1949 - 2010 Water Quality Data

[jsprott]

See this attachment to view the complete data file for 1949 to present.

[CWA]

This Excel spread sheet showing the water quality data notes the information spans 1949 to 2006. It is important to underscore that much of the data is for visibility/clarity (Secchi disk readings, but a more accurate devise is to use a photometer), temperature, phosphorous, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity. In fact, the data for phosphorous, pH, DO, and conductivity were sporadic until the late 1980s. (A comment on this spread sheet cited Morrell Associates conducted chloride and nitrate analyses in 1986. However, there are no available data.)


As you may know, the EPA developed water quality criteria for the States and local officials to set standards so that water-bodies are protective of human health and aquatic life. There are currently 167 water quality criteria for pollutants. Of those, 120 are “priority” pollutants (both organic and inorganic compounds), because they take into account concerns for the effects on aquatic life, potential for human effects, and exposure potential. The remaining 47 are considered “non-priority” pollutants since they do not have the same toxicity concerns. In addition, there are 23 criteria for organoleptic effects – that is, taste and order.


The constituents analyzed from the water in White Pond fall under the non-priority pollutant category. And, only a handful of these non-priority pollutants were actually examined. Therefore, this data, at best, should be viewed as gross indicators of the water quality. This information certainly does not tell the story of the health of White Pond. It definitely does not come close to being sufficient for any kind of ecological or human health risk assessment.



It may not be necessary to analyze for all of the EPA’s criteria pollutants. But given the vulnerability of White Pond, it is advisable to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the contaminants of concern to get a baseline understanding of the water quality. This is particularly true in light of a variety of existing non-point source pollution (e.g., potential septic tank leachates and stormwater run-offs that may contain pesticides, animal wastes, and automobile oil).


I would suggest getting more quantitative data on White Pond’s water quality before making any decisions that would perhaps further compromised an already delicate natural resource.

[jsprott]

The 2009 water quality testing season has begun. Data entered during the 2009 season will be uploaded to the Friends of White Pond WQ data section. as recorded in the 1949 - 2009 WQ database.