Water quality monitoring protocol for streams and springs in the Southern Colorado Plateau Network

Monroe, Stephen; Dyer, Melissa; Stumpf, Stacey; Bliss, Clayton; Parker, Cynthia

Water quality is an indicator of aquatic and riparian ecosystem health and is influenced by the interaction of geology, hydrology, and watershed characteristics on the Colorado Plateau. It is sensitive to natural disturbances and anthropogenic stressors across a range of spatial scales. The Southern Colorado Plateau Network (SCPN) of the National Park Service (NPS) identified water quality as a core vital sign and chose to conduct long-term monitoring of the water quality of streams and springs in network parks. This protocol narrative and 18 associated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) explain the rationale, describe the process, and provide the field methods used to monitor water quality in SCPN parks. Seven appendices provide supplemental information: a yearly task list; a list of water quality monitoring sites and plans for SCPN parks; equipment decontamination procedures, lab standards and guidelines; documentation of the databases used to manage water quality data; a sample water quality data summary report; and a complete list of equipment used in the SCPN water quality monitoring process. To identify streams and springs where potential water quality monitoring sites might be located, SCPN reviewed (1) water quality data inventory and analysis reports prepared by the Water Resources Division (WRD) of the NPS, (2) a United States Geological Survey (USGS) summary and review of available water quality data from streams in SCPN parks (Brown 2008), (3) data collected during a Level 1 water quality inventory of streams in SCPN parks (Macy and Monroe 2006), and (4) results of water quality planning meetings with natural resource staff of network parks. SCPN selected streams and springs at the following parks: Bandelier National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Navajo National Monument, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, and Yucca House National Monument. SCPN will establish monitoring sites, either in association with other network monitoring activities where substantial historical water quality data are available, or at locations selected as high priority through consultation with park managers. SCPN stream water quality monitoring sites will be visited three to four times each year, and water quality data will be collected at spring monitoring sites once every five to seven years. At each stream monitoring site, SCPN will collect water quality core parameter data as required by the NPS Water Resources Division, which include temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and discharge. In addition, the network will collect data on E. coli and coliform bacteria, as well as a suite of analytes that may include nutrients, major elements and ions, and dissolved trace elements. Only NPS core water quality data will be collected at springs monitoring sites. The methods described in this protocol are modified from protocols developed by the USGS, and the NPS Northern Colorado Plateau Network.

Water quality monitoring protocol for streams and springs in the Southern Colorado Plateau Network

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