Document Type
Report
Abstract
There are many sources of pollution that can affect a watershed. These pollutants can impact the water's pH, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved solids. Escherichia coli is a specific pollutant that comes from waste products of humans and animals. High levels of E. coli cause serious health problems. This study examines Silver Creek, a tributary within the Plaster Creek watershed. Silver Creek runs mostly underground and has storm drainage systems that flow into the creek. The goal was to explore the effects of the underground section of Silver Creek on water quality and E. coli levels. The water quality and levels of E. coli were tested before going into the underground section, a section where Silver Creek resurfaces, and through a manhole cover from a drainage section. The water quality was tested using a Hanna instrument and the E. coli levels were tested using Coliscan Easygel. The study found that there was a statistically significant increase for everything we measured. The conclusion was that restoration is necessary in order to clean up the creek and thus the watershed as a whole.
Publication Date
Fall 2024
Recommended Citation
Bultje, Nick; Krause, Valerie; and Nulty, Rebecca, "Water Quality of Silver Creek, a Buried Urban Stream" (2024). Student Papers and Reports. 20.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/pcs_student-papers/20