What is Turbidity and Why We Collect Water Temperature Data

Meet Tucker, our AmeriCorps Patrol Member. He wrote this blog post so you can better understand the role of water temperature and turbidity in our Swim Guide program. Scroll down to learn more about these two important water quality parameters and check out some unique pictures… 

 

 

 


Water Temperature

DefinitionWater temperature impacts both biological and chemical properties of  the river which can be observed seasonally.

From a biological perspective, water temperature influences fish spawn, algae, and other aquatic species based on their preferred temperature range. Temperature can also affect aquatic plant growth and influence different diseases as well as affect aquatic organisms sensitivity to pollution.

From a chemical perspective, temperature can affect dissolved oxygen in water as well as the rate of dissolution of various rocks and minerals. Warmer water (75°F or higher)  tends to hold less dissolved oxygen and also increases the rate of which minerals and other substances dissolve in water.

 In Alabama, fishing can be a year-long activity while swimming is highly seasonal due to water temperature. A typical swimming schedule begins in May and goes through October where the water temperature ranges between 75°F-90°F.

(25°C = 77°F)


Turbidity: the scientific term for why rivers look like Yoohoo after a rain

Definition: Turbidity is a measure of the clarity of water. Think of it as comparing a glass of water to a glass of milk.

The materials that can cause water to become turbid include clay particles, soil, algae, and any other loose organic/inorganic particles. Turbidity can also carry various substances such as chemicals, metals, bacteria and other pollutants and is a good indicator for the presence of bacteria. E.coli.  Causes of turbidity are commonly from exposed soil that can come from new construction sites, heavily tilled farms, urban pollution, or any other exposed particulate material.

Turbidity is a good indicator of pollution, therefore it is one of the main tests we run during our Swim Guide program. Turbidity testing can be beneficial for both public health in swimmable waters as well as a guide to pollution sources. Generally speaking, the higher the turbidity reading the greater the risk is for pollution in water.

Here is the SAME stream BEFORE a rain & AFTER a rain

Related Posts

Asian American Month – How Yu Make Thai Soup

Asian American Month – How Yu Make Thai Soup

How to make Seafood Soup Tye right way! Step 1 - Call Ma (If she’s unavailable skip to Step 3) Step 2 - Half listen to her directions. Step 3 - Procure Ingredients Have Leftovers? Toss it in! Gather Mint from Garden ✓ Neighborhood Lemon Tree?  Go Fishing! Broth...

A Reflection On MLK Day

A Reflection On MLK Day

This blog post was written by Jake Lasseter, our Patrol Member, as a part of a reflection of Martin Luther King Day and the interconnectedness between us all.  It is important that this day be given the attention that it very well deserves. Today serves as a day of...

Catch & Release Fishing Tips

Catch & Release Fishing Tips

Catch and release fishing is ideal for so many reasons. Catch and release fishing is ideal for so many reasons. Whether you’ve caught a fish that’s not the right size to keep - it’s under the legal limit, or less likely, it’s too large to fit in your cooler!  Or maybe...

Share This