The water quality of streamflow from ponderosa pine forests on sedimentary soils

Abstract

The primary objectives of this study were to characterize the chemical, physical and bacteriological quality of streamflow from ponderosa pine watersheds on sedimentary soil. The following relationships were statistically evaluated: (1) equality of mean water quality characteristics among watersheds and years; (2) correlation of discharge versus individual variable concentrations; (3) correlation of pH versus individual variable concentrations; (4) correlation of suspended sediment concentrations versus dissolved chemical concentrations; and (5) correlation of electrical conductivity versus total soluble salt concentrations. There was no significant difference in the mean variable concentrations among the watersheds. Therefore, differences in land use patterns and physical characteristics of the watersheds were insignificant regarding effects on average water quality. The mean concentrations from year to year were significantly different, particularly for the year 1973-74. The 1973-74 samples were all taken during the falling stage of streamflow, which could account for the yearly difference. Comparisons of water quality of ponderosa pine watersheds on sedimentary soils to EPA proposed criteria and to water quality of ponderosa pine watersheds on basalt soils were also made.