Water Quality Monitoring

In 2001, the WRP launched the first citizens-based Water Quality Monitoring Program in the White River watershed in an effort to better understand potential threats to water quality and public health. While overall water quality in the White River watershed is relatively good, problems do exist. Sedimentation and erosion are the most prominent water quality concerns, followed by elevated water temperatures, nutrients, and pathogens – all of which contribute to reduced habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The presence of pathogens and other chemicals can pose serious threats to human health as well.

Since 2001, WRP staff and trained volunteers have kept tabs at over 20 sites throughout the watershed, including popular swimming holes and locations that have the potential to become contaminated (i.e. downstream from sewage treatment plants). Every Wednesday morning during the summer months, we measure for water clarity (also called turbidity) and electrical conductivity (a measure of dissolved salts and other chemicals in the water, often from run-off). Our volunteers also collect water samples that are tested for E.coli, as well as for nitrogen and phosphorous.

E.coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of all warm-blooded animals. It is best used as an indicator of water pollution from human or animal waste – its presence tells us that fecal material from a variety of sources (leaking septic systems, waterfowl, livestock, wild animals, and even pets) is entering the water and that there is a potential for the water to contain pathogens that could make people sick. Types of illness can include gastrointestinal and eye, ear, nose, and throat infections.

Because the White River watershed is a popular destination for swimming and recreating, we have been keeping a close eye on E.coli levels in an effort to keep our waterways safe for public health and to better understand the potential sources of pathogens. While our existing data reveals that E.coli is prevalent in certain parts of the watershed, the swimming holes we monitor have not demonstrated an E.coli problem. To learn more about E.coli in the White River watershed and to see up-to-date testing results, please see our current E.coli Sampling Results.

Water turbidity (clarity) and conductivity are also important indicators of water quality. Turbidity indicates how clear or cloudy the water is – a high turbidity reading means that there are suspended solids in the water, likely resulting from erosion. Electrical conductivity reveals the presence of dissolved salts and compounds that originate from road run-off, pesticides, and other sources. In addition to testing the above parameters, WRP staff monitors water temperature and also surveys changes in rates of erosion and sedimentation at 15 permanent cross-section sites located throughout the watershed.

The WRP recently produced a White River Water Quality Monitoring Report, which summarizes the first four years of WRP water quality monitoring of the White River watershed. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this report, please contact the WRP at (802) 767-4600.