FLOOD10356

• County: Delta
• Title: North Fork Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project - April 2001-April 2002 Data Report
• Date: 9/30/2002
• Prepared For: North Fork River Improvement Association
• Prepared By: CSU Cooperative Extension and North Fork River Improvement Association
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Floodplain Report/Masterplan

I

I
I
I
I

Table 2.3 includes a brief description of the potential sources, ecological impacts, and
characteristics of all the water quality parameters analyzed as part of this project.

Table 2.3 Description of Water Quality Parameters
Parameter Description/Relationshi s

pH

Temperature

Total Alkalinity,
as CaC03
Total Hardness.
as CaC03
DO

I

Measure of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. reflecting the acidity of the
water. Water with a low pH is more acidic (more H+ is present).
Warmth or coolness of water. Varies seasonally, fish and aquatic life require
specific temperatures to reproduce and thrive.
Measure of carbonate (HC03-) and bicarbonate (C03-) anions present.
Reflects the river's buffering capacity, or ability to resist changes in pH.
Measure of mineral cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+). Hard water leaves a white
film when it evaporates. but also mitigates metals toxicity for fish.
Amount of oxygen (02) in the water in its dissolved form. DO varies with
temperature. There is more oxygen in cooler water, less in warm.

I

I

Total suspended
solids (TSS)
Total dissolved
solids (TDS)

I

Sulfates

Total phosphate

I

Total Nitrogen,
kjeldahl

I

N. Nitrate-nitrite

N, ammonia

'Minerals and soil particles suspended in the water column. In slow or low
flows, this material is deposited in the streambed.
Describes concentrations of inorganic salts and small amounts of organic
matter present in water. Principal constituents are calcium. sulfates, sodium,
and magnesium salts.
This form of sulfur (S04) is most common in the oxidizing conditions of
flowing waters. Sources may include irrigation, hot springs, and mining.
Common constituent in soil and some fertilizers. It may' appear in the
organic form (e.g., fertilizer) or inorganic form, sorbed to soil particles.
Total nitrogen measures all forms of N, including nitrate, nitrite, and
ammonia. An essential nutrient for plant and animal growth. Excess causes
algal growth.
Nitrates and nitrites are oxidized forms of nitrogen commonly found in
flowing water. May reflect inputs from treated sewage or fertilizer.
Ammonia is a common component of organic wastes (e.g.. sewage). Can
be toxic to fish in hi h concentrations.

Total Coliform

I
I
I
I
I

Escherichia Coli
(E. Coli)

A family of microorganisms that originate in the intestines of humans and
other warm-blooded animals. Not always pathogenic (disease causing).
although high levels may indicate risk.
Bacteria associated with water-borne diseases such as dysentery and
cholera. Many E. Coli bacteria cause no health problems. others may be
hi hi pathogenic.

Aluminum

Arsenic

Cadmium

Calcium

I
I
I

Copper

Common element in rock and minerals making up some 8 percent of the
earth's crust. Used in paint, appliances, fireworks. and cooking utensils.
Naturally occurring element in the earth's crust and mineral deposits. May
enter the soil from natural or man made sources. Pesticides and herbicides
may contain arsenic (e.g., historically applied to orchards).
Small quantities occur naturally in the environment. The largest source of
cadmium is often burning of fossil fuels and incineration of municipal waste.
The most abundant alkali-earth metal, and a common constituent of local
soils. Not generally a water quality concern although related to water
hardness.
Found in mineralized ore deposits, and common component in plumbing
systems. Rarely found in pristine source water. may reflect mining impacts.

2-4