CONTINUED WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF TOWN BRANCH STREAM IN CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS

We present data from a continuation of an undergraduate research project originally started spring of 2000. Based on the original study by Stefos et al. (2000), we have further identified potential sources of contamination in Town Branch stream. Detailed surveys indicate that temperature and pH fall within either Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) or federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits. Dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and nitrate, phosphate, and coliform levels occasionally exceeded IEPA or EPA limits.

Nitrate and phosphate levels are best correlated to spring runoff and the start of the agricultural season for local farmers. Spikes in nitrate and phosphate levels along the stream are attributed to homeowners fertilizing lawns. Coliform levels were well within IEPA and EPA limits upstream from town and increased going through town. Downstream from town, after the Town Branch empties into Kickapoo Creek, levels were well above limits.

We believe that we have identified two possibly broken, or poorly connected, sewage pipes. Other sources of contamination are likely as indicated from increased levels upstream from these known point sources.