AWWA WQTC63994

An investigation into the levels and sources of pollutants to a subwatershed of a drinking water reservoir was conducted. This drinking water system has a filtration waiver under the Surface Water Treatment Rule. As part of maintaining this filtration waiver, the managing utility has developed a proactive watershed management program which this research supports. This project was initiated to assess sources of pollutants within the subwatershed so that control activities could be developed. A year-round sampling program was designed to isolate land uses within the subwatershed. Grab samples were analyzed for thirteen water quality parameters, including three microbial source tracking indicators. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine which parameters provided the most meaningful information on pollution sources, accounting for seasonal variations, precipitation affects, and land use impacts. Overall, utilizing a multiple sampling site approach with traditional and microbial source tracking measures provided insights into the water quality dynamics of the subwatershed. Includes 4 references, tables.