Changes in chemical and physical propertiesof stream water across an urban-rural gradient in western Georgia

Abstract

The Middle Chattahoochee River Watershed in western Georgia is undergoing rapid urban development. Consequently, Georgia's water quality is threatened by extensive development as well as other land uses such as grazing. Maintenance of stream water quality, as land development occurs, is critical for the protection of drinking water, biotic integrity, and stream morphology. A two-phase, watershed-scale study was established to develop relationships among land use and water quality within western Georgia. During phase 1 (year one), physio-chemical, biological and morphological measurements were taken within 16 sub-watersheds, ranging in size from 500-2500 ha. Nutrient and fecal coliform concentrations within watersheds with impervious surface > 5% often exceeded those in other watersheds during both baseflow and storm flow. Also, fecal coliform bacteria in more urbanized areas often exceeded the US EPA's standard for recreational waters. During the second phase of the study, models will be tested and calibrated based on newly chosen watersheds.

Effects of abiotic variables on the distribution of fish assemblages in streams with different anthropogenic activities in southern Brazil

“…Similarly, residues created by human activities have diffuse effects on water bodies and are associated with surface runoff in catchment areas. Nutrient concentration in watersheds with impervious surface above 5% often exceeds that of other watersheds during both baseflow and stormflow (Schoonover et al, 2005). According to Alberti (2005), high nutrient concentration, which is frequently observed in urban drainage areas, creates unsuitable conditions for some fish species.…”

Urbanization Effects on Watershed Hydrology and In-Stream Processes in the Southern United States

“…The author speculated that shallow groundwater chemistry in the region may have been influenced by effluent contamination originating from numerous septic tank systems and leaky underground sewer pipes. Schoonover et al (2005) also found elevated levels of chloride, nitrate, sulfate, TDS, potassium and sodium in baseflows derived from watersheds with greater than 5% TIA in western GA [42].…”

Using multiple watershed models to assess the water quality impacts of alternate land development scenarios for a small community

“…Urbanization increases impervious area, resulting in quicker and larger pulses in storm flow, geomorphic changes in stream channels, and higher sediment yields (Arnold et al, 1982;Wahl et al, 1997). Urban lands are also potential sources for heavy metals, nutrients, and bacteria (Rose, 2002;Schoonover et al, 2005). Excessive loads of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in urban streams can trigger undesirable effects in the receiving water bodies, such as algal blooms, eutrophication, and hypoxia.…”