|
Home
Calendar
Activities
Maps
Education
Brochure
Newsletters
NCARWC
Forum Report
AWA Report
Glossary
Links
| |
Just How Dirty is the "Dirty Verde"?
Nov. 16, 2003 a group of about 10 hearty folks gathered at the
Verde Greenway
Complex to answer that question.
This small band of intrepid souls ventured into the drizzle and gathered
water samples from three locations at Dead Horse State Park.
The samples were taken at the bridge, the Mesquite Day Use area, and just
for comparison, the new lagoon.
Back at the Greenway Complex the samples were subjected to standard tests
for water quality.
The group included Howie Usher (Mingus H.S. biology teacher) and the testing
supplies were provided by Yavapai Collage and the Arizona Wetlands Research
Foundation.
Here is what we found;
Constituent Bridge Mesquite Lagoon Units
Dissolved Oxygen 7.94 7.92 8.72 mg/L
dO2 Saturation 76% 76% 78%
Nitrate 0 0 0 mg/L
pH 8.12 8.04 8.48
Phosphate 2 2 2 mg/L
Temperature 12.3 12.2 12.9 C
Temp Diff .1 C
Turbidity 20/40 20 0/20 JTU
Conductivity 599 561 479 uS
ORP 232 143 141 mV
TDS 435 408 346 mg/L
Wow .. what a bunch of numbers!
So, what does all this translate to in terms that make sense to people that
do not have a degree in Aquatic Biochemistry?
Fortunately there is a tool that allows an "apples to apples" comparison of
this kind of data.
That tool is a "Water Quality Index"
The Water Quality Index rates these constituents from "Excellent" to "Poor"
to give an indication of the water quality.
The result?
All locations tested in the "Good" to "Excellent" range with an average of
"Good and a Half".
So? Is the Verde, "Dirty"?
Full details will be posted to the VRCA website shortly.
The VRCA supplies mentors to Mingus High School's Stream Ecology program.
Jan Allbright, Education Chairperson
Verde River Citizens Alliance
|
