ANALYZING WATER QUALITY OVER VARIABLE FLOW CONDITIONS IN RURAL AND SUBURBAN STREAMS

Land use and weather events cause variations in stream quality. Using parameters such as pH, Electrical conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen we compared the effects of land use and rain events on the water chemistry in paired subwatersheds near Buffalo, NY representing rural and suburban land cover. One stream was in a rural area with very little anthropogenic influence and the other was in a more urban setting with mass infrastructure. Both streams show an increase in conductivity when the water levels were low. The suburban stream was higher in temperature than the residential stream. pH showed a decrease when the water levels were low in both streams. Displaying these parameters using GIS allows for a unique visual perspective in the trends. Results presented here are a first step in developing a watershed management plan in Erie County, NY where area streams have distinct contrasts due to land cover changes.