envirothon workshop

Envirothon Envirothon WorkshopWorkshopAquatic Ecology Aquatic Ecology

1-26-08 1-26-08 George GuillenGeorge Guillen

Distribution of Surface Distribution of Surface WaterWater

WATER: Most of WATER: Most of the surface water the surface water on the Planet on the Planet located in oceans, located in oceans,

71% of earth 71% of earth covered by covered by saltwater, 97.2% saltwater, 97.2% of the worlds of the worlds water is in the water is in the oceanocean

Freshwater very Freshwater very rare!rare!

Oceans

Frozen

Freshwater

Water Cycle terms

[    ]  Condensation [    ]  Evaporation

[    ]  Evapotranspiration [    ]  Freshwater storage

[    ]  Ground-water discharge [    ]  Ground-water storage

[    ]  Infiltration [    ]  Precipitation

[    ]  Snowmelt runoff to streams

[    ]  Spring

[    ]  Stream flow [    ]  Sublimation

[    ]  Surface runoff[    ]  Water storage in the atmosphere

[    ]  Water storage in ice and snow

[    ]  Water storage in oceans

40%Evapotranspiration

25% Deepinfiltration

25%Shallow

infiltration

Natural Ground CoverNatural Ground Cover

10% Runoff10% Runoff

Source: U.S. EPAInfiltrationInfiltration

Groundwater: Different types of Groundwater: Different types of aquifers and how each type relates to aquifers and how each type relates to

water quantity and qualitywater quantity and quality

Aquifers - unconfinedAquifers - unconfined

Groundwater below a layer of solid rock Groundwater below a layer of solid rock or clay is said to be in a or clay is said to be in a confined confined aquiferaquifer.  The rock or clay is called a .  The rock or clay is called a confining layerconfining layer. A well that goes . A well that goes through a confining layer is known as an through a confining layer is known as an artesian wellartesian well..

The groundwater in confined aquifers is The groundwater in confined aquifers is usually under pressure. This pressure usually under pressure. This pressure causes water in an artesian well to rise causes water in an artesian well to rise above the aquifer level. above the aquifer level.

Aquifers - UnconfinedAquifers - Unconfined Water percolates through the soil until the soil Water percolates through the soil until the soil

is saturated. The top of the saturated zone is is saturated. The top of the saturated zone is called the called the water tablewater table. The water table rises . The water table rises and falls according to the season and the and falls according to the season and the amount of rain that has occurred. amount of rain that has occurred.

Note that bedrock below the saturated zone Note that bedrock below the saturated zone prevents the water from penetrating more prevents the water from penetrating more deeply.deeply.

An unconfined aquifer lacks a confining layer An unconfined aquifer lacks a confining layer on the top of the saturated zone.on the top of the saturated zone.

http://groundwater.orst.edu/under/http://groundwater.orst.edu/under/aquifer.html#Confinedaquifer.html#Confined

AquifersAquifers Confined aquiferConfined aquifer

Slow to recharge; Slow to recharge; recharge time may be recharge time may be in years or decadesin years or decades

Less susceptible to Less susceptible to pollutionpollution

Quantity of water Quantity of water greater than unconfinedgreater than unconfined

Unconfined aquiferUnconfined aquifer

Quick to recharge; Quick to recharge; recharge time may be recharge time may be in months or even daysin months or even days

More susceptible to More susceptible to pollutionpollution

Quantities of water Quantities of water generally lower than generally lower than confined aquifers confined aquifers

Aquifers - Aquifers -

Unconfined aquiferUnconfined aquifer

aquifersaquifers

Ground Water ProtectionGround Water Protection

Climate – longitudinal gradient, effect on freshwater flows in Texas

References for Water References for Water CycleCycle

Good source for diagrams, terms, and extensive discussion of Good source for diagrams, terms, and extensive discussion of all the water cycle components. Also simple methods for all the water cycle components. Also simple methods for demonstrating sublimation and transpiration: demonstrating sublimation and transpiration: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclesummary.html#oceahttp://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclesummary.html#oceansns

Interesting, animated interactive water cycle: Interesting, animated interactive water cycle: www.mrhall.org/science/epawatercycle/epawatercycle.htmwww.mrhall.org/science/epawatercycle/epawatercycle.htm

Water cycle activities, 9Water cycle activities, 9thth grade and lower: grade and lower:

www.fi.edu/guide/bond/watercycleact.htmlwww.fi.edu/guide/bond/watercycleact.html

Basic concept of water cycle with a section on human Basic concept of water cycle with a section on human impacts: impacts: www.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/groundwater/src/cycle.htmwww.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/groundwater/src/cycle.htm

Properties of water - Properties of water - chemical propertieschemical properties

A water molecule contains A water molecule contains one atom of oxygen bound to one atom of oxygen bound to two atoms of hydrogen. The two atoms of hydrogen. The hydrogen atoms are hydrogen atoms are "attached" to one side of the "attached" to one side of the oxygen atom, resulting in a oxygen atom, resulting in a water molecule having a water molecule having a positive charge on the side positive charge on the side where the hydrogen atoms where the hydrogen atoms are and a negative charge on are and a negative charge on the other side, where the the other side, where the oxygen atom is. Since oxygen atom is. Since opposite electrical charges opposite electrical charges attract, water molecules tend attract, water molecules tend to attract each other, making to attract each other, making water kind of "sticky." (If the water kind of "sticky." (If the water molecule here looks water molecule here looks familiar, remember that familiar, remember that everyone's favorite mouse is everyone's favorite mouse is mostly water, too). mostly water, too).

Properties of water - Properties of water - chemical propertieschemical properties

As the right-side As the right-side diagram shows, the side diagram shows, the side with the hydrogen atoms with the hydrogen atoms (positive charge) (positive charge) attracts the oxygen side attracts the oxygen side (negative charge) of a (negative charge) of a different water different water molecule. All these molecule. All these water molecules water molecules attracting each other attracting each other mean they tend to clump mean they tend to clump together. This is why together. This is why water drops are, in fact, water drops are, in fact, drops! drops!

Properties of water - Properties of water - physical propertiesphysical properties

Water is unique in that it is the only Water is unique in that it is the only natural substance that is found in all natural substance that is found in all three states -- liquid, solid (ice), and three states -- liquid, solid (ice), and gas (steam) -- at the temperatures gas (steam) -- at the temperatures normally found on Earth. normally found on Earth.

Properties of water - Properties of water - physical propertiesphysical properties

Water freezes at 32 Fahrenheit (F) and boils at Water freezes at 32 Fahrenheit (F) and boils at 212 F. water's freezing and boiling points are 212 F. water's freezing and boiling points are the baseline with which temperature is the baseline with which temperature is measured: 0 on the Celsius scale is water's measured: 0 on the Celsius scale is water's freezing point, and 100 is water's boiling point freezing point, and 100 is water's boiling point (at 1 atm, freshwater). (at 1 atm, freshwater).

Weight: 62.416 pounds per cubic foot at 32°F Weight: 62.416 pounds per cubic foot at 32°F Weight: 61.998 pounds per cubic foot at 100°F Weight: 61.998 pounds per cubic foot at 100°F Weight: 8.33 pounds/gallon, 0.036 Weight: 8.33 pounds/gallon, 0.036

pounds/cubic inch pounds/cubic inch Density: 1 gram per cubic centimeter (cc) at Density: 1 gram per cubic centimeter (cc) at

39.2°F, 39.2°F,

Fresh water ecosystems – Fresh water ecosystems – important properties of important properties of

waterwater Ice is water in its solid form. Unlike Ice is water in its solid form. Unlike

most substances, which are densest in most substances, which are densest in their solid state, ice is less dense than their solid state, ice is less dense than water and thus floats. water and thus floats.

If this were not the case, Fresh water If this were not the case, Fresh water lakes and rivers would freeze from the lakes and rivers would freeze from the bottom up. Fish could not survive, and it bottom up. Fish could not survive, and it is unlikely that rivers and lakes in is unlikely that rivers and lakes in northern countries would ever northern countries would ever completely thaw. E.g. Read Kurt completely thaw. E.g. Read Kurt Vonnegut – “Ice 9” Vonnegut – “Ice 9”

Unique Properties of Water

• Dissolving ability – dissolves more substances in greater quantities than any other common liquid

• Presence of dissolved ions in water changes physical properties e.g. freezing points, density

Water and Weather - Water and Weather - OceansOceans

The oceans have a profound influence The oceans have a profound influence on climate. They are the world's great on climate. They are the world's great heat reservoirs and heat exchangers. heat reservoirs and heat exchangers.

Water has a high specific heat index. Water has a high specific heat index. The high specific heat index of water The high specific heat index of water also helps regulate the rate at which also helps regulate the rate at which air changes temperature, which is air changes temperature, which is why the temperature change between why the temperature change between seasons is gradual rather than seasons is gradual rather than sudden, especially near the oceans. sudden, especially near the oceans.

Worlds Oceans

• 80% of Southern Hemisphere.• 61% of Northern Hemisphere.

Unique Properties of Water

• Water = Life

• Without water life could not have evolved

References for properties of water

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/waterproperties.htmlhttp://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/waterproperties.html

http://www.ec.gc.ca/WATER/en/nature/prop/e_therm.htmhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/WATER/en/nature/prop/e_therm.htm

Water UsesWater Uses

United States United States Geological Service Geological Service (USGS) surveys (USGS) surveys nation wide water nation wide water use every 5 years. use every 5 years. The chart to the The chart to the right is based on right is based on the 2000 survey. the 2000 survey.

Water Users -ReferencesWater Users -References http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wateruse.htmlhttp://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wateruse.html

Estimated use of Water in the United States in 2000: Estimated use of Water in the United States in 2000: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wateruse2000.htmlhttp://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wateruse2000.html

What Is a Watershed?

A watershed is the area of land that drains to a particular point along a stream

Center for Watershed Protection

Watershed DelineationWatershed Delineation

Can be accomplished using Can be accomplished using topographic maps, flow occurs at topographic maps, flow occurs at right angles to elevation linesright angles to elevation lines

Now days is usually done with GIS Now days is usually done with GIS software and programs that examine software and programs that examine digital elevation models and digital elevation models and generate likely pathways of flow i.e. generate likely pathways of flow i.e. watershedwatershed

Watershed delineation Watershed delineation referencesreferences

City of Richardson, Texas: City of Richardson, Texas: http://www.cor.net/http://www.cor.net/

Maps and various publications on water Maps and various publications on water resources in the Trinity River Basin:resources in the Trinity River Basin:

http://tx.usgs.gov/trin/pubshttp://tx.usgs.gov/trin/pubs TCEQ websiteTCEQ website HGAC websiteHGAC website TNRIS websiteTNRIS website GLO websiteGLO website ESRI – ArcGIS websiteESRI – ArcGIS website

Types of WaterbodiesTypes of Waterbodies

Ocean – including major seas, high Ocean – including major seas, high salinity, tides (35 ppt)salinity, tides (35 ppt)

Estuary – where river meets sea, Estuary – where river meets sea, intermediate salinity (0-35 ppt)intermediate salinity (0-35 ppt)

Freshwater (usually 0 ppt, but can Freshwater (usually 0 ppt, but can vary. Measured in conductivity (20-vary. Measured in conductivity (20-1000, high conductivity >1000 = 1000, high conductivity >1000 = salts)salts)

Types of Freshwater Types of Freshwater WaterbodiesWaterbodies Streams Streams

IntermittentIntermittent PerennialPerennial

Rivers (usually 4th order and above), Rivers (usually 4th order and above), deeper, warmer, more turbiddeeper, warmer, more turbid

Ponds – small lakes (< 5 acres)Ponds – small lakes (< 5 acres) Lakes – none in Texas (Caddo Lake only)Lakes – none in Texas (Caddo Lake only) Reservoirs – impounded rivers, long and Reservoirs – impounded rivers, long and

deep, e.g. Lake Houstondeep, e.g. Lake Houston Wetlands – shallow, emergent vegetation, Wetlands – shallow, emergent vegetation,

high likelihood of drying out annually, high likelihood of drying out annually, adjacent to rivers, oxbows, ponds etc.adjacent to rivers, oxbows, ponds etc.

Ponds and Natural LakesPonds and Natural Lakes

ReservoirsReservoirs

WetlandsWetlands

Streams and RiversStreams and Rivers

Alteration of Alteration of Aquatic Habitat Aquatic Habitat

Due to Changes in Due to Changes in WatershedWatershed

From Lane, 1955

ImperviouImpervious Cover s Cover

and and Storm Storm water water RunoffRunoff

100% Precipitation over Watershed100% Precipitation over Watershed

 Source:  U.S. EPA and Center for Watershed Protection “Site Planning for Urban Stream Protection”, Dec 1995

DevelopDevelopeded

NaturalNatural

EvaporationEvaporation 40%40%Surface RunoffSurface Runoff 10%10%GroundwaterGroundwater 50%50%

50%50%

30%30%

25%

Impervious Cover Impervious Cover and Storm water and Storm water

RunoffRunoff

Surface Runoff Generated Surface Runoff Generated from a One-Inch Rainstormfrom a One-Inch Rainstorm

 Source:  U.S. EPA and Center for Watershed Protection “Site Planning for Urban Stream Protection”, Dec 1995

- 218 cubic feet One-Acre Open Meadow

- 3,460 cubic feet One-Acre Paved Parking Lot

Erosion & sedimentationErosion & sedimentation

Effects of road building Effects of road building LoggingLogging GrazingGrazing

Wetland Functions Wetland Functions 1.1. Water Quality improvement, Water Quality improvement,

2.2. Flood protectionFlood protection

3.3. Shoreline erosion control Shoreline erosion control

4.4. Fish and Wildlife Habitat and nursery Fish and Wildlife Habitat and nursery areasareas

5.5. Recreational and aesthetic Recreational and aesthetic appreciation, waterfowl hunting, and appreciation, waterfowl hunting, and natural productsnatural products

Protecting wetlands in turn can Protecting wetlands in turn can protect our safety and welfare. protect our safety and welfare.

www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/vital/people.html

Natural Water Quality Natural Water Quality ImprovementImprovement

Wetlands have important Wetlands have important filtering capabilities for filtering capabilities for intercepting surface- intercepting surface- water runoff from higher water runoff from higher dry land before the runoff dry land before the runoff reaches open water. As reaches open water. As the runoff water passes the runoff water passes through, the wetlands through, the wetlands retain excess nutrients retain excess nutrients and some pollutants, and and some pollutants, and reduce sediment that reduce sediment that would clog waterways and would clog waterways and affect fish and amphibian affect fish and amphibian egg development. egg development.

Bolivar Flats, TexasBolivar Flats, Texas

Wetlands provide flood Wetlands provide flood protectionprotection

Wetlands function as Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap natural sponges that trap and slowly release and slowly release surface water, rain, surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. Trees, and flood waters. Trees, root mats, and other root mats, and other wetland vegetation also wetland vegetation also slow the speed of flood slow the speed of flood waters and distribute waters and distribute them more slowly over them more slowly over the floodplain. This the floodplain. This combined water storage combined water storage and braking action lowers and braking action lowers flood heights and reduces flood heights and reduces erosion. erosion.

Riparian = Edge of WaterRiparian = Edge of Water

Riparian Habitat:Riparian Habitat: Areas adjacent Areas adjacent to rivers and streams with a to rivers and streams with a differing density, diversity, and differing density, diversity, and productivity of plant and animal productivity of plant and animal species relative to nearby uplands. species relative to nearby uplands.

Removal of riparian vegetation Removal of riparian vegetation increases erosion, reduces shading increases erosion, reduces shading (increasing instream temperature), (increasing instream temperature), and increases surface runoffand increases surface runoff

REFERENCES

American Rivers, Natural Resources Defense Council and Smart Growth America, 2002, Paving Our Way to Water Shortages: How Sprawl Aggravates the Effects of Drought

Center for Watershed Protection, October 1998, Rapid Watershed Planning Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Managing Urbanizing Watersheds

Center for Watershed Protection, December 1995, Site Planning for Urban Stream Protection

North Carolina Stream Restoration Institute and North Carolina Sea Grant, Stream Restoration: A Natural Channel Design Handbook

North Central Texas Council of Governments, www.dfwinfo.com/forecast

University of Virginia, July 2002, A Stream Corridor Protection Strategy for Local Governments, http://www.virginia.edu/~envneg/IEN_home/htm.

US Department of Agriculture/Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural Handbook 296, USGPO, Washington, D.C.

US Department of Agriculture/Soil Conservation Service, 1981, Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, USGPO, Washington, D.C.

US Department of Agriculture/Soil Conservation Service, National Resources Inventory, www.usda/nrcs.gov/technical/NRI

U.S. EPA, 2005, Protecting Water Resources with Smart Growth, Publication EPA 231-R-04-002, www.smartgrowth.org

Water QualityWater Quality Water quality is composed of and Water quality is composed of and

measured in terms of biological, measured in terms of biological, physical, chemical and aesthetic physical, chemical and aesthetic traits.traits.

Water quality is defined by it’s Water quality is defined by it’s ability to support a designated use: ability to support a designated use: contact recreation, aquatic life contact recreation, aquatic life use, fish and shellfish use, fish and shellfish consumption, drinking water consumption, drinking water source, navigation.source, navigation.

Highest water quality is attained Highest water quality is attained when it meets all these functions. when it meets all these functions.

Water QualityWater Quality Assessment Assessment Biological:Biological: bacteria, algae, aquatic bacteria, algae, aquatic

insects, fish, vegetationinsects, fish, vegetation Physical:Physical: temperature, turbidity and temperature, turbidity and

clarity, color, salinity, suspended solids, clarity, color, salinity, suspended solids, dissolved solids, flow, dissolved solids, flow,

Chemical:Chemical: pH, dissolved oxygen, biological pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, nutrients (including oxygen demand, nutrients (including nitrogen and phosphorus), organic and nitrogen and phosphorus), organic and inorganic compounds (including toxics) inorganic compounds (including toxics)

Aesthetic:Aesthetic: odors, taints, color, floating odors, taints, color, floating matter matter

Biological AssessmentBiological Assessment Many types of bacteria are found in natural waters. Many types of bacteria are found in natural waters.

For the most part bacteria are beneficial; breaking For the most part bacteria are beneficial; breaking down organic material and thus releasing nutrients down organic material and thus releasing nutrients back into the water. Nutrients that are then used for back into the water. Nutrients that are then used for growth of algae and plants. growth of algae and plants.

Other bacteria in water, when found in large numbers, Other bacteria in water, when found in large numbers, may cause illness and death in people and animals.may cause illness and death in people and animals.

These bacteria are known as pathogens. The source These bacteria are known as pathogens. The source of these pathogens is typically human and animal of these pathogens is typically human and animal feces entering the waterways through direct feces entering the waterways through direct discharge or indirectly from surface runoff.discharge or indirectly from surface runoff.

Testing of bacteria is routinely performed on many Testing of bacteria is routinely performed on many waterways; but it is time consuming and fairly waterways; but it is time consuming and fairly expensive. expensive.

Biological AssessmentBiological Assessment

Biological AssessmentBiological Assessment Many types of insects and other invertebrates Many types of insects and other invertebrates

and fishes live part of their life cycles in water.and fishes live part of their life cycles in water. Aquatic insects and fish are often sensitive to Aquatic insects and fish are often sensitive to

pollutants in water. This tolerance of different pollutants in water. This tolerance of different organisms to water pollution has been organisms to water pollution has been measured. measured.

This information can be used to indirectly This information can be used to indirectly assess assess water quality. water quality.

By sampling the water, the presence or absence By sampling the water, the presence or absence of different organisms can be quantified.of different organisms can be quantified.

Conclusions about the water quality can be Conclusions about the water quality can be drawn from this information.drawn from this information.

Seine components Seine components (cont)(cont)

Float line - cork, Float line - cork, styrofoam, or styrofoam, or plastic floats hold plastic floats hold mesh uprightmesh upright

Lead line - lead Lead line - lead weights attached weights attached or lead in core of or lead in core of polypropylene polypropylene lineline

Invertebrates - Shallow Streams

• D-frame net commonly used (kick net)– Held at bottom– Water upstream agitated by foot

Invertebrates

• Surber sampler– Opening upstream– Rim delineates 1

square foot– Substrate within

rim removed or agitated

– Organisms drift into bag

Invertebrates often used as an index of

• Fishing quality• Ecological

integrity• Degree of pollution

Indices may focus on

• All collected taxa• Single (sentinel) taxon

Indices successfully used because

• Incorporate a biological response to environmental conditions

Rapid Bioassessment

• Easily and quickly obtained

• Compares data with standards from unaffected site

InvertebratesInvertebrates

InvertebratesInvertebrates

InvertebratesInvertebrates

InvertebratesInvertebrates

InvertebratesInvertebrates

InvertebratesInvertebrates

InvertebratesInvertebrates

Examples – minnow and suckers

Cyprinus carpio Carp

Notropis texanus Ictiobus bulbalus

Erimyzon oblongus

Examples

Notropis volucellus – mimic shiner Golden shiner Notemigonus chrysoleucas

Red shiner Notropis lutrensisPugnose shiner

Native CatfishChannel Catfish Flathead Catifsh

Tadpole Madtom Black Bullhead

Fundulidae, Poecilidae and Cyprinodontidae

Cyprinodon variegatus Fundulus notatus

Fundulus chrysotus Gambusia affinis

Centrachidae

Rock bass

Spotted Bass

Percidae

Walleye

Darter

Yellow Perch

Other Wildlife

• Look for animal tracks – deer, racoon, etc

• Look for waterbirds – egrets, kingfisher, herons, osprey

• Look for amphibians – tadpoles, adults

• Note: Issue - Amphibian decline

Wildlife

Identify common aquatic Identify common aquatic organisms through the use organisms through the use

of a keyof a key All keys are based on distinguishing All keys are based on distinguishing

characteristicscharacteristics The size or shape of head, thorax, or The size or shape of head, thorax, or

abdomen can be a distinguishing abdomen can be a distinguishing characteristicscharacteristics

Usually series of dichotomous Usually series of dichotomous statementsstatements

Key: ExampleKey: Example

1) Abdomen shape1) Abdomen shape Abdomen with two feather-like extensions – Abdomen with two feather-like extensions –

go to 2go to 2 Abdomen with no or three feather-like Abdomen with no or three feather-like

extensions – go to 3. extensions – go to 3.

Physical AssessmentPhysical Assessment The physical characteristics of the The physical characteristics of the

watershed, flood plain, and riparian area watershed, flood plain, and riparian area greatly influence water quality and the greatly influence water quality and the quality and quantity of available habitat for quality and quantity of available habitat for organisms.organisms.

Extremes of water temperature are Extremes of water temperature are moderated by the moderated by the amount and type of amount and type of vegetation in the riparian areasvegetation in the riparian areas (shading) (shading)

The amount of turbidity, suspended solids, The amount of turbidity, suspended solids, dissolved solids directly relates to dissolved solids directly relates to soils soils present in the watershedpresent in the watershed, also to the , also to the amount of soil disturbance. amount of soil disturbance.

Habitat quality influences

• Numbers• Sizes• Species of

Aquatic Organisms

Physical Stream Measures

• Drainage density-total stream length of watershed/ watershed area

• Gradient-No of contour intervals crossed by stream/ distance

• Sinuosity-meander; stream length/valley length between same two points

Stream order-rank of relative size

• 1st order-smallest unbranched on headwater

• 2nd order-two first order streams meet

• 3rd order-two second order streams meet

• Note...order increased only when two of the same order join

11 11 11 11

22 22

33

Other Habitat Measures

• Channel gradient- Drop in elevation per unit length affects

• Stream velocity

• Habitat types

• Species distribution

• Species abundance

Gradient Calculated by

• Topographic maps

• Stadia rod measures

Sinuosity - how curvy?

• Low sinuosity – Steep gradients– Little pool development

• High sinuosity – Undercut banks– Large, deep pools

Velocity measure

• Floating object

• Movement of dye

• Mechanical current meter

• Electrical current meter

Discharge, quantity of water through channel/ time

• Quantity and quality of stream habitats

• Water quality

• Fish passage

Discharge measured

• Gauging stations

• Hydrographs

• Gordon et al (1992)

Substrate composition

• Quality of spawning habitat

• Fish cover

• Benthic macro invertebrates composition

• Benthic macro invertebrates production

Substrate

• Classification by – Visual– Wentworth scale

Habitat classification

• Pool (slower water)

• Riffle (fast water)

Cover- protection

• Aquatic vegetation

• Boulders

• Woody Debris

• Water turbulence and depth

• Riparian features

Large woody debris (LWD)

• Stabilizes channels

• Forms pools

• Traps spawning gravel/organic matter

• Habitat for macro invertebrates

• Provides cover for fish

Stream shading measure

• Densiometer

• Sun arc

• Solar radiometer

Physicochemical attributes

• Temperature

• Dissolved oxygen

• Transparency

• Note: All affect water quality

Water Quality Measures

• Hach Kits

• Electronic sensors/ meters– Yellow Springs

Instruments (YSI)– ICM Perstorp– Hydrolab– Orion

Temperature measure

• Electronic thermister

• Mercury thermometer

• Reversing thermometer

• Bathythermograph

Chemical Assessment - Chemical Assessment - OxygenOxygen

The amount of dissolved oxygen is The amount of dissolved oxygen is critical to most aquatic organisms.critical to most aquatic organisms.

Photosynthesis is the primary source Photosynthesis is the primary source of oxygen in most waters. wind-of oxygen in most waters. wind-driven wave aeration and aeration driven wave aeration and aeration by falling water can also be by falling water can also be significant. significant.

Dissolved oxygen

• Fish distribution

• Influence on nutrition effects

OO22

OO22

Dissolved Oxygen Measure

• Dissolved oxygen meter

• Winkler titration

Transparency affected by

• Suspended particles

• Plankton

• Measure using Secchi disk

Chemical Assessment - Chemical Assessment - pHpH

pH range in most inland water is 6-9 pH range in most inland water is 6-9 standard units. standard units.

NitrogenNitrogen

Nitrogen CycleNitrogen Cycle

http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosystem.html

PhosphorusPhosphorus

PhosphorusPhosphorus

http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosystem.html

e.g. Eutrophic e.g. Eutrophic

High phosphorousHigh phosphorous High chlorophyll aHigh chlorophyll a Low secchi diskLow secchi disk

POPO44 ====

Water Assessment Water Assessment ResourcesResources

Good source of information on fish identification Good source of information on fish identification and related activities: and related activities: http://www.spart5.k12.sc.us/techtraining/thttp://www.spart5.k12.sc.us/techtraining/teacher/webpages/SCFish/sc_fish_activitieseacher/webpages/SCFish/sc_fish_activities.htm .htm

Information on different nutrient and gas Information on different nutrient and gas cycles: cycles: http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosyshttp://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosystem.htmltem.html

Protecting Our Protecting Our Freshwater Freshwater ResourcesResources

Point Source pollutionPoint Source pollution

Point sourcesPoint sources: A point source is a : A point source is a readily identifiable source. readily identifiable source.

A typical example is a pipe leading A typical example is a pipe leading from an industry directly to a river. from an industry directly to a river. The pipe is easily identified and can be The pipe is easily identified and can be traced back to the industry. traced back to the industry.

Some examples of point sources are Some examples of point sources are industrial plants, wastewater treatment industrial plants, wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, restaurants, etc. facilities, landfills, restaurants, etc.

Most point sources have already been Most point sources have already been identified and are highly regulated. identified and are highly regulated.

Non-point source Non-point source pollutionpollution

Not point source!!Not point source!! Legal definition (not legally defined or Legal definition (not legally defined or

regulated), e.g. agricultural sourcesregulated), e.g. agricultural sources Usually diffuse hard to monitorUsually diffuse hard to monitor Controlled through best management Controlled through best management

practicespractices New stormwater regulationsNew stormwater regulations How about natural sources??? Wildlife, How about natural sources??? Wildlife,

bacteria?bacteria?

Methods for reducing point Methods for reducing point and non-point source and non-point source

pollutionpollution Point SourcesPoint Sources Reduce untreated Reduce untreated

wastewater leakage wastewater leakage from collection from collection systems, systems, maintenance!!maintenance!!

Dispose of all Dispose of all hazardous materials hazardous materials at recycling centers at recycling centers (not down drain)(not down drain)

Non-point sourcesNon-point sources Increase green spaceIncrease green space Water Smart Water Smart

gardeninggardening Dispose of all liquid Dispose of all liquid

“biodegradable” “biodegradable” wastes in sanitary wastes in sanitary sewer or recycling sewer or recycling day pickupday pickup

Don’t litterDon’t litter

ResourcesResources

On the Web:On the Web: EPAEPA TCEQTCEQ HGACHGAC

Water ConservationWater Conservation

Major water lossesMajor water losses

1.1. Water distribution system leaksWater distribution system leaks

2.2. Dripping faucets, running toiletsDripping faucets, running toilets

3.3. Over-irrigation or inefficient Over-irrigation or inefficient irrigationirrigation

Methods of conserving Methods of conserving water - householdswater - households

Gray water reuse – washing machine and Gray water reuse – washing machine and dishwater used for plant irrigationdishwater used for plant irrigation

Low water use settings on applianceLow water use settings on appliance Run dishwasher when fullRun dishwasher when full Watering lawns in morning, late evening with Watering lawns in morning, late evening with

timerstimers Turning off hose during washing when not Turning off hose during washing when not

usingusing XeriscapeXeriscape Drip irrigationDrip irrigation

Methods of conserving Methods of conserving water - householdswater - households

Low flush toiletsLow flush toilets Toilet displacement devicesToilet displacement devices Low flow showerheadsLow flow showerheads Faucet aeratorsFaucet aerators Pressure reductionPressure reduction

Methods of conserving Methods of conserving water – local government water – local government

and utilitiesand utilities

Water distribution system maintenanceWater distribution system maintenance Xeriscape, low water use plants in public Xeriscape, low water use plants in public

placesplaces Drip irrigationDrip irrigation Gray water useGray water use Wastewater recycling (targetted use e.g. Wastewater recycling (targetted use e.g.

Golf course irrigation vs. total – drinking Golf course irrigation vs. total – drinking water)water)

Metering & pricingMetering & pricing

Methods of conserving Methods of conserving water and reducing point water and reducing point

and non-point source and non-point source pollution - Examplepollution - Example

Water Conservation: The Water Conservation: The City of Richardson City of Richardson website is a good source website is a good source of information. of information.

The supplier of water to The supplier of water to Richardson, The North Richardson, The North Texas Municipal Water Texas Municipal Water District, also has an District, also has an informative website. informative website.

Water ConservationWater ConservationReferencesReferences

City of Richardson, Texas City of Richardson, Texas http://www.cor.net/news/waterconservation.htmhttp://www.cor.net/news/waterconservation.htm

North Texas Municipal Water District: North Texas Municipal Water District: http://www.ntmwd.com/droughtInfo.htmlhttp://www.ntmwd.com/droughtInfo.html

Hydrograph of water level in Jim Chapman Lake: Hydrograph of water level in Jim Chapman Lake: http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/hydrograph.php?wfo=fwd&gage=http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/hydrograph.php?wfo=fwd&gage=sclt2&view=1,1,1,1,1,1sclt2&view=1,1,1,1,1,1

Hydrograph of water level in Lake Lavon:Hydrograph of water level in Lake Lavon:

http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=fwd&gage=lvnt2&group=255084&view=1,1,1,1,1,1wfo=fwd&gage=lvnt2&group=255084&view=1,1,1,1,1,1

The majority of the water used in the urban Dallas-Fort Worth area The majority of the water used in the urban Dallas-Fort Worth area comes from lakes (surface water). comes from lakes (surface water).

The water sources for Richardson are Lake Chapman and Lake The water sources for Richardson are Lake Chapman and Lake Lavon. Lavon.

Included in the references are water level graphs from both Lake Included in the references are water level graphs from both Lake Chapman and Lake Lavon. Chapman and Lake Lavon.

The water levels can be tracked and hypothetical volumes of water The water levels can be tracked and hypothetical volumes of water used, and more importantly how much water is left, could be used, and more importantly how much water is left, could be calculated. calculated.

This exercise underscores how serious drought conditions are in This exercise underscores how serious drought conditions are in North Texas and can be used to further discussion on conservation.North Texas and can be used to further discussion on conservation.

Water Conservation Water Conservation

Water Protection (Quantity and Water Protection (Quantity and Quality) RegulationQuality) Regulation

Clean Water Quality ActClean Water Quality Act NPDES permittingNPDES permitting 319 Program319 Program GrantsGrants State AdministrationState Administration

Safe Drinking Water Act Safe Drinking Water Act Wellhead ProtectionWellhead Protection Underground Injection ControlUnderground Injection Control Sole Source AquiferSole Source Aquifer State AdministrationState Administrationwww.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/groundwater/src/epa.htmwww.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/groundwater/src/epa.htm

River Water ProtectionRiver Water Protection

Endangered Species Act – Endangered Species Act – endangered aquatic organisms – endangered aquatic organisms – snail darter, otherssnail darter, others

Wild and Scenic Rivers ActWild and Scenic Rivers Act FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission) relicensing Commission) relicensing State Water Rights – environmental State Water Rights – environmental

flows?flows?