Water Quality Questions about Module G1 Reading LHAP 105 How is “water quality” defined? water quality is its ability to sustain life? Physical characteristics: (Cohesion, Adhesion, Colour, Temperature, Suspended solids, Turbidity) Chemical characteristics: (pH, salt, nutrients, minerals, metals, dissolved oxygen, organic compounds, pollutants) Biological: (bacteria, protozoan parasites, algae, invertebrates, plants, and other animals) List 3 physical characteristics measured in water Colour Temperature Suspended solids List 4 chemical characteristics measured in water pH level Salt level Nutrient levels Mineral levels What is the pH of acid rain? Acid rains pH is anything lower than the pH of normal rainwater (5.3-6) So acid rain would be less than a pH of 5.3 What effect does acid rain have on plant material Trees will lose their leaves and the acid rain will damage their bark which will expose them to diseases and insects. And reduce nutrient availabilities/create toxicity with certain nutrients water organisms Enough Acid rain in lakes can cause aquatic life to be unable to exist because the pH level will be too low What does hardness mean? It is the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water which is measured in parts per million (ppm), milligrams per liter (mg/1), or milliequivalents (meq/1) What is the problem with chlorides and fluorides in water? At high concentrations, these two chemicals can cause plant injury. How is sodicity measured in water? The amount of sodium compared to calcium and magnesium Or The sodium adsorption rate (SAR): Besides the earth where else can sodium salts come from ? Sodium is a naturally occurring element in some water sources due to rainwater seeping into the ground and dissolving minerals in the rocks TEMP How does warm water affect water quality? Warm water lowers water quality by reducing oxygen, increasing algae and anaerobic bacteria and mineral levels, and reduces the number of species able to live in the temperature. How does cold water affect plant material? It could cause stress or damage to indoor plants that normally grow in warmer climates and the leaves would curl over and turn brown TURBIDITY What is turbidity? Turbidity is the level of cloudiness in a fluid caused by suspended solids that are usually invisible to the naked eye. Why is sediment a problem? Sediments can plug storm drains, erode pipes and pipe fittings, degrade gravel habitats, and fill in ponds. It can also reduce the amount of light that can pass through water which would make photosynthesis harder for plants. How can we prevent/avoid sediment in a) ponds You can install a forebay at the inlet to help trap sediment. A forebay is a shallow pool where water first enters the pond. This allows heavier particles like sediment to settle there instead of settling inside the pond b) storm water You can place sediment socks in front of stormwater drains to block debris from entering WATER REGULATIONS What is the responsibility of …… Municipalities Drinking water distribution Wastewater collection Wastewater treatment. Develop bylaws to help regulate water use Have water shortage response plans in place The Province Alberta is responsible for managing water resources for both the surface water and groundwater, issuing licenses for water use, and enforcing water standards The Federal Government Create laws and water policies that supersede provincial legislation if there is conflict and apply to all water across the country. WATER STEWARDSHIP MANAGEMENT What is eutrophication? It is when a body of water becomes too enriched in dissolved nutrients that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life. This results in the depletion of dissolved oxygen. How can we reduce/ prevent eutrophication? Dont use excessive fertilizers. Only use what is needed to prevent it from leaching into groundwater. Plant grasses or shrubs near bodies of water so that they can absorb the nutrients before it can enter the water. What else can we do to manage our water resources? Conserve water, protect the wetlands, reduce chemical runoff into water sources, and install more rain gardens.