U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2009–1096

Revised October 2009

Prepared in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007
Cover picture shows USGS personnel

 1. Installing a continous water-quality monitor.

 2. Processing indicator bacteria plates.

 3. Collecting surface water-quality sample using Equal Width Increment (EWI) method.

 4. Measuring streamflow with StreamPro.

 5. Servicing a continuous water-quality monitor.

 6. Measuring streamflow with ADCP.

 7. Measuring pH of a surface water-quality sample.

 8. Collecting a surface water-quality sample for pesticide analysis.

 9. Collecting a surface water-quality sample from a bridge using a D-96 sampler.

1 2

3

4

5

8

9

7

6
Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, 

Water Year 2007

By William Otero-Benítez and Jerri V. Davis

In cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Open-File Report 2009–1096

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2009

Revised: 2009

For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, 

natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS

For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, 

visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod

To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Otero-Benítez, W., and Davis, J.V., 2009, Quality of surface water in Missouri, water year 2007: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 2009–1096,19 p. (Revised October 2009)
iii

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

The Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network.....................................................................................1

Laboratory Reporting Conventions .............................................................................................................2

Data Analysis Methods.................................................................................................................................2

Station Classification for Data Analysis.....................................................................................................2

Summary of Hydrologic Conditions ............................................................................................................5

Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents..............................5

Distribution of Physical Properties and Fecal Coliform Bacteria .................................................7

Distribution and Concentration of Dissolved Nitrate Plus Nitrite and Total Phosphorus .........7

Distribution and Concentration of Dissolved and Total Recoverable Lead and Zinc..............15

Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Pesticides from 

Selected Stations ..................................................................................................................15

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................19

Figures

1–2. Maps showing:

1. Location and class of selected Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN) 

stations, Missouri, water year 2007...........................................................................................6

2. Physiographic regions of Missouri............................................................................................8

3. Graph showing 2007 water-year monthly mean discharge and long-term median of 

monthly mean discharges at six representative streamflow gaging stations....................9

4–6. Boxplots showing:

4. Distribution of physical properties and fecal coliform bacteria indicator densities in 

samples from 64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), 

water year 2007...........................................................................................................................11

5. Concentration distribution of dissolved nitrate plus nitrite and total phosphorus in 

samples from 64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), 

water year 2007...........................................................................................................................12

6. Concentration distribution of dissolved and total recoverable lead and zinc in samples 

from 64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), water 

year 2007 ......................................................................................................................................14

7. Graph showing the distribution and detection of selected pesticides from selected stations in the Ambient Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), water year 2007...............16
iv

Tables

1. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) station number and name of the 64 selected Ambient 

Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN) stations ........................................................3

2. Classification system ...................................................................................................................7

3. Peak discharge for the 2007 water year and for period of record for selected 

stations .........................................................................................................................................10

4. Comparison of 2007 water year 7-day low flow and 7-day low flow for the period of 

record for selected stations......................................................................................................10

Conversion Factors

Multiply By To obtain

Length

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2)

Volume

liter (L) 0.2642 gallon (gal)

cubic meter (m3) 264.2 gallon (gal) 

Flow rate

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s) 

Mass

gram (g) 0.03527 ounce, avoirdupois (oz)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 

25°C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) 

or micrograms per liter (μg/L).
Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, designed and operates 

a series of monitoring stations on streams throughout Missouri 

known as the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network. 

During the 2007 water year (October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007), data were collected at 67 stations including 

two U.S. Geological Survey National Stream Quality Accounting Network stations and one spring sampled in cooperation 

with the U.S. Forest Service. Dissolved oxygen, specific 

conductance, water temperature, suspended solids, suspended 

sediment, fecal coliform bacteria, dissolved nitrate plus nitrite, 

total phosphorus, dissolved and total recoverable lead and 

zinc, and selected pesticide data summaries are presented for 

64 of these stations, which primarily have been classified in 

groups corresponding to the physiography of the State, main 

land use, or unique station types. In addition, a summary of 

hydrologic conditions in the State during water year 2007 is 

presented. 

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation 

with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), 

collects data pertaining to the water resources of Missouri 

each water year (October 1 to September 30). These data 

are collected as part of the Missouri Ambient Water-Quality 

Monitoring Network (AWQMN) and stored and maintained 

in the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) 

database. These data constitute a valuable source of reliable, 

impartial, and timely information for developing an improved 

understanding of the water resources of the State. To make this 

information readily available, these data were published annually from water years 1964 to 2005 (U.S. Geological Survey, 

1964-2005). The published data for the 2006 and 2007 water 

years are now available on the World Wide Web and can be 

accessed at http://wdr.water.usgs.gov.

The MDNR is in charge of the implementation of the 

Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) in Missouri. Section 305(b) 

of the CWA requires that each State develop a water-quality 

monitoring program and periodically report the status of its 

water quality (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997). 

Water-quality status is described in terms of the waters’ 

suitability for various uses, such as drinking water, fishing, 

swimming, and aquatic life; these uses are formally defined 

as “designated uses” in State and Federal Regulations. Section 303(d) of the CWA requires that certain waters that do 

not meet applicable water-quality standards be identified, and 

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) be determined for 

these waters (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997). 

Missouri has an area of approximately 69,000 square 

miles (mi2) and an estimated population of 5.88 million people 

(U.S. Census Bureau, 2008) with 22,216 miles (mi) of classified streams that support recreation, agriculture, industry, 

transportation, and public utilities. An estimated 8,541 mi of 

stream are adversely affected (impaired) by various physical 

changes or chemical contaminants to the point that at least one 

of the waterbody uses has been lost (Missouri Department of 

Natural Resources, 2007). 

The purpose of this report is to summarize ambient waterquality data collected cooperatively by the USGS and MDNR 

for water year 2007. Data on the physical characteristics and 

water-quality constituents in samples collected at 64 surfacewater stations are presented in figures and tables. These 64 stations were classified based on the physiography of the State, 

main land use, or unique station types. 

The Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring 

Network

The USGS, in cooperation with the MDNR, designed 

and operates the cooperative AWQMN, which is a series of 

monitoring stations on streams throughout Missouri. Constituent concentration data from the AWQMN are used to determine statewide water-quality status and trends in order to meet 

many of the information needs of State agencies involved in 

water-quality planning and management. The information 

collected provides support for the design, implementation, and 

evaluation of preventive and remediation programs.

The objectives of the AWQMN are (1) to obtain information on the quality and quantity of surface water within the 

State; (2) provide a historical database of water-quality information that can be used by the State planning and management 

agencies to make informed decisions about cultural impacts 

on the State’s surface waters; and (3) provide for consistent 

Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

By William Otero-Benítez and Jerri V. Davis
2 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

methodology in data collection, laboratory analysis, and data 

reporting.

The MDNR and the USGS have maintained a fixed-station AWQMN in Missouri since 1964. During the 2007 water 

year, the program consisted of 67 stations including two USGS 

National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) 

stations and one spring sampled in cooperation with the U.S. 

Forest Service. From these 67 stations, 64 are included in this 

report (table 1). Of the 64 stations, 2 were sampled 14 times, 

28 were sampled 12 times, 1 was sampled 10 times, 29 were 

sampled 9 times, 3 were sampled 7 times, and 1 was sampled 

4 times during the 2007 water year. Sampling frequency is 

determined by a number of factors that include the drainage 

basin size, potential effects from cultural activity, history of 

chemical change, the need for short-term data, and cost. Three 

stations did not fit in the groups (classes) defined in the study, 

and it was decided not to include them. The three excluded 

stations were 05514500 and 06907300 located in the Ozark 

Plateau border and 07053700 which is Lake Taneycomo at 

Branson, MO. 

The unique 8- to 10-digit number used by the USGS to 

identify each surface-water station is assigned when a station is first established and is retained for that station almost 

indefinitely. The system used by the USGS to assign identification numbers to surface-water stations specifies the order 

as increasing downstream along the mainstems. A station on 

a tributary that enters between two mainstem stations is listed 

between them. The complete 8-digit number for each station such as 05587455, includes the 2-digit part number “05” 

which designates major river systems (05 is the Upper Mississippi River, 06 is the Missouri River, and 07 is the Lower 

Mississippi River) plus the 6-digit downstream-order number 

“587455”.

Methods used by the USGS for collecting and processing 

representative water-quality samples are presented in detail 

in U.S. Geological Survey (variously dated). Onsite measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, specific conductance, 

and water temperature were done at each site according to 

procedures described in Wilde (chapter sections variously 

dated). Samples were collected and analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria [fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli)] 

using the membrane filtration procedure described in Myers 

and others (2007). Methods used by the USGS for collecting 

and processing representative samples for nutrients, major ion, 

trace element, suspended solids and sediment, and pesticide 

analysis are presented in detail in U.S. Geological Survey 

(2006) and Wilde and others (2004). All chemical analyses 

were done by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory 

(NWQL) in Lakewood, Colorado, according to procedures 

described in Fishman and Friedman (1989), Fishman (1993), 

and Zaugg and others (1995).

Laboratory Reporting Conventions

The NWQL uses a method and reporting convention 

for establishing the minimum concentration above which 

a quantitative measurement could be made. These reporting conventions are the method reporting level (MRL) and 

laboratory reporting level (LRL). The method detection level 

(MDL) is the minimum concentration of a substance that can 

be measured and reported with 99 percent confidence that the 

concentration is greater than zero. Reporting levels typically 

are set higher than the MDL. A long-term method detection 

limit (LT-MDL) is a detection level obtained by determining 

the standard deviation of 20 or more MDL spiked-sample 

measurements conducted over an extended time. The MRL is 

defined by the NWQL as the smallest measured concentration 

of a substance that can be reliably measured using a given analytical method. The LRL is computed as twice the LT-MDL. 

In box and whiskers distributions (boxplots), values reported 

less than the LRL, MRL, or as “E” (estimated to be below the 

MRL) were included in each distribution as a value equal to 

the MRL or LRL.

Data Analysis Methods

The distribution of selected constituent data was graphically displayed using side-by-side boxplots (Helsel and 

Hirsch, 2002, p. 24–26). The plots show the center of the data 

(median—the center line of the boxplot), the variation [interquartile range (25th to 75th percentiles)—the box height], the 

skewness (quartile skew—the relative size of the box halves), 

the spread (upper and lower adjacent values—vertical lines or 

whiskers), and the presence or absence of unusual values, or 

outliers (individual points). If the median equals the 25th and 

75th percentiles, the boxplot is represented by a line. Boxplots 

constructed for sites with censored data (data reported less 

than some threshold) were modified by making the lower limit 

of the box equal to the MRL. 

Station Classification for Data Analysis

The stations primarily were classified (fig. 1; table 2) in 

groups (capitalized) corresponding to the physiography of 

the State (fig. 2), main land use, or unique station types. The 

physiography groups include the Plains (PLAINS) in the north 

and west, the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MIALPL) in the 

southeast, and between them the Ozark Plateaus. The Ozark 

Plateaus are further subdivided into two distinct sections based 

on physiographic location, the Salem Section (OZPLSA) and 

the Springfield Section (OZPLSP) (Fenneman, 1938). Main 

land uses include mining (MINING) and urban (URBAN) stations, while the unique station types refer to springs (SPRING) 

and the stations located on the big rivers [the Mississippi 
Station Classification for Data Analysis 3

Table 1. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) station number and name of the 64 selected 

Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN) stations.

USGS 

station number Station name

05495000 Fox River at Wayland

05500000 South Fabius River near Taylor

05587455 Mississippi River below Grafton, Ill.

06817700 Nodaway River near Graham

06818000 Missouri River at St. Joseph

06821190 Platte River at Sharps Station

06896187 Middle Fork Grand River near Grant City

06898100 Thompson River near Mt. Moriah

06898800 Weldon River at Princeton

06899580 No Creek near Dunlap

06899950 Medicine Creek at Harris

06900100 Little Medicine Creek near Harris

06900900 Locust Creek near Unionville

06902000 Grand River near Sumner

06905500 Chariton River near Prairie Hill

06905725 Musselfork near Mystic

06906300 East Fork Little Chariton River near Huntsville

06918070 Osage River above Schell City

06918600 Little Sac River near Walnut Grove

06921070 Pomme de Terre River near Polk

06921582 South Grand River below Freeman

06923700 Niangua River below Bennett Spring

06926510 Osage River below St. Thomas

06928440 Roubidoux Spring at Waynesville

06930450 Big Piney River at Devil’s Elbow

06930800 Gasconade River above Jerome

06934500 Missouri River at Hermann

07014000 Huzzah Creek near Steelville

07014200 Courtois Creek at Berryman

07014500 Meramec River near Sullivan

07016400 Bourbeuse River above Union

07018100 Big River near Richwoods

07019280 Meramec River at Paulina Hills

07021000 Castor River at Zalma

07022000 Mississippi River at Thebes, Ill.
4 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

Table 1. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) station number and name of the 64 selected 

Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN) stations.—Continued

USGS 

station number Station name

07036100 St. Francis River near Saco

07037300 Big Creek at Sam A. Baker State Park

07042450 St. Johns Ditch near Henderson Mound

07046250 Little River Ditches near Rives

07050150 Roaring River Spring near Cassville

07052152 Wilson Creek near Brookline

07052250 James River near Boaz

07052345 Finley Creek below Riverdale

07052500 James River at Galena

07052820 Flat Creek below Jenkins

07053810 Bull Creek near Walnut Shade

07053900 Swan Creek near Swan

07054080 Beaver Creek at Bradleyville

07057500 North Fork River near Tecumseh

07057750 Bryant Creek below Evans

07061600 Black River below Annapolis

07066110 Jacks Fork above Two Rivers 

07067500 Big Spring near Van Buren

07068000 Current River at Doniphan

07068510 Little Black River below Fairdealing

07071000 Greer Spring at Greer

07071500 Eleven Point River near Bardley

07186480 Center Creek near Smithfield

07186600 Turkey Creek near Joplin

07188653 Big Sugar Creek near Powell

07188838 Little Sugar Creek near Pineville

07188885 Indian Creek near Lanagan

07189000 Elk River near Tiff City

07189100 Buffalo Creek at Tiff City
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 5

River (BRMIG, BRMIT) and the Missouri River (BRMOS, 

BRMOH)]. 

Some additional variability was observed on account of 

differences in drainage area and land use within regions; therefore, secondary size and land-use indicators were employed 

to develop a complete set of classes. The secondary land-use 

indicator (in lower case) (fig. 1; table 2) provides a subclassification for stations in similar regions with different land uses. 

The secondary land-use indicators are: watershed indicators 

(wi), which identify the most downstream stations of a large 

watershed; forest (fo); and agricultural (ag). Observations and 

analyses from watershed indicator stations can be interpreted 

as representative of the general condition of the watershed. 

In some instances, the agricultural and forest secondary 

land use were present, hence, the convention was to mention them in predominant order. For example, an agriculture/

forest (ag/fo) indicator implies that the main land use of the 

watershed is agriculture, although a substantial fraction of it is 

considered forest. 

Summary of Hydrologic Conditions

Surface-water streamflow varies seasonally in Missouri 

and tends to reflect precipitation patterns. During 2007, a 

series of storms brought flooding, millions of dollars in damages, and loss of life from Texas to Kansas and Missouri in 

June and July (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2008). Using six streamflow gaging stations, selected 

for their long period of continuous records and location in 

different physiographic regions, the 2007 water year monthly 

mean discharges and the long-term median of monthly mean 

discharges are illustrated (fig. 3) over the State. Of these six 

stations, three (05495000 Fox River at Wayland, 06934500 

Missouri River at Hermann, and 07052500 James River at 

Galena) (fig. 3) belong to the AWQMN. The additional three 

stations (06897500 Grand River near Gallatin, 06933500 Gasconade River at Jerome, and 07067000 Current River at Van 

Buren) (fig. 3) are not part of the AWQMN. 

For the 2007 water year, the annual mean precipitation 

was approximately 1 inch below the long-term (historic) mean 

statewide (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2007). However, some monthly mean discharges were 

reported substantially above the long-term median of the 

monthly mean discharges (fig. 3). This tendency was observed 

mainly at the gaging stations located in the northern part of the 

State ( 05495000 Fox River at Wayland and 06897500 Grand 

River near Gallatin) during the last three quarters of the the 

2007 water year.

The gaging stations in the central part of the State 

(06933500 Gasconade River at Jerome and 06934500 Missouri River at Hermann) showed discharge values (fig. 3) similar to the historic median of monthly mean values with some 

exceptions during December, January, and the last quarter of 

the 2007 water year, where monthly mean discharge values 

were above the historic median of monthly mean discharge 

values. The gaging station in the southwestern part of the State 

(07052500 James River at Galena) showed monthly mean 

values (fig. 3) consistently above the historical median of 

monthly means with exceptions during the months of March, 

June, and August of the 2007 water year. In the southeastern part of the State, the gaging station (07067000 Current 

River at Van Buren) showed monthly mean values consistently above the median of the historic means during the first 

5 months of the 2007 water year. 

Peak discharges of the 2007 water year were compared 

to the peak discharges for the period of record at nine selected 

streamflow gaging stations (table 3). Of these gaging stations, 

six (05495000 Fox River at Wayland, 06905500 Chariton 

River near Prairie Hill, 06934500 Missouri River at Hermann, 

07022000 Mississippi River at Thebes, Ill., 07057500 North 

Fork River near Tecumseh, and 07068000 Current River at 

Doniphan) belong to the AWQMN and three (05587450 Mississippi River at Grafton, Ill., 06933500 Gasconade River at 

Jerome, and 07019000 Meramec River near Eureka) do not. 

Because water-quality standards are based on low-flow conditions, the 7-day low flow for the 2007 water year is compared 

to the 7-day low flow and minimum flow for selected stations 

in table 4.

Distribution, Concentration, and 

Detection Frequency of Selected 

Constituents

Physical properties, densities of fecal coliform bacteria, 

and concentrations of major chemical constituents, nutrients, 

and trace elements were determined in samples collected from 

all AWQMN stations. The analyses presented in this report 

include the following contituents: DO, specific conductance, 

water temperature, suspended solids, suspended sediment, 

fecal coliform bacteria, dissolved nitrite plus nitrate, total 

phosphorus, and dissolved and total recoverable lead and zinc. 

In addition, pesticides were collected at seven stations in the 

AWQMN. The following pesticides were chosen for analysis 

in this report: 2-Chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine 

(CIAT; a transformation product of atrazine), acetochlor, alachlor, atrazine, metolachlor, metribuzin, molinate, prometon, 

and simazine. The selection of these constituents was based 

on: (1) values or concentrations of the selected constituents are 

characteristic of stream-water quality in the different physiographic areas and occur because of natural causes, and (2) values and concentrations of the selected constituents are above 

background concentrations, and in some cases, have resulted 

in the 303(d) listing of the stream as impaired. Boxplots are 

presented for the different classes (figs. 4–6).
6 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

Figure 1. Location and class of selected Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN) stations, Missouri, water year 2007.

Missouri

River

Mississippi

River

06896187

07054080

07052345

07053810

07022000

07189100

07188885 07188838

05495000

06898100

06817700

05500000

06818000

06902000

06905500

06906300 06821190

06934500

06926510

07018100

07014500

06918070

06921070

07036100

07021000 07052152 07186600

07052250 07067500

07052500

07071000

07071500

07057500 07189000

07186480

07068510

07068000

07061600

07066110

07057750 07053900 07052820

07050150

07046250

07042450

07037300

07019280 07016400

07014200

07014000

06930800

06930450

06928440 06923700

06921582

06918600

06905725

06900900

06900100

06899950

06899580

05587455

06898800

07188653

'

"

"

#

#

#

#

'

'

'

'

$

$

$

$

#

#

#

"

"

"

"

"

!

!

!

!

$

$

$$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

"

"

""

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$

+

)

)

))

)

)

)

)

)

)

*

)

)

(

)

)

+

*

+

+

++

+

*

+

+

*

+

+

)

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

(

+

)

)

+

+

+

+

*

+

*

+

+

*

(

)

(

++

90° 91° 92° 93° 94° 95°

40°39°38°37°36°

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 15Horizontal coordinate information referenced to theNorth American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) 

0 30 60 MILES 150 20 40 60 KILOMETERS

EXPLANATION

''

StreamStation number—Ambient Monitoring  Water Quality Network (AWQMN) ClassesBig rivers (BRMIG, BRMIT, BRMOS,  and BRMOH)Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MIALPL)Ozark Plateaus—Salem Plateau Section Forest/Agriculture (OZPLSA fo/ag)Ozark Plateaus—Salem Plateau Section Watershed Indicator (OZPLSA wi fo/ag)Ozark Plateaus—Springfield Plateau Section Agriculture/Forest (OZPLSP ag/fo)Plains Agriculture (PLAINS ag)Plains Watershed Indicator (PLAINS wi ag)Springs (SPRING)Mining (MINING)Urban (URBAN) Urban Watershed Indicator (URBAN wi)

!(")

$+$+

")")

#*

$+*#

05500000
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 7

Distribution of Physical Properties and Fecal 

Coliform Bacteria

The physical properties analyzed for this report were DO, 

temperature, specific conductance, suspended solids, and suspended sediments. The median DO, in percent saturation, was 

similar for all station types, ranging from 81 to 101 (fig. 4). 

Samples from PLAINS ag and URBAN stations had the lowest DO percent saturation values. Median water temperature 

values also were similar for all station types, ranging from 

12.2 to 18.8 degrees Celsius (°C) (fig. 4). The smallest range 

in water temperature was found at SPRING stations. Median 

specific conductance values varied substantially among the 

station types, ranging from 274 to 724 microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C (fig. 4). The largest median specific conductance 

values were found at the Big River and URBAN stations, with 

the largest median value at BRMOS. The next largest median 

specific conductance values were found at MINING and 

PLAINS ag stations. MIALPL, OZPLSA fo/ag, OZPLSA wi 

fo/ag, OZPLSP ag/fo, and SPRINGS had the smallest median 

specific conductance values.

Suspended solids and suspended sediment are measures of the solid material suspended in the water column. 

These two measures are not considered directly comparable 

because of differences in collection and analytical techniques. 

Suspended-sediment concentrations were determined only at 

the four Big River stations and one station in the OZPLSA fo/

ag category; suspended-solids concentrations were determined 

at all other stations. Median-suspended solids concentrations 

varied considerably between all station types, ranging from 

<10 to 159 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (fig. 4). Samples collected at BRMIG, BRMOS, and PLAINS wi ag stations had 

the largest median suspended-solids concentrations, while 

samples collected at all OZPL (SA fo/ag, SA wi fo/ag, and 

SP ag/fo), SPRING, MINING, and URBAN stations had the 

smallest. Median suspended-sediment concentrations ranged 

from 132 to 474 mg/L at the four Big River stations, which 

is substantially larger than the median of 4 mg/L at the one 

OZPLSA fo/ag station (fig. 4).

Fecal coliform bacteria densities varied considerably 

between all station types, ranging from 13 to 310 colonies 

per 100 milliliters (fig. 4). The largest median densities were 

found in samples collected at BRMOH, PLAINS ag, PLAINS 

wi ag, and URBAN stations; the smallest median densities 

were found at OZPLSA wi fo/ag and SPRING stations.

Distribution and Concentration of Dissolved 

Nitrate plus Nitrite and Total Phosphorus

Filtered and unfiltered samples were collected at all 

stations for the analysis of nutrients, including dissolved 

nitrate plus nitrite and total phosphorus. Median dissolved 

nitrate plus nitrite and total phosphorus concentrations varied 

considerably between all station types, ranging from 0.22 to 

3.64 mg/L nitrate plus nitrite as nitrogen and from <0.04 to 

0.42 mg/L total phosphorus as phosphorus (fig. 5). The largest 

median dissolved nitrate plus nitrite concentrations were found 

in samples collected at all Big River (BRMIG and BRMIT 

Table 2. Classification system.

Class (fig. 1) Description Number of 

stations

BRMIG Big River – Mississipi River at Grafton 1

BRMIT Big River – Mississipi River at Thebes 1

BRMOS Big River – Missouri River at St. Joseph 1

BRMOH Big River – Missouri River at Hermann 1

MIALPL Mississippi Alluvial Plain 2

OZPLSA fo/ag Ozark Plateaus – Salem Plateau Section (forest and agriculture) 18

OZPLSA wi fo/ag Ozark Plateaus – Salem Plateau Section (watershed indicator, forest and agriculture) 4

OZPLSP ag/fo Ozark Plateaus – Springfield Plateau Section (agriculture and forest) 8

PLAINS ag Plains (agriculture) 11

PLAINS wi ag Plains (watershed indicator and agriculture) 5

SPRING Springs 4

MINING Mining 3

URBAN Urban 4

URBAN wi Urban (watershed indicator) 1
8 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

Figure 2. Physiographic regions of Missouri. 

EXPLANATION

Plains Ozark Plateaus-Salem Plateau Section

Mississippi Alluvial Plain Ozark Plateaus-Springfield Plateau Section

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 15

Horizontal coordinate information referenced to the

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)

96° 95° 94° 93° 92° 91° 90° 89°

40°

39°

38°

37°

36°

Modified from Fenneman, 1938 0 25 50 100 MILES

0 50 100 150 KILOMETERS
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 9

Figure 3. 2007 water-year monthly mean discharge and long-term median of monthly mean discharges at six representative 

streamflow gaging stations.

2007 water year monthly mean discharge

Long-term median of monthly mean discharges

EXPLANATION

1

10

100

1,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1,000,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept

DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept

05495000 Fox River at Wayland 06897500 Grand River near Gallatin

06933500 Gasconade River at Jerome 06934500 Missouri River at Hermann

07052500 James River at Galena 07067000 Current River at Van Buren

0 50 100 MILES

0 50 100 KILOMETERS

07067000

07052500

06934500

06933500

05495000

06897500
10 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

Table 3. Peak discharge for the 2007 water year and for period of record for selected stations.

U.S. Geological 

Survey station 

number1

Station name (period of record in water years)

Peak discharge during 

2007 water year

Peak discharge for longterm period of record

Cubic feet 

per second Date Cubic feet per second Date

05495000 Fox River at Wayland (1922–2007) 7,090 February 25 26,400 April 22, 1973

05587450 Mississippi River at Grafton, Illinois (1928–2007) 269,000 April 15 598,000 August 1, 1993

06905500 Chariton River near Prairie Hill (1929–2007) 25,000 May 7 37,100 May 13, 2002

06933500 Gasconade River at Jerome (1923–2007) 15,400 August 22 136,000 December 5, 1982

06934500 Missouri River at Hermann (1898–2007) 301,000 May 12 750,000 July 31, 1993

07019000 Meramec River near Eureka (1922–2007) 29,900 January 16 145,000 December 6, 1982

07022000 Mississippi River at Thebes, Illinois (1933–2007) 491,000 May 13 996,000 August 7, 1993

07057500 North Fork River near Tecumseh (1945–2007) 17,000 December 1 133,000 November 19, 1985

07068000 Current River at Doniphan (1919–2007) 30,600 December 2 122,000 December 3, 1982

1 Stations 05587450, 06933500, and 07019000 do not belong to the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network.

Table 4. Comparison of 2007 water year 7-day low flow and 7-day low flow for the period of record for selected stations.

[flows in cubit feet per second]

U.S. Geological 

Survey station 

number1

Station name (period of record in water 

years)

7-day low flows Minimum flows for period of record

2007 Period of record Discharge Date

05495000 Fox River at Wayland (1922–2007) 0.14 0 0 Several years

06820500 Platte River near Agency (1933–2007) 78 0 0 Several years

06921070 Pomme de Terre river near Polk (1969–2007) 1.3 .34 .3 August 10, 1980

07016500 Bourbeuse River near Union (1921–2007) 30 13 11 October 10, 1956

07067000 Current River at Van Buren (1912–2007) 648 479 473 October 7, 1956

07187000 Shoal Creek above Joplin (1942–2007) 55 16 12 September 7, 1954

1 Stations 06820500, 07016500, 07067000 and 07187000 do not belong to the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network.
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 11 Number of values EXPLANATION Upper detached Upper outside Upper adjacent 75th percentile Median 25th percentile Lower adjacent Lower outside Lower detached 12

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOH

BRMOS

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

DISSOLVED OXYGEN, IN PERCENT OF SATURATION WATER TEMPERATURE, IN DEGREES CELSIUS

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOH

BRMOS

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE, IN MICROSIEMENS PER CENTIMETER

AT 25 DEGREES CELSIUS

40

0

302010

0

50

250200150100

0

800600400200

1,4001,2001,000

14 14 15 12 21 27 180 44 98 105 58 32 51 12

14 14 15 12 21 27 180 45 87 105 58 32 51 12

14 14 14 12 21 27 180 44 87 105 58 31 49 12

CLASS 

CLASS 

Figure 4. Distribution of physical properties and fecal coliform bacteria indicator densities in samples from 64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), water year 2007.
12 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

SUSPENDED SOLIDS, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA, IN COLONIES 

PER 100 MILLILITERS OF WATER

14 12 21 27 179 45 87 104 58 32 47 12 0

Minimum Reporting Level is 10

SUSPENDED SEDIMENT, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

14 14 14 35 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Minumum Reporting Level is 1 

14 14 14 12 21 27 179 45 87 103 58 32 49 12

Minimum Detection Limit is 1 

0

Number of  values

EXPLANATION 

Upper detachedUpper outsideUpper adjacent75th percentileMedian25th percentileLower adjacentLower outsideLower detached

12

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOH

BRMOS

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOH

BRMOS

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

1,000

100

10

1

100

1,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

CLASS 

CLASS 

10

Figure 4. Distribution of physical properties and fecal coliform bacteria indicator densities in samples from 64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), water year 2007.—Continued
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 13

number of values 

EXPLANATION 

Upper adjacent

75th percentile

Median

25th percentile

Lower adjacent

Lower outside

Lower detached

Laboratory reporting

level (LRL)

Upper detached

12

Upper outside

DISSOLVED NITRATE PLUS NITRITE, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER AS NITROGEN TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER AS PHOSPHORUS

LRL = 0.06

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOS

BRMOH

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

0.10

1.00

10.00

14 14 12 14 21 179 45 98 104 58 32 27 51 12

0.05

0.10

0.50

1.00

14 14 12 14 21 179 45 98 104 58 32 27 51 12

LRL = 0.04

CLASS

o

Figure 5. Concentration distribution of dissolved nitrate plus nitrite and total dissolved phosphorus in samples from 

64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), water year 2007.
14 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

Figure 6. Concentration distribution of dissolved and total recoverable lead and zinc in samples from 64 stations in the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network (AWQMN), water year 2007. 

17 Number of values 

EXPLANATION 

Upper detachedUpper outsideUpper adjacent75th percentileMedian25th percentileLower adjacentLower outsideLower detached

Laboratory repotinglevel (LRL) 

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOH

BRMOS

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

BRMIG

BRMIT

BRMOH

BRMOS

MIALPL

MINING

OZPLSA fo/ag

OZPLSA wi fo/ag

OZPLSP ag/fo

PLAINS ag

PLAINS wi ag

SPRING

URBAN

URBAN wi

CLASS 

LRL = 0.12 LRL = 0.6

LRL = 2 LRL= 0.06

5.03.02.01.00.50.30.20.1

10.0

65 15 29 40 6 5 4 5 8 9 21 14 17 4

DISSOLVED LEAD, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER

DISSOLVED ZINC, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER TOTAL RECOVERABLE ZINC, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER

TOTAL RECOVERABLE LEAD, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER 1.00 0.10 10.00

100.00

65 15 29 6 0 0 5 8 9 40 21 14 17 4

1,000100.010.001.000

65 6 5 4 5 8 9 15 29 40 21 14 17 4

10

51

50

500100

1,000

65 15 6 0 0 5 8 9 29 40 21 14 17 4
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 15

having the largest median values) and URBAN stations; followed by OZPLSP ag/fo and PLAINS wi ag; with the smallest being found at MIALPL, OZPLSA fo/ag, OZPLSA wi fo/

ag, MINING, and URBAN wi stations. Similarly, median 

total phosphorus concentrations also are among the largest at 

the Big River (BRMIG having the smallest median value of 

the Big River stations) and URBAN stations, but in addition, 

samples collected at PLAINS wi ag stations also had larger 

median concentrations than other station types (fig. 5).

Distribution and Concentration of Dissolved and 

Total Recoverable Lead and Zinc

Filtered and unfiltered samples were collected for the 

analysis of dissolved and total recoverable trace elements, 

including lead and zinc. No total recoverable lead and zinc 

samples were collected at BRMIT and BRMIOH. Median 

concentration ranges of dissolved and total recoverable lead 

and zinc were as follows: dissolved lead, <0.12 to 0.40 micrograms per liter (μg/L); total recoverable lead, 0.07 to 10 μg/L; 

dissolved zinc, 0.72 to 23 μg/L; and total recoverable zinc 

<2 to 24 μg/L (fig. 6). The largest median concentrations for 

all four constituents generally were found in samples collected 

at MINING, URBAN, and URBAN wi stations. In addition, 

median total recoverable lead and zinc concentrations also 

were among the largest at PLAINS wi ag stations. The smallest median concentrations of dissolved and total recoverable 

lead and zinc generally were found in samples collected at 

all OZPL (SA fo/ag, SA wi fo/ag, and SP ag/fo) and SPRING 

stations (fig. 6).

Distribution, Concentration, and Detection 

Frequency of Selected Pesticides from Selected 

Stations

Filtered samples for the analysis of pesticides were collected at seven stations in the AWQMN, including three of the 

four Big River stations (BRMIG, BRMIT, and BRMOH), both 

stations in the MIALPL, one station in the PLAINS wi ag, and 

one SPRING station (fig. 7). The nine compounds that were 

detected are discussed here. None of the nine pesticides were 

detected at the SPRING station. The most frequently detected 

pesticides were atrazine and metolachlor, followed closely by 

CIAT (a transformation product of atrazine), acetachlor, and 

simazine. Pesticide concentrations generally were near or less 

than 1.00 μg/L. Notable exceptions are atrazine with concentrations ranging from <0.007 to 20.4 μg/L and metolachlor 

with concentrations ranging from <0.01 to 5.39 μg/L.
16 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

BRMIG BRMIT BRMOH MIALPL PLAINS

wi ag

12/12 14/14 13/13 6/10 6/6

SPRING

0/3

12/12 14/14 13/13 4/10 5/6 0/3

1/12 9/14 6/13 3/10 4/6 0/3

CLASS

0.01

0.1

1.0

10.0

CONCENTRATION, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER

1.00

0.10

0.01

0.001

1.00

0.10

0.01

0.001

CIAT

Acetochlor

Alachlor

EXPLANATION

Laboratory Report Level (LRL) (concentrations below the LRL

are estimated)

Number of detections out of total number of samples

Detection

4/6

LRL = 0.014

LRL = 0.006

LRL = 0.005

Figure 7. Distribution and detection of selected pesticides from selected stations in the Ambient Quality Monitoring Network 

(AWQMN), water year 2007.
Distribution, Concentration, and Detection Frequency of Selected Constituents 17

BRMIG BRMIT BRMOH MIALPL PLAINS SPRING

wi ag

12/12 14/14 13/13 10/10 6/6

12/12 14/14 13/13 10/10 6/6

1/12 2/14 6/13 0/10 4/6

CLASS

0.0001

0.1

1

10

0.001

100

10.0

CONCENTRATION, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER

1.00

0.10

0.01

0.001

10

1

0.01

0.1

0.001

Atrazine

Metolachlor

Metribuzin

EXPLANATION

Laboratory Report Level (LRL) (concentrations below the LRL

are estimated)

Number of detections out of total number of samples

Detection

4/6

LRL = 0.007

LRL = 0.010

0/3

0/3

0/3

LRL = 0.016

Figure 7. Distribution and detection of selected pesticides from selected stations in the Ambient Quality Monitoring Network 

(AWQMN), water year 2007.—Continued
18 Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007

BRMIG BRMIT BRMOH MIALPL PLAINS

wi ag

0/12 0/14 0/13 4/10 0/6

SPRING

0/3

6/12 8/14 4/13 10/10 2/6 0/3

12/12 13/14 10/13 4/10 5/6 0/3

CLASS

0.001

0.01

0.1

1

10

0.1

CONCENTRATION, IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER

0.01

0.001

1.00

0.10

0.01

0.001

Molinate

Prometon

Simazine

EXPLANATION

Laboratory Report Level (LRL) (concentrations below the LRL

are estimated)

Number of detections out of total number of samples

Detection

5/6

LRL = 0.002

LRL = 0.010

LRL = 0.006

Figure 7. Distribution and detection of selected pesticides from selected stations in the Ambient Quality Monitoring Network 

(AWQMN), water year 2007.—Continued
References Cited 19

References Cited

Fenneman, N.M., 1938, Physiography of eastern United 

States: New York, McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 689 p.

Fishman, M.J., ed., 1993, Methods of analysis by the U.S. 

Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory—

Determination of inorganic and organic constituents in 

water and fluvial sediments: U.S. Geological Survey OpenFile Report 93-125, 217 p.

Fishman, M.J., and Friedman, L.C., 1989, Methods for the 

determination of inorganic substances in water and fluvial 

sediments: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 5, chap. A1, 545 p.

Helsel, D.R., and Hirsch R.M., 2002, Statistical methods 

in water resources: US Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations, book 4, chap. A3, accesed 

October 2008 at http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/twri/twri4a3/

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 2007, Missouri 

water quality report (Section 305(b) Report) 2006, 86 p.

Myers, D.N., Stoeckel, D.M., Bushon, R.N., Francy, D.S., 

and Brady, A.M.G., February 2007, Fecal indicator bacteria 

(ver. 2.0): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 9, chap. A7, section 7.1, 

accessed October 2008 from http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/

twri9A7/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2007, Climatological data annual summary, Missouri: Ashville, North 

Carolina, National Climatic Data Center, 34 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2008, 

Climate of 2007—in historical perspective annual report, 

accesed January 2009 at URL http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/

climate/research/2007/ann/ann07.html

U.S. Census Bureau, 2008, U.S. population projections, 

accessed November 2008, at URL http://www.census.gov/

population/www/projections/stproj.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997, Guidelines for 

preparation of comprehensive state water quality assessments (305(b) reports) and electronic updates: Washington, 

D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of 

Water, EPA-841-B97-002A, variously paginated, accesed 

October 2008 at http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/

guidelines.html 

U.S. Geological Survey, 1964-2005, Water resources data—

Missouri: variously paginated.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2006, Collection of water samples 

(version 2.0): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of WaterResources Investigations, book 9, chap. A4, accessed October 2008 at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A4

U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chaps.A1-A9, last accessed October 2008 at 

http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A

Wilde, F.D., ed., chapter sections variously dated, Field 

measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6, accessed 

October 2008 at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A6/ (Chapter sections are cited by author and date.)

Wilde, F.D., Radtke, D.B., Gibs, Jacob, and Iwatsubo, R.T., 

eds., April 2004, Processing of water samples (version 2.2): 

U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources 

Investigations, book 9, chap. A5, accessed October 2008 at 

http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A5/

Zaugg, S.D., Sandstrom, M.W., Smith, S.G., and Fehlberg, 

K.M., 1995, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological 

Survey National Water Quality Laboratory—Determination of pesticides in water by C-18 solid-phase extraction 

and capillary-column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selected-ion monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 95-181, 49 p.
Publishing support provided by:

Rolla Publishing Service Center

For more information concerning this publication, contact:

Director, USGS Missouri Water Science Center

1400 Independence Road, MS 100

Rolla, MO 65401

(573) 308–3667

Or visit the Missouri Water Science Center Web site at:

http://mo.water.usgs.gov

Otero-Benítez—Quality of Surface Water in Missouri, Water Year 2007—Open-File Report 2009–1096