Water Quality Reports

By czeller 11 years ago

In 2009 NFRIA, now the Conservation Center, published a water quality report on the condition of the North Fork River, Tongue and Surface Creeks based on data from the volunteer water monitoring program.

This report summarizes the results of water quality monitoring conducted from October 2004 to October of 2007 at nine sites located throughout the North Fork watershed.  Water quality monitoring initially assessed field parameters, metals, nutrients and bacteria at all sample site each month. In addition, macroinvertebrate sampling occurred approximately once per year.

The water quality data was not collected for compliance or regulatory purposes; rather these data are designed to give background information on water quality conditions in the watershed, help water users understand seasonal and natural variation within the watershed, and provide a basic understanding of how the North Fork River compares to State stream standards.

Water quality samples collected by the Network indicated that overall, the North Fork River has moderate to good water quality, given natural inputs that increase concentration of metals and dissolved solids (salts) in the river.  Such increases are often a reflection of the natural soils and geology of the North Fork Valley.

Sample analysis found elevated concentrations of dissolved arsenic and selenium that often exceeded chronic standards.  Dissolved fractions of aluminum, copper, iron and lead had isolated spikes that exceeded standards, but the natural sources of salts provide the North Fork with ample capacity to buffer against change in pH and the toxic effects of metals.

Storm events tend to move large amounts of sediment and organic material through the North Fork. The particulate matter transported in the North Fork can be laden with adsorbed metals and nutrients, such as iron and phosphorus.

Overall, nutrient concentrations in the North Fork were relatively low. Nitrate concentrations were well below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).  Ammonia exceeded the chronic standard once, however all other samples were over an order of magnitude below standards.

Biological data indicates that that the North Fork routinely exceeded State E. coli standards during summer months. E. coli standards were exceeded at every active station at least once between 2005 and 2008. Macroinvertebrate monitoring indicates that the North Fork has a thriving and diverse biological community that is sensitive to pollution. Click here to download a copy of our water quality report.

If you want more information or would like to participate as a volunteer in the North Fork Water Quality Monitoring Project, please contact us at (970) 527-5307.

Category:
  Air & Water Quality
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