Kansas Water Science Center
Publications
Highlights
Real-Time Water-Quality Monitoring and Regression Analysis to Estimate Constituent Loads in Kansas StreamsBy V.G. Christensen, P.R. Rasmussen, and A.C. ZieglerAbstractA progressive approach currently is underway in Kansas to estimate and monitor constituent concentrations and loads in streams. In this approach, real-time water-quality monitoring and the application of regression equations are combined to estimate concentrations of constituents of concern in source water. Immediate action then can be taken by resource managers to treat, divert, or avoid contact with the water until water-quality conditions improve. This approach also can be used to help establish and monitor total maximum daily loads (TMDL's) in a stream and to monitor the effectiveness of implemented best-management practices in a watershed. To assess the quality of water in Kansas streams, continuous in-stream water-quality monitors are installed at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream-gaging stations to provide real-time measurement of specific conductance, pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. In addition, periodic water samples are collected manually and analyzed for constituents of concern. Regression equations are then developed from the sensor measurements of the water-quality monitors and analytical results of manually collected water samples. These regression equations are used to estimate constituent loads. This progressive approach compliments many other studies, particularly when historical data are available to help refine the regression equations. This approach also utilizes the existing USGS stream-gaging network and can reduce analytical costs by utilizing existing water-quality data. All States are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 1972 Clean Water Act to establish TMDL's, and the estimation of chemical loading using real-time monitoring and regression analysis may provide more accurate load estimates because of the continuous nature of the real-time water-quality data. The increasing public interest in TMDL's and water quality in general make this approach of regional as well as national importance. Additional information on Real-Time Water-Quality in Kansas can be found at: http://ks.water.usgs.gov/studies/qw/Christensen, V.G., Rasmussen, P.R., and Ziegler, A.C., 2000, Real-time water-quality monitoring and regression analysis to estimate constituent loads in Kansas streams [abst.], in Conference Program, National Environmental Monitoring Technology Conference, September 19-20, 2000, Boston, Massachusetts: Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, panel session 21. |
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: /pubs/abstracts/epa.09-00.html
Page Contact Information: GS-W-KS_info@usgs.gov
Page Last Modified:Thursday, 05-Jan-2012 16:11:37 CST
The USGS has collected hydrologic information in Kansas since 1895 with the first USGS Cooperative
Water Program funding agreement for 6 streamflow gages with the Kansas Water Board. USGS collects streamflow
and gage-height data; reservoir content; water-quality and water-quantity data; suspended-sediment data;
and groundwater levels. Hydrologic studies are conducted on national, regional, statewide, and local levels.
The USGS in Kansas works cooperatively with 31 Federal, State, and local agencies, such as the Kansas Water Office, the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Wichita