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Water Quality Testing

2016

Interpretation of Testing Results

Michael S. Bernarsky
Professor of Ecology | Bucks Co. Community College
Most physical and chemical tests are within acceptable levels for good-excellent water quality. Exceptions involve tests for Electrical Conductivity, Nitrate & Phosphate, which are a measure of NUTRIENTS available to algae in the stream. The test results indicate levels above what is acceptable, which may lead to excessive algal growth and oxygen depletion in the stream, as the temperatures increase during the summer months. Also, the stream shows a significant increase in nutrient levels from the Upper Site at the Hidden Lake Dam to the Lower Site at the George School. Finally, the ORP test results are below the ideal level for stream ecosystems. This indicates something is potentially wrong with the normal metabolic processes within the stream. This is most likely related to the issues of excessive nutrients. ORP also increases significantly from the Upper to the Lower Sites.

The macroinvertebrate survey results (4.647 at Upper Site / 4.255 at Lower Site) support the results of the physical & chemical tests. The calculated Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, which is a scale from 0.00 (Excellent Water Quality) to 10.00(Very Poor Water Quality), indicates GOOD Quality Water at the Upper Site, to slightly VERY GOOD water at the Lower Site. Both designations
include the “potential” for organic pollution.

In conclusion, the stream is fairly stable for now, but organic pollution problems may surface during the summer season. The source of the excess organic nutrients is in the headwaters of the Creek, that drain into the Hidden Lake dam area.

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October 9, 2024

On October 9, 2024, water samples were collected from three locations on Newtown Creek under baseflow conditions, when groundwater is the primary source of streamflow. Sampling
sites included:

  • South Drive, Newtown Grant (headwaters)
  • Below Hidden Lake Dam, Washington Crossing Road (mainstem)
  • Barclay Street (mainstem, furthest downstream)

In-field measurements were taken for % NaCl, chloride (Cl⁻ ppm), nitrate (ppm), nitrite (ppm), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), and temperature (°C). Results are summarized below:

Table 1. Water Quality Results – October 9. 2024

At all three sites, nitrite was not detected, and nitrate was only present at the most downstream site (Barclay Street). Chloride and NaCl were detected at all locations, with concentrations increasing downstream. Electrical conductivity readings were consistent with values previously reported in the watershed.

Learn more about the most recent water quality testing.

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