Using electronic conductivity and hardness data for rapid assessment of stream water quality

A graphical screening method was previously developed by Kney and Brandes (2007) for assessing stream water quality data using electronic conductivity (EC) and alkalinity data. The method was aimed at providing citizen scientists involved in stream monitoring programs with a relatively simple way to interpret EC data. The method utilizes a plot of EC against concurrent alkalinity data, and is used to distinguish EC values for impacted or degraded streams from those that can be considered background values in a particular geologic setting. The method performs well in areas underlain by carbonate bedrock, as streams in those areas characteristically have EC values that are strongly correlated with alkalinity. However, in areas of low stream alkalinity (less than approximately 50 mg/L as CaCO3), the Kney and Brandes (2007) method was found to be much less effective in identifying impacted streams. This paper extends the graphical screening approach to streams with low alkalinity, specifically regions underlain by clastic sedimentary or crystalline bedrock, by using the strong correlation between EC and total hardness (TH). A baseline relationship of EC vs. TH is developed using surface water chemistry data from Hydrologic Benchmark Network streams (deemed as having minimal anthropogenic impacts) and regional groundwater quality data. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated by application to publicly available stream chemistry data and to field data collected from streams of eastern Pennsylvania under baseflow conditions. Results demonstrate that for streams with alkalinity <75 mg/L as CaCO3, the TH-based graphical screening method should be used rather than the alkalinity-based method of Kney and Brandes (2007).

► A baseline stream conductivity/hardness relationship is developed from existing data. ► The baseline relationship is used as a graphical screening method for stream quality. ► Data from high quality streams plot along the baseline relationship. ► The screening method is shown to be effective in identifying impacted streams.