water quality of the owasco lake, ny, watershed

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Owasco Lake Water Quality - 1 Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart & William Smith Colleges

WATER QUALITY OF THE OWASCO LAKE, NY, WATERSHED

James M. Ryan

Department of Biology & Environmental Studies Program

Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Finger Lakes Institute

Geneva, NY 14456

[email protected]

Revised 1/15/2008

Introduction

Owasco Lake provides Class AA drinking water for the City of Auburn, Town of

Owasco and lakeshore residents. Detailed descriptions of the lake and watershed are provided by

Halfman et al., 2008 and others in this report and are not repeated here. However, it is important

to remember that Owasco Lake has a relatively small volume relative to the surface area of its

watershed (watershed surface area to lake volume ratio is 17:1; Bloomfield, 1978; Anonymous

2000). Consequently, Owasco Lake is strongly influenced by runoff events following storms and

during spring snowmelts. Likewise, the lake is particularly vulnerable to both point source and

non-point source pollutants in the surrounding watershed.

The Owasco Lake watershed is primarily rural, except at the northern end of the lake.

Approximately 52% of the watershed is agricultural land intermixed with an additional 39% of

forested lands (Fig. 1). This land use pattern suggests that the primary route for pollutants is via

non-point source runoff of pesticides and herbicides from agricultural land. A likely secondary

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Ryan - Owasco Lake Watershed Stream Pollutants Report

route is via point source release from septic systems and/or inefficient municipal wastewater

treatment facilities. In addition to the route of entry, pollutants are also classified by chemical

composition. Typically these include inorganic ions, inorganic metals, and a wide variety of

organic compounds. including many herbicides and pesticides (Newman and Unger, 2003).

This study was undertaken to determine the potential contribution and extent of non-

point source and point source pollutants. Such pollutants include an array of herbicides and

pesticides applied in both agricultural and suburban settings, a suite of trihalomethanes, and

several toxic metals. In addition, several inorganic ions and physical parameters were also assayed

over a four-month period in the spring and summer of 2007.

Methods

Stream Sites: Stream sites were selected to provide spatial coverage and to isolate potential

pollutant sources to the lake (Table 1; Fig. 2). Nine sampling sites, distributed along the north-

south axis of Owasco Lake, were chosen based on their watershed size, land use activities, and

their potential to deliver non-point source and point source pollutants to the lake. For example,

watershed dominated by agricultural land tend to deliver more nitrates, phosphates, soil, as well

as herbicides and pesticides (Walker et al., 2006). The northern most sample site was Sucker

Creek, which drains a small, urban and suburban watershed. It enters the lake after passing

through a golf course on the northeastern side of Owasco Lake. Dutch Hollow Creek, the 2nd

largest tributary to the Lake, drains an agriculturally-rich watershed (64%), along the eastern

margin of the lake (Fig. 1). The major contributor of water to Owasco Lake is Owasco inlet at the

southern end of the lake. Owasco Inlet drains a mixture of agricultural (46%) and forested land.

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Several sites were chosen along Owasco Inlet in an effort to bracket local waste water treatment

facilities (Figs. 1-2). Two tributaries to Owasco Inlet, Mill Creek (which enters between the

Moravia and Locke sites) and Hemlock Creek (between the Locke and Groton sites), were also

sampled upstream of each tributary's confluence with Owasco Inlet. As mention in preceding

chapters, the distribution of sites along Owasco Inlet enabled a stream segment analysis, and the

potential to identify pollution sources to the Inlet. For example, the sites chosen in this study

bracketed the two municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Groton and Moravia. There were

no significant feeder streams located along the western shoreline except Veness Creek at the

northern end of the lake. Veness Creek was not sampled because it ran alongside the road as a

ditch for much of its length before mixing with lake water near its mouth. It therefore did not

represent a natural stream source and its watershed was very small.

Table 1. Stream sampling site locations and elevations.

Site Name Latitude Longitude Elevation

Sucker Creek 42o 54’09.90” N 76o 31’31.07” W 224 m

Dutch Hollow 42o 51’52.78” N 76o 30’21.37” W 222 m

Owasco Inlet - Moravia 42o 42’55.89” N 76o 25’59.63” W 220 m

Mill Creek 42o 42’39.36” N 76o 25’32.52” W 220 m

Filmore Glen 42o 42’05.67” N 76o 25’11.29” W 231 m

Owasco Inlet - Locke 42o 40’09.24” N 76o 25’34.80” W 266 m

Hemlock Creek 42o 39’15.50” N 76o 25’52.78” W 266 m

Owasco Inlet - County Line 42o 37’06.67” N 76o 23’08.10” W 277 m

Owasco Inlet - Groton 42o 35’02.33” N 76o 21’58.73” W 304 m

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Laboratory Analyses: All sites containing flowing water were sampled every two to three weeks

from June through September, 2007. Sample dates and precipitation totals for nearby Ithaca, NY

are provided in Fig. 3. Sampling consisted of collecting stream water into a sterile one liter glass

bottle. Samples were labeled and transported back to the lab on ice. In the lab, each sample was

vacuum filtered using a Welch 2511 dry vacuum pump and Whatman paper filters to remove

suspended sediment.

June and early July sub-samples were first tested for toxicity using the AbraTox Kit

(Abraxis, LLC). This screen is used to detect general toxicity in water samples based on the use

of luminescent bacteria, Vibrio fischeri. The principle of the assay is that these bacterial cultures

will be inhibited, and produce less light, if they are exposed to toxic compounds in the water

source. This method provides a rapid, cost effective screen for water samples. Samples with

decreased luminescence compared with controls in the AbraTox screen were transferred to sterile

sample bottles and overnight shipped to National Testing Laboratories in Ypsilanti, MI for more

detailed analysis. Because virtually all of the June and early July samples tested positive using

the AbraTox screen, this screening step was removed and all remaining samples were filtered and

sent out for analysis.

Samples were assayed for bacteria, selected inorganic compounds, metals,

trihalomethanes, and a suite of pesticides and herbicides at the National Testing Laboratories.

Maximum contaminant levels (MCL) and assay detection levels are provided in Table 2.

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Table 2. Maximum contaminant levels, assay detection levels, and standard methods for stream water samples

tested by National Testing Laboratories.

Analysis MCL (mg/l) Detection Level Method

Bacteria Total coliform ---- Present/Absent 9223B Inorganics Arsenic 0.01 0.005 200.8 Calcium NA 2.0 200.7 Iron 0.3 0.02 200.7 Lead 0.015 0.002 200.8 Mercury 0.002 0.001 200.8 Sodium NA 1.0 200.7 Alkalinity NA 20 2320B Chloride 250 5.0 300.0 Hardness 100 (suggested) 10 2340B Nitrate (as N) 10 0.5 300.0 Sulfate 250 5.0 300.0 Total dissolved solids 500 20 calc Trihalomethanes Bromo-di-chloro-methane NA 0.002 524.2 Bromoform NA 0.004 524.2 Chloroform NA 0.002 524.2 Dibromochloromethane NA 0.004 524.2 Total THMs 0.08 0.002 524.2 Organics Alachlor 0.002 0.001 508.1 Atrazine 0.003 0.002 508.1 Chlodane 0.002 0.001 505 Dieldrin NA 0.001 505 Lindane 0.0002 0.0002 505 Methoxychlor 0.04 0.002 505 PCBs 0.0005 0.0005 505 Simazine 0.004 0.002 508.1 The analyses in Table 2 were performed based on approved USEPA methods or variations of

these methods. Information and sources for these standard test methods can be found at the

Environmental Protection Agency’s website (www.epa.gov/epahome/index/). Individual methods

are briefly summarized below.

Bacteria: Presence or absence of total coliform and E. coli bacteria were determined using EPA

Test Method 9223B (Colilert). This test is preformed by adding reagents to a water sample. The

sample is then transferred to a nutrient culture dish and incubated for 24 hours. Bacteria form

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colonies during incubation, and these colonies are counted under natural and fluorescent light. If

the number of colonies is greater than a standard comparator, then the presence of total coliforms

and/or E. coli is confirmed. Bacterial water analysis ensures that the concentration of potentially

pathogenic bacteria in drinking water is sufficiently low for the water to be potable. The presence

of coliforms (and especially E. coli) suggests fecal matter contamination of a water sample.

Physical Factors: Water hardness was determined by EPA method #2340B, which uses EDTA

titration. Method 2320B was used to determine Alkalinity (CaCO3). Turbidity was measured

electronically using a turbidity meter following method #180.1. Total dissolved solids (TDS) was

calculated by dry-weight filtration.

Inorganic ions and metals: EPA approved method # 300.0 was used to quantify chloride, nitrate,

and sulfate levels. This method uses an ion chromatograph to measure anion concentration in

water samples. Calcium, iron, and sodium concentrations were measured using inductively

coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry according to method #200.7. Briefly, a sample is

injected into the instrument, aerosolized, and passed to a plasma torch. A characteristic emission

spectra is produced and measured by optical spectrometry. Metals such as arsenic, lead, and

mercury were subjected to Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry according to

method # 200.8. The sample is nebulized into plasma and the ions are extracted from the plasma

and separated on the basis of their mass-to-charge ratio by a quadruple mass spectrometer.

Trihalomethanes: The concentration of the trihalomethanes, Bromodichloromethane,

bromoform, chloroform, and dibromochloromethane, along with total trihalomethanes, was

determined using method # 524.2. This method uses an inert gas to purge volatile organic

compounds (VOCs) from a water sample. The purged VOCss are trapped in a sorbent tube,

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which is then heated and backflushed with helium to release the trapped VOCs into a capillary

gas chromatography (GC) column. The VOC concentrations are measured using a capillary gas

chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer.

Pesticides/Herbicides: Methods 508.1 and 505 were used to quantify a series of pesticides and

herbicides in water samples. Method 508.1 detects chlorinated pesticides and herbicides using

liquid-solid extraction and electron capture gas chromatography. The remaining pesticides and

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the water samples were analyzed by microextraction gas

chromatography according to method # 505.

Results and Discussion

Stream physical parameters, such as pH, TDS, turbidity, discharge, and the like have been

described by Halfman et al., in this report, and will not be repeated here. Tables 3-9 provide a

summary of the data collected for each of the nine streams over the course of the 4 months in

2007. Two of the nine streams, Sucker Creek and Filmore Glen, are ephemeral streams that

periodically dried up. Thus, these two streams were incompletely sampled. Sucker Creek, at the

north end of the lake was sampled on June 4th, June 18th, and July 21st. Sucker Creek lacked

flowing water during he remaining sample dates at the sampling site adjacent to the golf course on

Oakridge Road. It should be noted that, on those dates, there was water in Sucker Creek as it

passed under the bridge on Route 38A near the Owasco Lake shore, but this site was not suitable

for sampling because the water from Sucker Creek was mixed with lake water at this location, and

did not provide a clear picture of the contribution from Sucker Creek.

A second ephemeral stream, Filmore Glen, drains a largely forested region in the south

western portion of the watershed. Filmore Glen was completely dry for all sampling periods after

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June 4th. This stream occasionally held running water for brief periods after rainfall events, but

dried again after a day or two. The remaining streams held water all summer long as constitute

the bulk of the water samples discussed below.

Bacteria: Coliform bacteria are abundant in the feces of warm-blooded animals. Runoff from

agricultural lands, where animals are concentrated, may also result in measurable levels of fecal

coliforms in the aquatic environment (APHA, 1992; USEPA, 1986). It is important to understand

that fecal coliforms themselves rarely cause illness, but they do indicate the presence of fecal

material that may contain other pathogenic organisms including viruses, parasites, or protozoa.

Escherichia coli (E. coli), a coliform bacteria, is exclusively of fecal origin and their presence

provides confirmation of fecal contamination. Generally, positive tests for fecal coliforms and E.

coli indicate that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material from human or other

animal sources (APHA, 1992; USEPA, 1986). Fecal coliform bacteria can enter streams and

rivers through 1) direct discharge of feces from mammals (and birds), 2) from agricultural and

storm runoff, and 3) from untreated human sewage from leaking sewage systems or

overburdened or inefficient municipal waste water treatment facilites (Newman and Unger,

2003;Walker et al., 2006).

All nine stream sites on all sample dates tested positive for the presence of coliform

bacteria and for E. coli, in particular (Tables 3-9). The widespread occurrence of coliform

bacteria makes it difficult to determine specific input sources. It is likely that contamination

occurs through several sources including, agricultural runoff and municipal sources.

Inorganics: Inorganic chemicals were divided into two categories; metals and other inorganics.

The non-metal inorganic chemicals tested included chloride, hardness, nitrate as N, sulfate and

total dissolved solids (TDS). The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for chloride is 250

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mg/l. Chloride levels in Owasco Lake streams ranged from 19 to 73 mg/l, well below MCLs

recommended by the EPA. Owasco Inlet at the county line sampling site had consistently higher

levels of chloride than the other sites (Tables 3-9).

Water hardness is a measure of the mineral content in the water. The minerals typically

include calcium, magnesium cations, along with other dissolved compounds such as bicarbonates

and sulfates (WHO, 1996). The EPA does not set MCLs for water hardness because the ions

involved are non-toxic. Instead, water is classified by general category: 0 to 60 mg/L (milligrams

per liter) as calcium carbonate is classified as soft; 61 to 120 mg/L as moderately hard; 121 to

180 mg/L as hard; and more than 180 mg/L as very hard. Water hardness levels in this study

ranged from a low of 100 mg/l at Filmore Glen on June 4th, 2007 to a high of 280mg/l at Sucker

Creek on June 18th and July 21st. Thus, all the streams, with the possible exception of Filmore

Glen (based on a single sampling) are classified as containing hard to very hard water (Tables 3-

9).

Nitrate Nitrogen is a common form of nitrogen in water. In freshwater lakes, nitrate can

reach high levels and potentially harm fish and other aquatic organisms (Rabalals, 2002).

Nitrates enter aquatic environments through surface runoff of fertilizers from agricultural or

suburban land. Nitrates may also enter via groundwater as a byproduct of aerobic decomposition

from septic systems. Although less toxic than ammonia or nitrite, high nitrate levels (over 30

ppm) can stress fish and create algae blooms (Rabalals, 2002 and references therein). Nitrate

concentrations in non-polluted waters are less than 10 mg/l (MCL). The stream samples for

Owasco Lake all had nitrate nitrogen levels below 3.0 mg/l (well below the MCL; Tables 3-9)).

Sulfate occurs naturally in drinking water, and has a secondary maximum contaminant

level (SMCL) of 250 mg/l. This is a non-enforced standard based on taste and odor rather than

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toxicity. All of the streams sampled contain sulfates (6-41 mg/l), but all levels were well below

the 250 mg/l suggested maximum set by the EPA (Tables 3-9).

Heavy metals: Streams that contain heavy metals suggests that residential and/or industrial

wastes are being discharged into the stream. Such point-source pollution can present significant

public health hazards, so it is vital to identify the source of these pollutants (Moore and

Ramamoorthy, 1984). This study sampled stream waters for the presence of arsenic, iron, lead,

and mercury.

Arsenic is an odorless, tasteless, semi-metal element that enters water supplies from both

natural geologic deposits or from agricultural and industrial sources (Hutchinson and Meema,

1988). The MCL for arsenic is 0.01 mg/l (ppm) or 10 parts ber billion. The detection level of the

assay used in this study was 0.005 mg/l. No arsenic was detected at any of the stream sites on

any sampling dates (Tables 3-9).

Iron is a generally non-toxic metal commonly found in drinking water sources. Although

it rarely presents a health concern, in high concentrations it produces an unpleasant taste and

creates rust stains on plumbing fixtures. While MCLs are established by the EPA for chemicals

of health concern, a set of secondary standards are used for chemicals that cause aesthetic

concerns (e.g. odor, taste, staining). The EPA set the secondary maximum contaminant level

(SMCL) for iron in drinking water at 0.3 mg/l. All of the stream sites had iron levels well below

the SMCL. Owasco Inlet at Groton had the highest iron levels of between 0.11 - 0.19 mg/l

(Tables 3-9).

Lead is found in natural geologic formations as well as in some household plumbing lines

(as lead pipes or solder). Drinking water contaminated with lead can result in significant negative

health effects in children and adults. Even more modern plumbing fixtures, such as brass or

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chrome-plated fixtures, may leach lead into the drinking water. Consequently, the EPA set MCLs

for lead in drinking water at 0.015 mg/l (or 15 parts per billion). The detection level used in this

study was 0.002 mg/l or 2 parts per billion. No lead was detected at any of the stream sampling

sites on any of the sample dates (Tables 3-9).

Mercury is typically released as a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, or from other

industrial manufacturing processes (e.g. metal smelting, cement manufacturing, etc.). Mercury is

unique in that when it enters the environment it can either evaporate or it can enter the food chain

via microbial conversion of inorganic mercury to organic compounds that then are stored in the

tissues of aquatic organisms (Newman and Unger, 2003). Because mercury is highly-toxic, the

EPA set MCLs at 0.002 mg/l (2 parts per billion). Detection limits in this study were 1 part per

billion in water samples. Mercury was not detected at any site on any date during this study

(Tables 3-9).

Organics:

Trihalomethanes: Trihalomethanes (THMs) are used in industry as solvents, disinfectants, or

refrigerants, and are considered environmental pollutants (Cotruvo, 1981). Many THMs are also

thought (or known) to cause cancer. Trihalomethanes enter water supplies as a byproduct of

water disinfection (when chlorine or bromine are added as disinfection agents). The EPA sets

MCLs for the combined total of four THMs (chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane,

and dibromochloromethane) at 0.08 mg/l (80 parts per billion) in treated drinking water. This

number is more commonly reported as "total trihalomethanes" (TTHM). Detection limits used in

this study ranged between 0.002 and 0.004 mg/l. No THMs were detected at any of the stream

sites in this study (Tables 3-9).

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Herbicides and Pesticides; A variety of herbicides and pesticides are applied in residential and

agricultural settings throughout the Finger Lakes region each year. Because it is difficult to

determine exactly which compound or mixtures are applied over what time frame, eight

herbicides, pesticides, and PCBs were selected for study. They include Alachlor, Atrazine,

Chlordane, Dieldrin, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Simazine, and PCBs. For example, Simazine,

Alachlor and Atrazine are used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds growing among

economically important crops, such as corn and soybeans (Walker et al., 2006). Others, such as

Chlordane and Dieldrin, are pesticides that were developed to replace DDT, and are used

primarily to control insect pest on crops. Polychlorinated Byphenyls (PCBs) are a large group of

organic compounds with up to 10 chlorine atoms attached to two benzene rings. PCBs were

originally used as coolants, insulating fluids, stabilizing additives in the PVC coatings of

electrical wiring, pesticide extenders, flame retardants, adhesives, and in carbonless copy paper

(Newman and Unger, 2003; Walker et al., 2006). Later PCBs were discovered to be highly toxic

and they were subsequently banned in the 1970s (although they persist in the environment for

long periods of time). EPA established MCLs and the detection limits used in this study are

listed for each compound in Tables 2-9. No pesticides, herbicides, or PCBs were detected at any

of the stream sites on any date during the study period.

Conclusions

The results of this study are encouraging. No toxic metals, trihalomethanes, PCBs,

pesticides, or herbicides were detected in any of the streams draining the major subwatersheds

that contribute water to Owasco Lake. However, caution should be used when interpreting

these results because rainfall and subsequent runoff levels were exceedingly low during

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the summer of 2007 (Fig. 4). Stream discharge increases rapidly following rainfall events

because excess water (approximately 50% of the precipitation) runs off the surface into the

stream. The remainder of the precipitation soaks into the soil and enters the groundwater system,

or is absorbed by vegetation and used for photosynthesis. As the runoff enters the stream it

carries with it nitrates, suspended sediments, herbicides, pesticides, and other compounds

applied to the landscape (Smith et al., 1993). Thus, storms with high rainfall increase both the

stream discharge and the concentration of surface runoff pollutants. Periods of low rainfall, such

as occurred during the summer of 2007, would be expected to yield lower concentrations of

surface runoff pollutants. Consequently, continued monitoring of aquatic systems for non-point

source pollutants before and after high rainfall events is required before potential contamination

from terrestrial pollutants can be scientifically assessed.

Acknowledgements

The research was supported by grants from the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, John Ben Snow

Foundation, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, New York State, and the Andrew Mellon

Foundation. I am grateful to Senator Mike Nozzolio, for his support of this project. Additional

thanks are extended to Judy Miller and Ann Warner for their assistance.

References

Anonymous, 2000. State of the Owasco Lake Watershed, Report produced by Owasco Lake Management Plan Steering Committee. 122pgs. APHA. 1992. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. 18th ed. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.

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Bloomfield, Jay A., 1978. Lakes of New York State, Volume 1, Ecology of the Finger Lakes. Academic Press, New York City. Cotruvo, J.A., 1981. THMs in drinking water.Environmental Science and Technology, Vol 15:268-274 Hutchinson, T.C. and K.M. Meema, (eds) 1988. Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic in the Environment. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY. Moore, J.W. and S. Ramamoorthy, 1984. Heavy Metals in Natural Waters: Applied Monitoring and Impact Assessment. Spring Series on Environmental Management, Springer-Verlag, New York, NY. Newman, M.C. and M.A. Unger, 2003. Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology, 2nd edition, Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL. Rabalals, N.N., 2002. Nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems. Ambio, 31(2): 102-112. Smith, S.J., A.N. Sharpley, and L.R. Ahuja. 1993. Agricultural chemical discharge in surface water runoff. Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol. 22:474-480. USEPA. 1986. Bacteriological ambient water quality criteria for marine and fresh recreational waters. EPA 440/5-84-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH. Walker, C.H., S.P. Hopkin, R.M. Sibly, and D.B. Peakall, 2006. Principles of Ecotoxicology, 3rd Edition, Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton, FL. WHO, 1996. Guidelines for drinking-water quality, 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Health criteria and other supporting information. World Health Organization, Geneva.

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Figure 1. Land use map of the Owasco Lake watershed (Courtesy of John Halfman).

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Figure 2. Location of the stream sampling sites described in this report. (Courtesy of John Halfman).

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Figure 3. Precipitation totals for Ithaca, NY and stream sampling dates for 2007.

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Figure 4. Stream Discharge for Owasco Lake tributaries during the summer of 2007. (Courtesy of

John Halfman).

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Table 3. Data collected for Owasco Lake wateshed streams for June 4, 2007.

Analysis June 4 , 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow

Moravia, Inlet Mill Creek

Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

Filmore Glen

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 70 62 54 47 54 64 54 41 32Iron 0.092 0.07 0.032 0.035 0.038 ND 0.081 0.19 NDLead ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 16 16 18 12 23 10 28 19 4

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 260 210 140 120 180 200 150 150 96Chloride 33 30 34 21 42 20 48 36 NDHardness 260 210 180 150 180 220 180 150 100Nitrate ND 0.5 1.5 1.3 1.7 2.9 1.4 0.6 0.6Sulfate 7 15 16 13 18 17 17 11 14TDS 300 260 220 170 260 250 250 210 110

TRIHALOMETHANESBromo-di-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDBromoform ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChloroform ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDi-bromo-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDTotal THMs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Alachlor ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDAtrazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChlordane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDieldrin ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDLindane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMethoxychlor ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDPCBs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSimazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Table 4. Data collected for Owasco Lake watershed streams on June 18, 2007.

Analysis June 18 , 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow


Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 77 73 64 62 65 64 67 52Iron 0.072 0.043 0.03 ND 0.056 ND 0.086 0.14Lead ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 18 14 19 14 22 10 35 20

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 280 220 180 180 190 200 190 160Chloride 41 30 38 28 43 20 58 42Hardness 280 250 210 200 220 220 220 180Nitrate ND ND 1.4 1.6 1.7 2.9 2 NDSulfate 6 17 18 15 19 17 21 12TDS 330 280 260 240 280 250 310 240

TRIHALOMETHANESBromo-di-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDBromoform ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChloroform ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDi-bromo-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDTotal THMs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Alachlor ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDAtrazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChlordane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDieldrin ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDLindane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMethoxychlor ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDPCBs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSimazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Table 5. Data collected for Owasco Lake watershed streams on July 2, 2007.

Analysis July 2 , 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow


Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 64 65 62 63 66 66 50Iron 0.032 0.024 ND 0.023 ND 0.046 0.12Lead ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 16 20 16 24 12 40 21

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 220 180 170 190 200 180 160Chloride 32 42 33 46 22 66 42Hardness 220 210 200 220 230 230 180Nitrate ND ND 1.5 ND 2.9 2.6 NDSulfate 17 18 16 20 18 22 13TDS 280 260 240 280 260 320 240

TRIHALOMETHANESBromo-di-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND NDBromoform ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChloroform ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDi-bromo-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND NDTotal THMs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Alachlor ND ND ND ND ND ND NDAtrazine ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChlordane ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDieldrin ND ND ND ND ND ND NDLindane ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMethoxychlor ND ND ND ND ND ND NDPCBs ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSimazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Table 6. Data collected for Owasco Lake watershed streams on July 21, 2007.

Analysis July 21 , 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow


Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 78 61 57 58 60 62 62 49Iron 0.098 0.033 0.035 ND 0.05 ND 0.1 0.17Lead ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 17 16 22 18 26 12 40 24

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 240 210 190 160 190 190 170 160Chloride 34 35 44 38 47 26 68 46Hardness 280 220 190 190 210 220 210 180Nitrate ND ND 1 1.4 1.5 2.8 2.5 NDSulfate 41 21 19 17 21 19 23 14TDS 330 280 270 240 280 250 310 240

TRIHALOMETHANESBromo-di-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDBromoform ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChloroform ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDi-bromo-chloro-methane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDTotal THMs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Alachlor ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDAtrazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDChlordane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDDieldrin ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDLindane ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMethoxychlor ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDPCBs ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSimazine ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Table 7. Data collected for Owasco Lake watershed streams on August 6, 2007.

Analysis AUG 06, 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow


Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 57 59 61 62 66 67 50Iron 0.033 0.046 ND 0.038 ND 0.092 0.11Lead ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 16 25 21 30 13 46 22

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 200 160 160 180 190 170 160Chloride 30 43 39 46 23 73 40Hardness 210 200 200 220 230 230 170Nitrate ND 0.7 1.3 0.8 2.4 2.8 NDSulfate 16 18 16 19 17 22 11TDS 260 250 240 280 250 330 230



Table 8. Data collected for Owasco Lake watershed streams on August 28, 2007.

Analysis AUG 28 , 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow


Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 60 52 64 49 57 48 42Iron 0.032 0.085 ND 0.12 0.026 0.15 0.18Lead ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 18 21 22 20 12 22 18

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 190 150 180 140 160 120 110Chloride 26 32 36 31 19 36 27Hardness 220 170 200 160 190 160 140Nitrate ND 0.7 1 0.6 1.3 0.6 NDSulfate 17 16 16 16 14 16 14TDS 250 220 260 210 210 200 180



Table 9. Data collected for Owasco Lake watershed streams on September 10, 2007.

Analysis Sept 10 , 2007Sucker Creek

Dutch Hollow

Moravia, Inlet

Mill Creek

Locke, Inlet

Hemlock Creek

County Line, Inlet

Groton, Inlet

mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/LTotal Coliform Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentE. coli Present Present Present Present Present Present PresentArsenic ND ND ND ND ND ND NDCalcium 56 50 48 52 64 54 50Iron 0.03 0.11 0.066 0.13 ND 0.11 0.13Lead ND ND ND ND ND ND NDMercury ND ND ND ND ND ND NDSodium 14 21 14 22 13 24 19

Alkalinity (Total as CaCO3) 210 160 130 170 190 160 150Chloride 22 37 28 39 22 41 36Hardness 200 160 150 180 220 180 170Nitrate ND 0.9 0.7 0.7 1.9 0.6 NDSulfate 17 19 17 17 18 17 16TDS 250 230 190 240 250 240 220



water quality of the owasco lake, ny, watershed

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