U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4248
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
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Characterization of Surface-Water Quality Based on Read-Time Monitoring and Regression
Analysis, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, South-Central Kansas, December 1998 Through June
2001
By V.G. Christensen
Abstract
Because of the considerable wildlife benefits offered by the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
in south-central Kansas, there is a desire to ensure suitable water quality. To assess the
quality of water flowing from Rattlesnake Creek into the refuge, the U.S. Geological Survey
collected periodic water samples from December 1998 through June 2001 and analyzed the
samples for physical properties, dissolved solids, total suspended solids, suspended
sediment, major ions, nutrients, metals, pesticides, and indicator bacteria. Concentrations
of 10 of the 125 chemicals analyzed did not meet water-quality criteria to protect aquatic
life and drinking water in a least one sample. These were pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen,
dissolved solids, sodium, chloride, phosphorus, total coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria,
and fecal coliform bacteria. No metal or pesticide concentrations exceeded water-quality
criteria. Twenty-two of the 43 metals analyzed were not detected, and 36 of the 46 pesticides
analyzed were not detected.
Because dissolved solids, sodium, chloride, fecal coliform bacteria, and other chemicals that
are a concern for the health and habitat of fish and wildlife at the refuge cannot be
measured continuously, regression equations were developed from a comparison of the
analytical results of periodic samples and in-stream monitor measurements of specific
conductance, pH, water temperature, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. A continuous record of
estimated chemical concentrations was developed from continuously recorded in-stream
measurements.
Annual variation in water quality was evaluated by comparing 1999 and 2000 sample data- the 2
years for which complete data sets were available. Median concentrations of alkalinity,
fluoride, nitrate, and fecal coliform bacteria were smaller or did not change from 1999 to
2000. Dissolved solids, total suspended solids, sodium, chloride, sulfate, total organic
nitrogen, and total phosphorus had increases in median concentrations from 1999 to 2000.
Increases in the median concentrations of the major ions were expected due to decreased
rainfall in 2000 and very low streamflow late in the year. Increases for solids and nutrients
may have been due to the unusually high streamflow in the early spring of 2000. This was the
time of year when fields were tilled, exposing solids and nutrients that were transported
with runoff to Rattlesnake Creek.
Load estimates indicate the chemical mass transported into the refuge and can be used in the
development of total maximum daily loads (as specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency) for water-quality contaminants in Rattlesnake Creek. Load estimates also were used to
evaluate seasonal variation in water quality. Seasonal variation was most pronounced in the
estimates of nutrient loads, and most of the nutrient load transported to the refuge occurred
during just a few periods of surface runoff in the spring and summer. This information may be
used by resource managers to determine when water-diversion strategies would be most
beneficial. Load estimates also were used to calculate yields, which are useful for site
comparisons.
The continuous and real-time nature of the record of estimated concentrations, loads, and
yields may be important for resource managers, recreationalists, or others for evaluating
water-diversion strategies, making water-use decisions, or assessing the environmental
effects of chemicals in time to prevent adverse effects on fish or other aquatic life at the
refuge.
Christensen, V.G., 2001, Characterization of surface-water quality based on read-time
monitoring and regression analysis, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, South-Central Kansas,
December 1998 through June 2001: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations
Report01-4248, 28 p.
For additional information about this project contact:
Victoria Christensen
U.S. Geological Survey
4821 Quail Crest Place
Lawrence, KS 66049-3839
Telephone: (785) 832-3552
Fax: (785) 832-3500
Email: vglenn@usgs.gov
To request a paper copy of this report, email:
GS-W-KS_info@usgs.gov
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