1425 7.0 -- -- -- 6/27/00 1130 2.0 -- -- -- 

11/28/00 1005 .3 .15 <.05 <.05 

2/21/01 1115 <.1 -- -- -- 

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1145 <.1 -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1100 <.1 -- -- -- 6/23/99 1010 4.0 -- -- -- 2/15/00 0845 <.1 -- -- -- 5/16/00 0935 8.0 -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001

[ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; GC/MS, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; μg/L, micrograms per liter; --, not analyzed or not determined; <, less 

E, estimated]
Surface-Water Quality 21

Little Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 6/27/00 1015 2.0 -- -- -- 

2/21/01 1005 .1 -- -- -- 

LSC05 Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1110 4.0 -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1110 1.0 -- -- -- 

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 2/9/99 1030 <.1 -- -- -- 

5/11/99 0950 <.1 -- -- -- 6/23/99 0910 1.0 -- -- -- 9/14/99 0905 .5 -- -- -- 11/2/99 0935 <.1 -- -- -- 2/15/00 0920 <.1 -- -- -- 5/16/00 0835 .2 -- -- -- 6/27/00 0845 .3 -- -- -- 8/29/00 0835 <.1 -- -- -- 

11/28/00 0920 .1 0.133 E0.048 -- 

2/21/01 0910 .2 -- -- -- 

LSC07 Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1435 .2 -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1600 .9 -- -- -- 

LSC08 Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1230 2.0 1.20 E.20 -- 

6/27/00 1230 .6 .295 E.061 -- 

LSC09 Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1320 4.0 6.29 E.68 -- 

6/27/00 1400 2.0 -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine pesticides or meta

Triazine

screen

using ELISA

(μg/L)

Atrazine,

dissolved,

using

GC/MS

(μg/L)

Deethylatrazine

(μg/L)

Deisopropylatrazine

(μg/L)
22 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Soldier Creek Basin SC01 Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1830 4.0 4.04 E0.42 -- 

6/28/00 1445 3.0 2.89 E.40 -- 

SC02 Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1850 1.0 -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1325 <.1 -- -- -- 

SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 2/9/99 1400 <.1 -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1310 <.1 .089 E.014 -- 6/22/99 1545 4.0 -- -- -- 9/14/99 1220 .1 -- -- -- 11/2/99 1115 <.1 -- -- -- 2/15/00 1100 <.1 .030 E.016 -- 5/16/00 1100 3.0 -- -- -- 6/28/00 1100 3.0 -- -- -- 8/29/00 1025 <.1 -- -- -- 

11/28/00 1120 <.1 <.05 <.05 <0.05 

2/21/01 1255 .2 -- -- -- 

SC04 Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1715 4.0 -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1330 3.0 -- -- -- 

SC05 Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1530 6.0 7.25 .74 .30 

6/28/00 0915 .5 -- -- -- 

SC06 South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1415 7.0 -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1240 2.0 -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine pesticides or met

Triazine

screen

using ELISA

(μg/L)

Atrazine,

dissolved,

using

GC/MS

(μg/L)

Deethylatrazine

(μg/L)

Deisopropylatrazine

(μg/L)
Surface-Water Quality 23

Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 2/9/99 1540 <0.1 0.012 E0.006 -- 

5/11/99 1515 .1 -- -- -- 6/22/99 0945 6.0 5.85 E.23 -- 6/22/99 0950 6.0 2.57 E.16 -- 9/14/99 1020 <.1 .121 E.019 -- 11/2/99 1300 <.1 .056 E.019 -- 2/15/00 1215 <.1 -- -- -- 5/16/00 1240 3.0 3.60 E.14 -- 6/28/00 0830 3.0 3.37 E.36 -- 8/29/00 1250 .2 .137 E.042 -- 

11/28/00 1410 <.1 <.05 <.05 <0.05 

2/21/01 1415 .2 -- -- -- 

SC08 James Creek, 142 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1230 4.0 -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1105 1.0 -- -- -- 

SC09 James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1125 2.0 1.64 E.32 -- 

6/28/00 0950 1.0 -- -- -- 

South Cedar Creek Basin

SCC01 South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 6/23/99 1100 3.0 -- -- -- 

6/27/00 0935 1.0 -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine pesticides or meta

Triazine

screen

using ELISA

(μg/L)

Atrazine,

dissolved,

using

GC/MS

(μg/L)

Deethylatrazine

(μg/L)

Deisopropylatrazine

(μg/L)
24 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, n

through February 2001—Continued Map identifier (fig. 1) Stream basin and site name Date of sample collection (month/day/ year) Time of sample collection (24 hour) Triazine pesticides or meta- bolites Acetochlor, filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid, filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Simazine,

dissolved

(μg/L)

Bills Creek Basin

BC01 Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 6/22/99 1010 -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1025 -- -- -- -- 

Little Soldier Creek Basin

LSC01 Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1445 -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1300 -- -- -- -- 

LSC02 Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1200 <0.05 <0.05 -- -- 

6/27/00 1430 -- -- -- -- 

LSC03 Little Soldier Creek, 0 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1100 -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1055 -- -- -- -- 6/23/99 1400 <.05 <.05 -- -- 9/14/99 0915 -- -- -- -- 11/2/99 1055 -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 1320 -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 1425 -- -- -- -- 6/27/00 1130 -- -- -- -- 

11/28/00 1005 <.05 <.05 <0.05 <0.05 

2/21/01 1115 -- -- -- -- 

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1145 -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1100 -- -- -- -- 6/23/99 1010 -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 0845 -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 0935 -- -- -- -- 
Surface-Water Quality 25

Little Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 6/27/00 1015 -- -- -- -- 

2/21/01 1005 -- -- -- -- 

LSC05 Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1110 -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1110 -- -- -- -- 

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 2/9/99 1030 -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 0950 -- -- -- -- 6/23/99 0910 -- -- -- -- 9/14/99 0905 -- -- -- -- 11/2/99 0935 -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 0920 -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 0835 -- -- -- -- 6/27/00 0845 -- -- -- -- 8/29/00 0835 -- -- -- -- 

11/28/00 0920 <0.011 <0.004 -- -- 

2/21/01 0910 -- -- -- -- 

LSC07 Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1435 -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1600 -- -- -- -- 

LSC08 Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1230 <.005 .182 -- -- 

6/27/00 1230 <.005 .005 -- -- 

LSC09 Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1320 <.005 .033 -- -- 

6/27/00 1400 -- -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine

pesticides

or metabolites

Acetochlor,

filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid, filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Simazine,

dissolved

(μg/L)
26 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Soldier Creek Basin SC01 Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1830 0.127 <0.002 -- -- 

6/28/00 1445 .009 .069 -- -- 6/22/99 1850 -- -- -- -- 

SC02 Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville 6/28/00 1325 -- -- -- -- SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 2/9/99 1400 -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1310 E.003 .004 -- -- 6/22/99 1545 -- -- -- -- 9/14/99 1220 -- -- -- -- 11/2/99 1115 -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 1100 E.003 <.002 -- -- 5/16/00 1100 -- -- -- -- 6/28/00 1100 -- -- -- -- 8/29/00 1025 -- -- -- -- 

11/28/00 1120 <.05 <.05 <0.05 <0.05 

2/21/01 1255 -- -- -- -- 

SC04 Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1715 -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1330 -- -- -- -- 

SC05 Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1530 <.05 <.05 -- -- 

6/28/00 0915

SC06 South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1415 -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1240 -- -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, n

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine

pesticides

or metabolites

Acetochlor,

filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid, filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Simazine,

dissolved

(μg/L)
Surface-Water Quality 27

Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 2/9/99 1540 E0.004 <0.002 -- -- 

5/11/99 15156/22/99 0945 .051 <.002 -- -- 6/22/99 0950 .026 <.002 -- -- 9/14/99 1020 <.005 <.002 -- -- 11/2/99 1300 <.005 <.002 -- -- 2/15/00 12155/16/00 1240 .013 .010 -- -- 

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 6/28/00 0830 .016 .062 -- -- 

8/29/00 1250 E.005 <.002 -- -- 

11/28/00 1410 <.05 <.05 <0.05 <0.05 

2/21/01 1415 -- -- -- -- 

SC08 James Creek, 142 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1230 -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1105 -- -- -- -- 

SC09 James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1125 .006 <.002 -- -- 

6/28/00 0950 -- -- -- -- 

South Cedar Creek Basin

SCC01 South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 6/23/99 1100 -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 0935 -- -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine

pesticides

or metabolites

Acetochlor,

filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid, filtered

(μg/L)

Acetochlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Simazine,

dissolved

(μg/L)
28 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued Map identifier (fig. 1) Stream basin and site name Date of sample collection (month/day/ year) Time of sample collection (24 hour) Metol- achlor ethane sulfonic acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

2,6-diethylaniline

(μg/L)

Carbary

filtered

(μg/L)

Bills Creek Basin

BC01 Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 6/22/99 1010 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1025 -- -- -- -- -- 

Little Soldier Creek Basin

LSC01 Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1445 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1300 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC02 Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1200 <0.05 -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1430 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC03 Little Soldier Creek, O Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1100 -- -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1055 -- -- -- -- -- 6/23/99 1400 <.05 -- -- -- -- 9/14/99 0915 -- -- -- -- -- 11/2/99 1055 -- -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 1320 -- -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 1425 -- -- -- -- -- 6/27/00 1130 -- -- -- -- -- 

11/28/00 1005 <.05 <0.05 <0.05 -- -- 

2/21/01 1115 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1145 -- -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1100 -- -- -- -- -- 6/23/99 1010 -- -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 0845 -- -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 0935 -- -- -- -- -- 
Surface-Water Quality 29

Little Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 6/27/00 1015 -- -- -- -- -- 

2/21/01 1005 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC05 Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1110 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1110 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 2/9/99 1030 -- -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 0950 -- -- -- -- -- 6/23/99 0910 -- -- -- -- -- 9/14/99 0905 -- -- -- -- -- 11/2/99 0935 -- -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 0920 -- -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 0835 -- -- -- -- -- 6/27/00 0845 -- -- -- -- -- 8/29/00 0835 -- -- -- -- -- 

11/28/00 0920 E0.003 -- -- <0.002 <0.04

2/21/01 0910 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC07 Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1435 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 1600 -- -- -- -- -- 

LSC08 Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1230 .021 -- -- <.003 <.00

6/27/00 1230 E.004 -- -- <.003 <.00

LSC09 Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1320 .088 -- -- <.003 <.00

6/27/00 1400 -- -- -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, nor

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Metolachlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

2,6-diethylaniline

(μg/L)

Carbary

filtered

(μg/L)
30 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Soldier Creek Basin SC01 Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1830 0.378 -- -- <0.003 <0.00

6/28/00 1445 1.32 -- -- E.003 E.01

SC02 Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville 6/22/00 1850 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/228/00 1325 -- -- -- -- -- 

SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 2/9/99 1400 -- -- -- -- -- 

5/11/99 1310 .033 -- -- <.003 <.006/22/99 1545 -- -- -- -- -- 9/14/99 1220 -- -- -- -- -- 11/2/99 1115 -- -- -- -- -- 2/15/00 1100 .008 -- -- <.003 <.005/16/00 1100 -- -- -- -- -- 6/28/00 1100 -- -- -- -- -- 8/29/00 1025 -- -- -- -- -- 

11/28/00 1120 <.05 0.07 <0.05 -- -- 

2/21/01 1255 -- -- -- -- -- 

SC04 Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1715 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1330 -- -- -- -- -- 

SC05 Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1530 .37 -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 0915 -- -- -- -- -- 

SC06 South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1415 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1240 -- -- -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Metolachlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

2,6-diethylaniline

(μg/L)

Carbary

filtered

(μg/L)
Surface-Water Quality 31

Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 2/9/99 1540 0.007 -- -- <0.003 <0.00

5/11/99 1515 -- -- -- -- -- 6/22/99 0945 1.42 -- -- <.003 <.006/22/99 0950 .664 -- -- <.003 <.009/14/99 1020 .020 -- -- <.003 <.0011/2/99 1300 .013 -- -- <.003 <.002/15/00 1215 -- -- -- -- -- 5/16/00 1240 1.93 -- -- <.003 <.006/28/00 0830 1.28 -- -- E.003 <.008/29/00 1250 .022 -- -- <.003 <.00

11/28/00 1410 <.05 0.08 0.07 -- -- 

2/21/01 1415 -- -- -- -- -- 

SC08 James Creek, 142 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1230 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/28/00 1105 -- -- -- -- -- 

SC09 James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1125 .744 -- -- <.003 <.00

6/28/00 0950 -- -- -- -- -- 

South Cedar Creek Basin

SCC01 South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 6/23/99 1100 -- -- -- -- -- 

6/27/00 0935 -- -- -- -- -- 

Table 5. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, nor

through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Metolachlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

2,6-diethylaniline

(μg/L)

Carbary

filtered

(μg/L)
32 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 2/9 5/11 6/22-23 9/14 11/2 2/15 5/16 6/27-28 8/29 11/28 2/21

Sample date (month/day)

1999 2000 2001

0.01

0.1

1.0

10

20

Triazine screen concentration,

in micrograms per liter (μg/L)

Minimum reporting level (0.1 μg/L)

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (2000) Maximum 

Contaminant Level for 

atrazine (annual mean of 3.0 μg/L)

J FMAMJ J ASOND J F J F MAMJ J ASOND

Median (0.5 μg/L)

EXPLANATION

Triazine screen concentration

Triazine screen concentration less than 

 minimum reporting level but plotted at 

 minimum reporting level

imum reporting level of 0.05 μg/L. The median

concentration was 1.20 μg/L. Eight samples collected

during May and June of 1999 and 2000 exceeded

3.0 μg/L.

At concentrations greater than the triazine minimum reporting level (0.1 μg/L), a direct relation exists

between triazine and atrazine concentrations whereby

the triazine concentration slightly overestimates the

atrazine concentration (Trombley, 1999, p. 23). This is

due, in part, to the presence of other triazine herbicides

in the water samples such as the atrazine metabolite

(degradation product) deethylatrazine and the triazine

herbicide cyanazine. Of 23 samples analyzed for

deethylatrazine, 10 samples contained concentrations

less than the minimum reporting level for deethylatrazine of 0.05 μg/L. Seventeen samples had estimated

deethylatrazine concentrations ranging from 0.006 to

0.68 μg/L. Three samples collected during high flow

in June 1999 at sampling sites SC05, LSC02, and

LSC03 had detections of 0.74, 1.9, and 2.1 μg/L,

respectively. These three samples also had detectable

levels of deisopropylatrazine, another degradation

product of atrazine. The median deethylatrazine concentration was an estimated value of 0.14 μg/L. As

with samples collected before February 1999 (Trombley, 1999, p. 23), none of the

23 samples analyzed for cyana

contained concentrations that w

higher than the minimum repo

els (minimum reporting levels 

from 0.004 to 0.05 μg/L.

Other detected herbicides 

alachlor and metolachlor. Ala

concentrations were detected i

23 surface-water-quality samp

a median concentration of less 

0.05 μg/L. Two samples colle

sampling sites SC05 and LSC0

high flow in June 1999 had de

alachlor concentrations of 3.04 

3.67 μg/L, which exceed the 2

MCL for drinking water (U.S. 

mental Protection Agency, 200

Twenty-three samples were an

for metolachlor using the GC/

method. Fourteen of those sam

contained concentrations less t

minimum reporting level of 0.

Measured concentrations of m

lachlor, however, ranged from 

mated 0.003 to 1.9 μg/L. The median concent

metolachlor was less than 0.05 μg/L. No dete

insecticides were observed in any of the samp

was the case for the June 1996 through Novem

1998 sampling (Trombley, 1999).

Bacteria

Fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus ba

indigenous to the intestinal tract of warmbloo

animals. The presence of high concentrations 

organisms in surface water indicates fecal con

tion and also may indicate the presence of dis

causing organisms. Potential sources of these 

on the reservation include seepage from dome

tic systems and sewage lagoons, runoff and se

from livestock areas, such as pastures and con

feedlots, and from wildlife populations.

Because of public-health concerns associa

fecal contamination, the Kansas Department o

and Environment (Michael Tate, written com

May 2001) established a criterion for fecal co

200 col/100 mL (colonies per 100 milliliters o

for streams used for primary contact recreatio

2,000 col/100 mL for those streams used for

Figure 11. Distribution by date of triazine screen concentrations in surface-waterquality samples, February 1999 through February 2001.
Ground-Water Quality 

6/26-27

11/13

2/19

5/8

6/25-26, 7/2

8/13

11/12

2/19

6/2

8/11

11/24

2/19

5/1

6/22-23

9/14

2/15

5/16

6/27-28

8/29

11/28

2/21

10

2

100

1,000

10,000

60,000

Fecal coliform concentration, in colonies

per 100 milliliters of water (col/100 mL) 

Secondary contact 

recreation criterion

(2,000 col/100 mL)

Primary contact

recreation criterion

(200 col/100 mL)

Median (Feb. 1999–Feb. 2001)

(570 col/100 mL)

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

J J A SOND J F MAMJ J A SOND J F MAMJ J A SOND J F MAMJ J A SOND J F M J F MAMJ J A SOND

Sample date (month/day)

secondary contact recreation. The primary contact recreation criterion is based on the geometric mean of at

least five consecutive samples collected during separate 24-hour periods within a 30-day period. The criterion is in effect from April 1 through October 31 of

each year. Primary contact recreation, during which

the body is immersed to the extent that some inadvertent ingestion is probable, includes boating, mussel

harvesting, swimming, skin diving, waterskiing, and

wind surfing. Secondary contact recreation, during

which ingestion of surface water is unlikely, includes,

but is not limited to, wading, fishing, trapping,

and hunting. The secondary contact recreation criterion is in effect all year.

High concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria are

a concern on the reservation. As reported by Trombley

(1999), fecal coliform concentrations ranged from 7 to

7,700 col/100 mL with a median concentration of

290 col/100 mL for June 1996 through November

1998. During February 1999 through February 2001,

fecal coliform concentrations ranged from 4 to

31,000 col/100 mL (table 6) with a median concentration of 570 col/100 mL. Figure 12 shows fecal

coliform concentrations for all surface-water-quality

samples collected from June 1996 through February

2001. The figure shows an apparent seasonal relationship of fecal coliform concentration in streams on the

reservation, with higher concentrations occurring during the spring and summer and lower concentrations

during fall and winter. The highest fecal coliform concentrations were observed during high-flow conditions

during June 1999. More than one-half of the obse

fecal coliform concentrations exceeded the Kansa

Department of Health and Environment (Michael 

written commun., May 2001) 200-col/100 mL fec

coliform criterion for primary contact recreation a

were mostly from samples collected either in May 

June. All of the concentrations exceeding the Ka

Department of Health and Environment (Michael 

written commun., May 2001) criterion of

2,000 col/100 mL for secondary contact recreatio

also occurred in samples collected during either M

or June. The lowest concentrations tended to be f

samples collected either in November or February

GROUND-WATER QUALITY

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation lie

within the stable interior of the North American c

nent. Since Precambrian time (about 600 million

years ago), most of this part of the continent has

undergone gentle upwarp and downwarp of the Ea

crust over large areas. Structurally, this part of the 

tinent is characterized by broad basins and arches

with subtle folding of sedimentary rocks and few

major fault zones (Jorgensen and others, 1993, p. 

and fig. 15). The reservation lies on the western pa

what is termed the Forest City Basin. Uppermost 

rock within the reservation consists mostly of lim

stone and shale (Walters, 1953, fig. 13) of Permian 

Pennsylvanian age (about 245 to 320 million year

Figure 12. Distribution of fecal coliform concentrations in surface-water-quality samples, June 1996 through February 2001.

Recreation water-quality criteria from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (Michael Tate, written commun.,

May 2001).
34 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

Table 6. Results of analysis of bacteria in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeast

February 1999 through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

E. coli

(col/100 mL)

Fecal

coliform

(col/100 mL)

Bills Creek Basin

BC01 Bills Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Holton 6/22/99 1010 -- K17,000 

6/27/00 1025 148 190 

Little Soldier Creek Basin

LSC01 Little Soldier Creek, 190 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1445 -- K16,000 

6/27/00 1300 K140 550 

LSC02 Little Soldier Creek, 174 Road near Mayetta 6/23/99 1200 -- K18,000 

6/27/00 1430 320 K450 

LSC03 Little Soldier Creek, O Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1100 -- 27 

5/11/99 1055 -- 1,500 

6/23/99 1400 -- K16,000 

9/14/99 0915 -- 1,300 

11/2/99 1055 -- -- 

2/15/00 1320 K2 K7 

5/16/00 1425 140 220 

6/27/00 1130 967 770 

11/28/00 1005 63 K9 

2/21/01 1115 330 340 

LSC04 Little Soldier Creek, 134 Road near Mayetta 2/9/99 1145 -- 60 

5/11/99 1100 -- 480 

6/23/99 1010 -- K8,000 

2/15/00 0845 310 440 

5/16/00 0935 450 770 

6/27/00 1015 790 1,000 

2/21/01 1005 155 60 

LSC05 Little Soldier Creek tributary, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1110 -- 6,000 

6/27/00 1110 490 800 

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 2/9/99 1030 -- 120 

5/11/99 0950 -- 2,000 

6/23/99 0910 -- K21,000 

9/14/99 0905 -- 320 

11/2/99 0935 -- -- 

2/15/00 0920 200 220 

5/16/00 0835 785 1,000 

Table 6. Results of analysis of bacteria in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeaste

February 1999 through February 2001

[E. coli, Escherichia coli; col/100 mL, colonies per 100 milliliters of water; --, not detected; K, nonideal count, estimated value; >, greater than
Ground-Water Quality 

Little Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

LSC06 Big Elm Creek, 134 Road near Hoyt 6/27/00 0845 500 2,500 

8/29/00 0835 K108 230 

11/28/00 0920 226 250 

2/21/01 0910 30 47 

LSC07 Little Elm Creek, Q Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1435 -- K6,400 K17

6/27/00 1600 769 1,600 

LSC08 Big Elm Creek, P Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1230 -- K12,000 >8

6/27/00 1230 415 400 

LSC09 Little Soldier Creek, 126 Road near Hoyt 6/23/99 1320 -- K6,100 K17

6/27/00 1400 833 1,200 2

Soldier Creek Basin

SC01 Soldier Creek tributary, G Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1830 -- K31,000 >8

6/28/00 1445 580 1,100 

SC02 Soldier Creek, 214 Road near Circleville 6/22/99 1850 -- K21,000 >8

6/28/00 1325 353 590 

SC03 Soldier Creek near Saint Clere 2/9/99 1400 -- K21 

5/11/99 1310 -- 340 1

6/22/99 1545 -- >6,000 >8

9/14/99 1220 -- 160 

11/2/99 1115 -- -- 

2/15/00 1100 K4 20 

5/16/00 1100 861 1,700 1

6/28/00 1100 667 1,900 1

8/29/00 1025 164 200 

11/28/00 1120 35 23 

2/21/01 1255 K150 320 1

SC04 Soldier Creek, 158 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1715 -- >6,000 >8

6/28/00 1330 667 1,500 

SC05 Crow Creek, 166 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1530 -- -- >8

6/28/00 0915 550 510 

SC06 South Branch Soldier Creek, H.5 Road near Saint Clere 6/22/99 1415 -- -- >8

6/28/00 1240 3,500 -- 

Table 6. Results of analysis of bacteria in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Ka

February 1999 through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

E. coli

(col/100 mL)

Fecal

coliform

(col/100 mL)

Fec

stre

coc

(col/10
36 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

ago). Unconsolidated glacial and stream (alluvial)

deposits overlie the erosional surface of the sedimentary rocks. The composition of these unconsolidated

deposits varies vertically and horizontally and ranges

from fine-grained sediment consisting of till, silt, and

clay to coarse-grained sediment consisting of sand,

gravel, pebbles, cobbles, and boulders (Trombley and

others, 1996, p. 9–14).

The unconsolidated glacial and alluvial deposits

are the primary source of ground water on the

reservation. Well yields from these deposits are

highly variable and generally are less than 300 gal/min

(Trombley and others, 1996, p. 16 and 38). Results of

an aquifer test at well S28–4 conducted in September 2000 indicated a yield of as much as 280 gal/min

for the glacial aquifer at that well (W. Robert Talbot,

Bureau of Reclamation, written commun., May 2001).

Wells sampled are indicated in figures 1 and 13,

and listed in table 2. No information on depth or aquifer characteristics is available for the wells sa

except for the aquifer test well (S28–4). That 

120 ft deep and obtains water from a 36-ft-th

of cherty gravel.

Physical Properties

Specific conductance and pH were the pr

physical properties measured in ground-water

samples collected from wells during Septemb

through December 2000. Specific conductanc

measured onsite in samples from four of the s

wells (PBPW01, PBPW02, PBPW03, PBPW

ranged from 648 to 751 μS/cm (fig. 14), sligh

higher than values generally found in surface 

the reservation. In water from well PBPW01

(table 7) specific conductance measured onsit

1,760 μS/cm and in water from well PBPW06

Soldier Creek Basin—Continued

SC07 Soldier Creek, I Road near Delia 2/9/99 1540 -- K88 

5/11/99 1515 -- 510 

6/22/99 0945 -- -- 

6/22/99 0950 -- 

9/14/99 1020 -- 48 

11/2/99 1300 -- -- 

2/15/00 1215 K2 K4 

5/16/00 1240 1,166 1,500 

6/28/00 0830 933 1,500 

8/29/00 1250 144 150 

11/28/00 1410 38 25 

2/21/01 1415 500 750 

SC08 James Creek, 142 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1230 -- -- 

6/28/00 1105 243 -- 

SC09 James Creek, 126 Road near Delia 6/22/99 1125 -- -- 

6/28/00 0950 -- -- 

South Cedar Creek Basin

SCC01 South Cedar Creek, U.S. Highway 75 near Mayetta 6/23/99 1100 -- K2,700 

6/27/00 0935 K180 420 

Table 6. Results of analysis of bacteria in surface-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeaste

February 1999 through February 2001—Continued

Map

identifier

(fig. 1) Stream basin and site name

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

E. coli

(col/100 mL)

Fecal

coliform

(col/100 mL)(
Ground-Water Quality 

39°22'30"

95°52'30" 95°45'

39°15'

0 1 2 3 4 5 MILES

0 1 2 3 4 5 KILOMETERS

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:24,000, 1991

Alber Equal Area projection Standard parallels 29°30' and 45°30, central meridian 96°

Geology modified from Walters, 1953

EXPLANATION

Alluvial deposits

Glacial deposits

Limestone and shale

Boundary of reservation

SC07

SC05

PBPW6

Water-quality sampling sites

 Surface-water site and map identifier

 used in tables

 Surface-water site sampled quarterly

 and map identifier used in tables

 Ground-water site and map identifier

 used in tables

Figure 13. Generalized geology underlying Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation.
38 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

Acceptable range for drinkingwater supplies (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 1986)

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10

pH, in standard units

PBPW01

PBPW01A

PBPW02

PBPW03

PBPW03A

PBPW06

S28-4

Ground-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 

1,230 μS/cm. In water from the aquifer test well

(S28–4), specific conductance values (2,650 and

2,560 μS/cm) were more than twice the value measured onsite in water from well PBPW06 (table 7).

The range in pH values measured onsite for all

well samples was 6.9 to 7.5 standard units, well within

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1986)

SMCL range of 6.5 to 8.5 (fig. 15).

Major Ions

Calcium

Calcium is a major constituent of carbonate rocks

(Hem, 1992, p. 85), such as limestone and dolomite,

and it dissolves readily in water; therefore, the calcium

concentration in water from areas with carbonate

rocks and associated unconsolidated deposits tends to

be higher than in other areas. Calcium contributes to

the total hardness of water. High concentrations of

calcium are objectionable in domestic water supplies

because it tends to cause encrustations on cooking

utensils and in water heaters and it increases soap consumption in water used for cleaning.

Calcium concentrations in ground water on the

reservation result primarily from the dissolution of

carbonate rocks and ranged from 36.6 to 111 mg/L

(fig. 16A, table 8). The lowest calcium concentration

was in water from well PBPW06. Most concentrations were similar to those found in surface water in

northeastern Kansas (Trombley and others, 1996,

p. 43); however, calcium concentrations in water from

two wells (S28–4 and PBPW01A) were highe

ing from 241 to 336 mg/L.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a common alkaline-earth m

is essential in plant and animal nutrition (Hem

p. 96–97). The principal sources for magnesiu

reservation are carbonate rocks such as dolom

limestone. Magnesium also contributes to the 

hardness of water and may cause encrustation 

increase soap or detergent consumption in wa

for cleaning.

Magnesium concentrations in ground-wa

quality samples from reservation wells (fig. 1

table 8) exhibit a pattern similar to that for cal

with lower values (generally about 20 to 30 p

the calcium concentrations), consistent with t

lution of carbonate rocks. Magnesium concen

in water from five wells were less than 30 mg

(table 8). In water from well PBPW01A, the 

sium concentration was higher, with a value o

48.3 mg/L, and in water from the aquifer test 

(S28–4), the magnesium concentrations were 

doubled, with measured values of 87.0 and 89

Sodium

Sodium is the most abundant member of 

alkali-metal group of elements, and when diss

tends to remain in solution (Hem, 1992, p. 10

ral sources include the weathering of plagiocl

spar and the dissolution of sodium salts from

sedimentary rocks. Human-related sources in

Figure 14. Distribution of specific conductance

values measured onsite in ground-water-quality

samples, September through December 2000.

Figure 15. Distribution of pH measured onsite i

ground-water-quality samples, September

through December 2000.

PBPW01

PBPW01A

PBPW02

PBPW03

PBPW03A

PBPW06

S28-4

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

3,000

2,500

Specific conductance, in microsiemens

per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius 

Ground-water-quality sampling sites (fig. 1)
Ground-Water Quality 39

Table 7. Results of analysis of physical properties in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas[μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 oC; oC, degrees Celsius; mg/L, milligrams per liter; --, not determined]

Map identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

(township, range, section)

Date of sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of sample

collection

(24 hour)

Specific

conductance,

onsite

(μS/cm)

Specific

conductance,

laboratory

(μS/cm)

pH, onsite

(standard

units)

pH, laboratory

(standard

units)

Wa

temper

(oC

PBPW01 07S 14E 23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 648 674 7.2 7.3 14.3 PBPW01A 07S 14E 23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 1,760 1,810 6.9 7.0 13.2 PBPW02 07S 15E 30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 722 743 6.9 7.1 13.5 PBPW03 08S 13E 14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 745 843 7.1 7.2 14.9 PBPW03A 08S 13E 14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 751 851 7.1 7.3 14.1 PBPW06 09S 14E 18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 1,230 1,250 7.5 7.6 13.6 S28–4 08S 15E 28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 2,650 2,690 6.9 7.2 13.8 

9/25/00 1215 2,560 2,590 7.0 7.2 13.2 
40 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

0

100

200

300

400

500

0

20

40

60

80

100

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

2

4

6

8

10

0

100

200

300

400

500

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,000

10,000

100

Ground-water-quality sampling site (fig. 1)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Concentration, in milligrams per liter (mg/L)

PBPW01

PBPW01A

PBPW02

PBPW03

PBPW03A

PBPW06

S28-4

PBPW01

PBPW01A

PBPW02

PBPW03

PBPW03A

PBPW06

S28-4

A. Calcium B. Magnesium

D. Potassium

F. Sulfate

H. Dissolved solids

C. Sodium

E. Bicarbonate

G. Chloride

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (1986) health advisory

level (20 mg/L)

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (1986, 2000) Secondary

Maximum Contaminant Level 

(250 mg/L)

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (1986, 2000) Secondary

Maximum Contaminant Level 

(250 mg/L)

U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (1986) Secondary

Maximum Contaminant Level 

(500 mg/L)

seepage from septic systems and a by-product of water

treatment (it is discharged by water softeners and

reverse-osmosis units). Sodium in drinking water may

impart a salty taste and may be harmful to persons suffering from heart

and circulatory d

and women with 

of pregnancy. Th

the U.S. Environ

Protection Agenc

established a hea

sory level (HAL) 

20 mg/L for peop

are on restricted 

diets.

Sodium conc

tions in ground-w

quality samples f

reservation (fig. 

ranged from 11.4 

239 mg/L (table 

source of sodium 

ground water is p

the result of the d

tion of sodium sa

rocks and deposi

median concentra

21.9 mg/L, which 

slightly higher th

20-mg/L HAL. O

wells had water w

sodium concentr

less than the HA

(wells PBPW01 

PBPW02 located 

the northern boun

the reservation). 

from wells PBPW

PBPW03A had c

trations of sodium 

22.2 and 22.4 mg

and water from

well PBPW01A 

slightly higher co

tion of 30.5 mg/L

from well PBPW

and the aquifer te

well (S28–4) had 

concentrations of 

10 times the HA

ing from about 1

239 mg/L (table 

Potassium

Potassium is an essential element for both 

and animals. Maintenance of optimal soil fer

depends on a supply of available potassium. 

Figure 16. Distribution of selected major ion and dissolved-solids concentrations in ground-waterquality samples, September through December 2000.
Ground-Water Quality 41

Table 8. Results of analysis of major ions and dissolved solids in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeasDecember 2000[mg/L, milligrams per liter; CaCO3, calcium bicarbonate; oC, degrees Celsius]

Map

identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

(township, range, section)

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Alkalinity,

onsite(mg/L)

Alkalinity,

laboratory

(mg/L)

Calcium,

dissolved

(mg/L)

Magnesium,

dissolved

(mg/L)

Sodium,

dissolved

(mg/L)

Potass

dissol

(mg/

PBPW01 07S 14E 23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 286 304 87.5 21.9 19.3 0PBPW01A 07S 14E 23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 280 300 336 48.3 30.5 1PBPW02 07S 15E 30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 370 397 104 27.2 11.4 PBPW03 08S 13E 14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 332 348 109 28.8 22.2 1PBPW03A 08S 13E 14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 334 352 111 29.3 22.4 1PBPW06 09S 14E 18CCDC0 12/1/00 1000 313 337 36.6 17.8 199 2S28–4 08S 15E 28DACD011 9/22/00 1400 225 308 241 89.5 239 7

9/25/00 1215 224 309 244 87.0 222 7

Map identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

(township, range, section)

Date of sample

collection

(month/day/year)

Time of sample

collection

(24 hour)

Sulfate, dissolved

(mg/L)

Chloride, dissolved

(mg/L)

Fluoride, dissolved

(mg/L)

Sil

PBPW01 07S 14E 23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 45.7 9.7 0.6 PBPW01A 07S 14E 23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 839 6.6 .6 PBPW02 07S 15E 30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 27.2 3.3 .5 PBPW03 08S 13E 14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 79.2 22.5 .4 PBPW03A 08S 13E 14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 78.6 22.9 .4 PBPW06 09S 14E 18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 79.1 151 .8 S28–4 08S 15E 28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 867 244 .3 

9/25/00 1215 816 227 .4 
42 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

ment is present in plant material and is lost from agricultural soil by crop harvesting and by leaching and

runoff acting on organic residues. Potassium concentrations generally are much lower than sodium

concentrations in most natural water (Hem, 1992,

p. 104–105). Concentrations of potassium more than a

few tens of milligrams per liter are unusual except in

water having high dissolved-solids concentrations or

in water from hot springs. Where the sodium concentration substantially exceeds 10 mg/L, the potassium

concentration commonly is one-half to a one-tenth that

of sodium.

Potassium concentrations in ground-waterquality samples from the reservation ranged from

0.5 to 7.9 mg/L (fig. 16D), at levels expected in relation to sodium concentrations. The median concentration was 1.6 mg/L. Potassium concentrations in the

water from the aquifer test well (S28–4, table 8) were

more than four times the median concentration, with

values of 7.6 and 7.9 mg/L.

Bicarbonate

Bicarbonate concentrations in water are calculated

by dividing alkalinity by 0.8202 (Hem, 1992, p. 55,

57). Alkalinity is defined as the capacity of a solute to

neutralize acid (Hem, 1992, p. 106–109) and is

expressed in milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate

(CaCO3). The bicarbonate concentration in natural

water generally is held within a moderate range. In

most surface streams, bicarbonate concentrations are

much less than 200 mg/L, but in ground water somewhat higher concentrations are not uncommon. The

primary source for bicarbonate on the Prairie Band

Potawatomi Reservation is the dissolution of carbonate rocks and deposits.

Bicarbonate concentrations in ground-waterquality samples from the reservation ranged from

273 to 451 mg/L (fig. 16E, table 8). Bicarbonate concentrations generally increased as the concentrations

of calcium and magnesium increased. However, the

lowest bicarbonate concentrations (273 and 274 mg/L)

were in water from the aquifer test well (S28–4) where

both calcium and sodium concentrations were highest.

Sulfate

Natural sources of sulfate (Hem, 1992,

p. 112–117) in water include the weathering of sulfurbearing minerals, such as pyrite and gypsum, volcanic

discharges to the atmosphere, and biologic and biochemical processes. Human-related sources in

industrial discharges to both streams and the 

sphere and the combustion of fossil fuels, suc

and gasoline. The U.S. Environmental Protec

Agency (1986, 2000) established an SMCL o

250 mg/L in drinking water to help avoid

laxative effects.

Sulfate concentrations in ground-water-q

samples from five wells on the reservation (fi

table 8) were generally low, with values less t

80 mg/L. In water from two wells, PBPW01A 

aquifer test well (S28–4), sulfate concentratio

exceeded 800 mg/L, more than three times the 

Consequently, water from these wells may cr

laxative effects in people unaccustomed to dr

the water.

Chloride

Chloride is present in all natural water, bu

concentrations generally are low (Hem, 1992

p. 118–119). The most important natural sour

reservation is dissolution of halite from sedim

rocks. The discharge of human, animal, or ind

wastes also may add substantial quantities of 

to surface and ground water. Chloride can im

salty taste to drinking water and may accelera

corrosion of metals used in water-supply syst

the basis of taste, an SMCL of 250 mg/L in d

water supplies was established for chloride by 

Environmental Protection Agency (1986, 200

Chloride concentrations in ground-water 

from five wells on the reservation were substa

less than the SMCL, with concentrations less 

25 mg/L (fig. 16G, table 8). In water from tw

(PBPW06 and S28–4), chloride concentration

higher (151 to 244 mg/L) but did not exceed 

SMCL.

Dissolved Solids

Dissolved solids in natural water consist p

of the cations calcium, magnesium, sodium, a

potassium and the anions bicarbonate, sulfate

chloride. Dissolved-solids values are used wi

evaluating water quality and in comparing wa

Freshwater has dissolved-solids concentration

than 1,000 mg/L, whereas slightly saline wate

from 1,000 to 3,000 mg/L (Winslow and Kiste

According to the U.S. Environmental Protect
Ground-Water Quality 

Agency (1986), excess dissolved solids are objectionable in drinking water because of possible physiological effects, unpalatable mineral tastes, and higher costs

because of corrosion or the necessity for additional

treatment. Consequently, an SMCL for dissolved

solids of 500 mg/L has been established (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986).

 All but two of the ground-water-quality samples

from the reservation had dissolved-solids concentrations exceeding the SMCL. Water from well PBPW01

had the lowest measured dissolved-solids concentration at 410 mg/L, and water from well PBPW02 had

the second lowest concentration at 454 mg/L

(fig. 16H, table 8). Water from two wells, PBPW03

and PBPW03A, had dissolved-solids concentrations at

or near the median value of 517 mg/L, slightly higher

than the SMCL. Water from three wells had dissolved-solids concentrations substantially higher than

the SMCL. Water from well PBPW06 had a dissolved-solids concentration of 706 mg/L. The sample

from well PBPW01A had a dissolved-solids concentration of 1,590 mg/L, more than three times the

SMCL, whereas the dissolved-solids concentrations in

water from the aquifer test well (S28–4) were four

times the SMCL at 1,920 and 2,010 mg/L.

The principle constituents in water from four wells

(PBPW01, PBPW02, PBPW03, and PBPW03A) were

calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. Water of this

type generally is formed from the dissolution of limestone. Water from two wells had elevated sodium and

chloride concentrations consistent with dissolution of

halite (wells PBPW06 and S28–4). In addition, water

from two wells (PBPW01A and S28–4) had elevated

sulfate concentrations consistent with dissolution of

gypsum or anhydrite (Hem, 1992, p. 90).

Nutrients

Nutrients generally occur in ground water leaching from the surface down to the water table. Spruill

(1983) described a relation between the distance of

well-screen openings below casing water levels in

water-table aquifers (unconfined, unconsolidated) in

Kansas. In that study, nitrate concentrations were

highest close to the land surface and decreased with

depth. Spruill (1983) observed no concentrations of

nitrate greater than 10 mg/L as nitrogen in wells

where screens were deeper than 60 ft below the

casing water level.

Nutrient levels in sampled ground water on th

reservation were not high enough to be of concern

Nitrite plus nitrate concentrations in all of the we

samples were considerably less than the MCL of

10 mg/L as nitrogen (table 9). The minimum con

tration was less than 0.047 mg/L, and the maximu

concentration was 1.92 mg/L, which is less than

20 percent of the MCL. Dissolved ammonia conc

trations were also low, ranging from less than the 

imum reporting level of 0.041 to 1.58 mg/L. Tota

phosphorus concentrations were less than the min

mum reporting level of 0.060 mg/L in all but one 

ple from well PBPW02, which had a concentratio

0.068 mg/L.

Trace Constituents

Arsenic

Arsenic has been used as a component of pes

cides and thus may enter streams or ground water

through waste disposal or agricultural drainage (H

1992, p. 144–145). It also occurs naturally as a m

impurity in rocks and deposits. Because small

amounts of arsenic can be toxic to humans, the U

Environmental Protection Agency (2000) propose

MCL for arsenic of 10.0 μg/L. The current MCL 

arsenic in drinking water is 50 μg/L (U.S. Enviro

mental Protection Agency, 2000). Implementatio

the proposed MCL is currently (2001) under revie

Water from five of the wells sampled had dissolved arsenic concentrations (fig. 17A, table 10) 

than the minimum reporting level of 2.0 μg/L

(wells PBPW01, PBPW03, PBPW03A, and

PBPW06). Water from the aquifer test well (S28

had dissolved arsenic concentration estimated at

1.5 and 1.8 μg/L. In water from well PBPW02, th

dissolved arsenic concentration was 2.5 μg/L, one

quarter of the proposed MCL. In water from

well PBPW01A, the dissolved arsenic concentrat

was 4.0 μg/L, slightly less than one-half the

proposed MCL.

Boron

 Boron is a minor constituent in ground water 

is usually found as a sodium or calcium borate sa

Boron is an essential element for the growth of pl

but there is no evidence that it is required by anim

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2000

established a lifetime HAL of 600 μg/L (concentr
44 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001 Table 9. Results of analysis of nutrients in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeastern Kansas, Septemb

[mg/L, milligrams per liter; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; <, less than indicated minimum reporting level; E, estimated] Map identifier (fig. 1) Local number (township, range, section) Date of sample collection (month/day/ year) Time of sample collection (24 hour) Nitrite, dissolved (mg/L as N) Nitrite plus nitrate, dissolved (mg/L as N) Ammonia as nitrogen (mg/L as N) Ammonia as nitrogen plus organic material (mg/L as N) Phosphorus, total (mg/L as P) 

PBPW01 07S 14E 23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 <0.006 1.92 <0.041 0.10 <0.060 PBPW01A 07S14E 23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 <.006 E.032 .097 .10 <.060 PBPW02 07S15E 30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 <.006 <.047 <.041 .12 .068 PBPW03 08S 13E 14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 <.006 1.41 <.041 .12 <.060 PBPW03A 08S 13E 14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 <.006 1.39 <.041 .18 <.060 PBPW06 09S 14E 18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 <.006 .894 <.041 .12 <.060 S28–4 08S 15E 28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 <.010 <.050 1.58 1.7 E.034 

9/25/00 1215 <.010 <.050 1.50 1.6 E.032 
Ground-Water Quality 

10

1

7

100

1,000

5,000

10

100

1

10

1,000

4,000

Ground-water-quality sampling site (fig. 1) PBPW01 PBPW01A PBPW02 PBPW03 PBPW03A PBPW06 S28-4

A. Arsenic

C. Iron

B. Boron

D. Manganese

Proposed Maximum

Contaminant Level

(10.0 μg/L)

Secondary Maximum

Contaminant Level

(300 μg/L)

Secondary Maximum

Contaminant Level

(50 μg/L)

Minimum reporting level

(10 μg/L)

Minimum reporting level

(2.0 μg/L)

Lifetime Health Advisory

Limit (600 μg/L)

Minimum reporting level

(3 μg/L)

Concentration, in micrograms per liter (μg/L)

EXPLANATION

Observed concentration

Observed concentration less than minimum

 reporting level but plotted at minimum

 reporting level

10

100

1,000

2,000

in drinking water that is not expected to cause any

adverse effects for a lifetime of exposure).

Dissolved boron concentrations in ground-wa

quality samples collected on the reservation range

from 68 to 1,130 μg/L (fig. 17D). Water from tw

wells exceeded the 600-μg/L HAL, the aquifer te

well (S28–4, table 10) with concentrations of 686 

739 μg/L and water from well PBPW06 with a co

centration of 1,130 μg/L. Because the HAL is fo

lifetime of exposure, the anticipated health risk du

dissolved boron is low.

Iron

Although iron is the secondmost abundant ele

in the Earth’s outer crust, concentrations present i

water generally are small. Iron is an essential elem

in the metabolism of animals and plants. If iron i

present in water in excessive amounts, it forms a 

iron-oxide precipitate that stains laundry and plum

ing fixtures and, therefore, is an objectionable con

uent in domestic and industrial water supplies (H

1992, p. 77). The U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (1986, 2000) has established an SMCL o

300 μg/L for iron. This limit is for drinking water 

has been treated. If source water contains iron con

trations that are higher than 300 μg/L, the iron ge

ally can be removed through treatment processes.

Total iron concentrations in ground water in

northeastern Kansas typically are from about 45 t

5,000 μg/L (Trombley and others, 1996, p. 55). D

solved iron concentrations in ground-water sampl

collected on the reservation ranged from less than

10 to 2,890 μg/L (fig. 17C, table 10). Water from 

wells had iron concentrations less than the SMCL 

300 μg/L. In water from well PBPW01, the iron 

centration was 50 μg/L. In water from wells PBPW

PBPW03A, and PBPW06, concentrations were le

than 10 μg/L. The dissolved iron concentration in

water from three wells, however, exceeded the SM

(well PBPW02, 370 μg/L, slightly higher than the

SMCL; well PBPW01A, 950 μg/L, three times

the SMCL; aquifer test well (S28–4), 2,800 and

2,890 μg/L, almost 10 times the SMCL).

Manganese

As with iron, manganese forms a staining pre

tate (black). The SMCL for manganese is 50 μg/L

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986, 20

Figure 17. Distribution of selected trace constituent

concentrations in ground-water-quality samples,

September through December 2000. Water-quality

criteria from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(1986, 2000).
46 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

Dissolved manganese concentrations in water

from four of the sampled wells were less than the

SMCL of 50 μg/L (fig. 17D, table 10). In water from

well PBPW01, the dissolved manganese concentration

was 28 μg/L. In water from wells PBPW03,

PBPW03A, and PBPW06, dissolved manganese concentrations were less than the minimum reporting level

of 3 μg/L. In water from well PBPW01A, the dissolved manganese concentration was 195 μg/L, almost

four times the SMCL. In water from well PBPW02,

the dissolved manganese was 2,050 μg/L, 41 times the

SMCL. Water from the aquifer test well (S28–4) had

dissolved manganese concentrations of 128 and

137 μg/L, almost three times the SMCL.

Pesticides

Dissolved pesticides were not detected in any of

the well samples; however, degradation products of the

herbicides alachlor and metolachlor were detected in

several samples (table 11). Alachlor ethane sulfonic

acid (0.39 μg/L) and oxanilic acid (0.96 μg/L) were

detected in water from well PBPW02. Metolachlor

ethane sulfonic acid was detected in water from

wells PBPW03 (0.09 μg/L) and PBPW03A

(0.07 μg/L). Detections were close to the minimum

reporting level, which is 0.05 μg/L. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently (2001) has not

established water-quality criteria for these herbicide

degradation products; however, their presence 

gests the occurrence of alachlor and metolach

some point in the past in the vicinity of these 

No insecticides were detected in any of the gr

water-quality samples.

Bacteria

As a general rule, fecal indicator bacteria 

detected in uncontaminated well water. Low 

of E. coli and fecal coliform were detected in 

from wells PBPW03 and PBPW03A (table 12

both of which are located near a small feedlo

densities of E. coli were detected in water fro

well PBPW01A (estimated 1 col/100 mL). B

densities were very low in water from each of 

wells and, therefore, are not a major concern. 

higher concentrations of E. coli, fecal coliform

fecal streptococcus were detected in water fro

aquifer test well (S28–4, table 12). Water sam

were collected shortly after the well was drill

the higher bacteria concentrations may be rel

the drilling process even though the well was 

with sodium hypochlorite after the casing wa

Table 10. Results of analysis of trace constituents in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation,

northeastern Kansas, September through December 2000

[μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than indicated minimum reporting level; E, estimated]

Map identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

(township, range, section)

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of sample

collection

(24 hour)

Arsenic,

dissolved

(μg/L)

Boron,

dissolved

(μg/L)

Iron,

dissolved

(μg/L)

Manganese,

dissolved

(μg/L)

PBPW01 07S14E23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 <2.0 71 50 28 

PBPW01A 07S14E23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 4.0 81 950 195 

PBPW02 07S15E30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 2.5 68 370 2,050 

PBPW03 08S13E14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 <2.0 78 <10 <3 

PBPW03A 08S13E14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 <2.0 70 <10 <3 

PBPW06 09S14E18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 <2.0 1,130 <10 <3 

S28–4 08S15E28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 E1.8 739 2,800 128 

9/25/00 1215 E1.5 686 2,890 137 
Ground-Water Quality 47

Table 11. Results of analysis of pesticides and pesticide metabolites in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, no

through December 2000

[ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; GC/MS, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than indicated minimum reporting 

Map

identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

(township, range,

section)

Date of

sample

collection

(month/

day/year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Triazine herbicides and metabolites

Triazine

screen

using

ELISA

(μg/L)

Atrazine,

dissolved

using

GC/MS

(μg/L)

Deethylatrazine

(μg/L)

Deisopropylatrazine

(μg/L)

Cyanazine,

dissolved

(μg/L)

Cyanazine

amide

(μg/L)

Propazine,

dissolved

(μg/L)

PBPW01 07S 14E 23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 <0.1 <0.050 <0.050 <0.05 <0.050 <0.050 <0.05 PBPW01A 07S 14E 23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 PBPW02 07S 15E 30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 PBPW03 08S 13E 14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 PBPW03A 08S 13E 14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 PBPW06 09S 14E 18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 S28–4 08S 15E 28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 

9/25/00 1215 <.1 <.050 <.050 <.05 <.050 <.050 <.05 

Map

identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

(township, range,

section)

Date of

sample

collection

(month/day/

year)

Time of

sample

collection

(24 hour)

Acetochlor

oxanilicacid,

filtered

(μg/L)

Alachlor,

dissolved

(μg/L)

Alachlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid

(μg/L)

Alachlor

oxanilic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

ethane

sulfonic

acid

(μg/L)

Metolachlor

oxanilic acid

(μg/L)

PBPW01 07S14E23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 PBPW01A 07S14E23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 -- <.05 -- -- <.05 -- -- PBPW02 07S15E30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 <.05 <.05 .39 .96 <.05 <.05 <.05 PBPW03 08S13E14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 .09 <.05 PBPW03A 08S13E14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 .07 <.05 PBPW06 09S14E18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 -- <.05 -- -- <.05 -- -- S28–4 08S15E28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 

9/25/00 1215 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 
48 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

SUMMARY

Water-quality samples were collected from February 1999 through February 2001 at 20 surface-waterquality sampling sites across the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation in northeastern Kansas as part of a

study which began in 1996. Water quality is a very

important consideration for the tribe. Three creeks

draining the reservation, Soldier, Little Soldier, and

South Cedar Creeks, are important tribal resources

used for maintaining subsistence fishing and hunting

needs for tribal members. Samples were collected

twice at all 20 sites in June 1999 and June 2000 after

herbicide application, and nine quarterly samples were

collected at five surface-water-quality sampling sites

from February 1999 through February 2001. Surfacewater-quality sampling sites were selected to represent

areal distribution across the reservation, surface water

flowing into and out of the reservation, and surface

water downgradient from potential sources of contamination. Surface-water-quality constituents of primary

interest included nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria.

Single ground-water-quality samples were collected from six domestic supply wells, and two samples were collected from an aquifer test well. Groundwater constituents of primary interest included major

dissolved ions, nutrients, arsenic, boron, dissolved

iron and manganese, pesticides, and bacteria.

The median nitrite plus nitrate concentration in

81 surface-water-quality samples was 0.376 mg/L, and

the maximum concentration was 4.18 mg/L as nitrogen, which is less than one-half the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminan

(MCL) for drinking water of 10 mg/L as nitro

Ammonia concentrations in surface water ran

a low of less than 0.020 to 1.85 mg/L, with a 

concentration of 0.030 mg/L. The median con

tion for total phosphorus in 81 surface-water-

samples was 0.180 mg/L, and the maximum

concentration was 1.86 mg/L. Fifty-one samp

throughout the reservation exceeded the U.S. 

mental Protection Agency recommended goa

0.10 mg/L for the protection of aquatic life. T

number of surface-water-quality samples with 

phosphorus concentrations near and exceedin

0.10 mg/L probably reflects nonpoint-source 

tions from agricultural activities or septic sys

and upstream from the reservation.

Of 81 surface-water-quality samples anal

triazine herbicides, primarily atrazine, 24 con

triazine concentrations less than the minimum 

ing level of 0.1 μg/L. Triazine concentrations 

26 samples collected in May and June 1999 a

equalled or exceeded the 3.0-μg/L MCL. The 

mum concentration was 10 μg/L. The U.S. E

mental Protection Agency MCL of 3.0 μg/L r

an annual mean concentration, not a one-time 

concentration; consequently, triazine herbicid

centrations detected in surface-water-quality 

from the reservation during this study met the 

ing-water criterion. However, triazine concen

are likely to be highest during late spring. Hi

ine herbicide concentrations in the May and J

Table 12. Results of analysis of bacteria in ground-water-quality samples from Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, northeaste

September through December 2000

[E. coli, Escherchia coli; col/100 mL, colonies per 100 milliliters of water; K, nonideal count, estimated value; <, less than; >, greater than]

Map identifier

(fig. 1)

Local number

 (township, range, section)

Date of

sammple

collection

(month/

day/year)

Time of sample

collection

(24 hour)

E. coli

(col/100 mL)

Fecal coliform

(col/100 mL)

F

strept

(col/

PBPW01 07S 14E 23CDDB01 11/29/00 1530 <1 <1 

PBPW01A 07S 14E 23CCDA01 12/1/00 1230 K1 <1 

PBPW02 07S 15E 30BBAA01 11/29/00 1215 <1 <1 

PBPW03 08S 13E 14DDDD01 11/30/00 1250 K3 K1 

PBPW03A 08S 13E 14DDDB01 11/30/00 1130 K1 K1 

PBPW06 09S 14E 18CCDC01 12/1/00 1000 <1 <1 

S28–4 08S 15E 28DACD01 9/22/00 1400 K300 19 K

9/25/00 1215 >600 100 1
Summary 

ples resulted directly from late spring runoff after

herbicide application.

High concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in

surface water are a concern on the reservation. Fecal

coliform bacteria ranged from 4 to greater than

31,000 col/100 mL with a median concentration of

570 col/100 mL. There appears to be a relationship to

fecal coliform concentration in streams on the

reservation with higher concentrations occurring during the spring and summer and decreasing during the

fall and winter. More than one-half of the observed

fecal coliform concentrations in surface-water-quality

samples exceeded the Kansas Department of Health

and Environment criterion for primary contact recreation (200 col/100 mL), and occurred mostly in May

or June. All fecal coliform bacteria concentrations

exceeding the Kansas Department of Health and Environment criterion for secondary contact recreation

(2,000 col/100 mL) also occurred in samples collected

during either May or June.

Calcium is a major constituent of the carbonate

rocks underlying the reservation and contributes to the

total hardness of water. Concentrations in water from

seven ground-water-quality sampling sites generally

ranged from 87.5 to 111 mg/L. The lowest concentration of 36.6 mg/L occurred in a sample from a well

located in the southwest part of the reservation. Calcium concentrations in ground water of about

100 mg/L are similar to those found in surface water in

northeastern Kansas; however, calcium concentrations in water from two wells were higher, with values

ranging from 241 to 336 mg/L. The median sodium

concentration in water from the ground-water-quality

sampling sites was 21.9 mg/L, which is slightly higher

than the 20-mg/L U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency health advisory level (HAL) that was established in consideration of those people who must

restrict their sodium intake for health reasons. Only

two wells had samples with sodium concentrations

less than the HAL. Water samples from two wells had

sodium concentrations of about 10 times the HAL,

ranging from 199 to 239 mg/L.

Bicarbonate concentrations in ground-water samples ranged from 273 to 451 mg/L and generally followed the concentrations of calcium and manganese.

The lowest bicarbonate concentrations, however, were

found in water from an aquifer test well, in which both

calcium and sodium concentrations were highest.

Sulfate concentrations in water from five wells were

generally low, with values less than 80 mg/L. In water

from two wells, however, sulfate concentrations

exceeded 800 mg/L, which is more than three tim

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secon

Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 250 mg

established to alleviate the laxative effects of sulfa

drinking water. Chloride can import a salty taste 

drinking water and may accelerate corrosion of m

used in water-supply systems. Chloride concentr

tions approached the U.S. Environmental Protecti

Agency SMCL of 250 mg/L in water from two we

All but two of the eight ground-water-quality 

ples had dissolved-solids concentrations exceedin

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SMCL of

500 mg/L. The highest concentration of 2,010 m

was more than four times the SMCL. Dissolved s

in excess of 500 mg/L are objectionable in drinki

water because of possible physiological effects, u

table mineral tastes, and higher treatment costs.

The principal constituents in water from four w

were calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. Wat

this type generally is formed from the dissolution 

limestone. Water from two wells also showed evi

dence of saltwater intrusion. In addition, water fr

two wells had elevated sulfate concentrations con

tent with dissolution of gypsum or anhydrite.

Nutrient concentrations in ground water are n

levels high enough to cause concern. The maxim

nitrite plus nitrate concentration was 1.92 mg/L, w

is less than 20 percent of the 10-mg/L MCL. The

maximum ammonia concentration was also low, a

1.9 mg/L. Only one well sample had a total phos

rus concentration (0.068 mg/L) exceeding the

0.060 mg/L minimum reporting level.

Dissolved boron concentrations exceeded the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 600-μg/L

HAL in water from two of the seven wells sample

Because the HAL is for a lifetime of exposure, th

anticipated health risk due to dissolved boron is lo

Dissolved iron concentrations in ground-wate

samples ranged from less than 10 to 2,890 μg/L.

Water from four wells had iron concentrations les

than the 300-μg/L SMCL. Iron concentrations in

excess of 300 μg/L stain laundry and plumbing fi

tures. Dissolved manganese concentrations in wa

from three wells exceeded the established SMCL 

50 μg/L by 2, 3, and 41 times, respectively. As w

iron, manganese can form a precipitate that stains

laundry and plumbing fixtures. Dissolved manga

concentrations in water from the remaining four w

were less than the SMCL.
50 Quality of Water on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, Northeastern Kansas, February 1999 Through February 2001

Dissolved pesticides were not detected in any of

the well samples; however, there were degradation

products of the herbicides alachlor and metolachlor in

several samples. Low levels of alachlor ethane sulfonic acid (0.39 μg/L) and alachlor oxanilic acid

(0.96 μg/L), degradation products of alachlor, were

detected in water from one well. A degradation

product of metolachlor (metolachlor ethane sulfonic

acid) was detected in water from two wells at 0.07 and

0.09 μg/L. No insecticides were detected in any of the

ground-water-quality samples.

Fecal indicator bacteria E. coli and fecal coliform

were detected in water from two wells, and E. coli was

detected in water from one well. Bacteria levels in the

three wells were very low (1 to 3 col/100mL) and,

therefore, are not a major concern. Much higher concentrations of E. coli, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococcus were detected in an aquifer test well where

samples were collected shortly after the well was

drilled. Even though the well was treated with sodium

hypochlorite, the well may have been contaminated

during the drilling process. As a general rule, fecal

indicator bacteria are not found in uncontaminated

well water.

Water quality on the Prairie Band Potawatomi

Reservation is generally sufficient to meet the requirements of the tribe. Major concerns for surface water

are related to agricultural runoff and include increased

triazine herbicide concentrations during the spring and

summer and high concentrations of fecal indicator

bacteria. Major concerns for ground water are related

to high mineral concentrations resulting from dissolution of the surrounding sedimentary rocks.

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