Abstract

This report describes the baseline water quality trends for the upper Wilson-Jordan Creek watershed in southwest Missouri. The study area includes Jordan Creek, the primary stream draining the central downtown area of Springfield, Missouri, and also Fassnight and upper Wilson Creeks. Ten sample sites were established within the watershed and water samples and were collected during base flow and storm runoff events between August 1, 2004 and July 31, 2005. Samples were tested for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and selected heavy metals (zinc, arsenic, lead, copper and cadmium) and the parameters pH, specific conductivity, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. Rating curves were used to correlate discharge and water quality variables. Separate rating curves were developed for base flow and storm runoff conditions. A significant negative correlation between base flow TN and water temperature indicated that variation in TN could be due to seasonal trends in plant activity. A negative correlation between TP and specific conductivity was probably due to increased TP loading during storm runoff. Concentrations of TP and TN at the study watershed outlet were found to be below proposed MODNR TMDL limits for 86 % and 55 % of the study period respectively. Nutrient levels in Jordan Creek are similar to those of other Ozark watersheds not influenced by waste-water treatment plants including some draining relatively rural areas. Annual loads from the study watershed, based on daily average flow frequency, were 26.8 and 2.2 metric tons/year for TN and TP respectively. Concentrations of TN were relatively similar among sample sites at storm runoff, and base flow variations appear to be related to karst spring discharge. Concentrations of TP were also similar among sites at base flow, but storm levels were more variable due to the influence of land use and channel condition.

Document Type

Report

Comments

Final Report to the City of Springfield.

Publication Date

3-19-2007

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