Water quality monitoring of five major tributaries in the Otsego Lake watershed, summer 2013

Water quality monitoring of five major tributaries in the Otsego Lake watershed, summer 2013 Christopher Teter 1 INTRODUCTION Pollution that enters a water body from diffuse sources is commonly called non-point source pollution. Overland runoff flows through soils, picking up pollutants and carrying them downward into water bodies. At lower elevations, pollutants may become concentrated in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Possible contaminants include excess fertilizers (phosphorus and nitrogen), herbicides, insecticides, sediment, salts, and bacteria (USEPA 2012). Because of heavy agricultural use in the Otsego Lake watershed, monitoring efforts focus on the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen. Otsego Lake was previously classified as mesotrophic, with oligotrophic characteristics (Iannuzzi 1991). Through the 1990s, Otsego Lake had been exhibiting increasing characteristics of eutrophy (Albright 2001), namely increasing rates of deep water oxygen depletion during summer stratification. Nutrients added to the lake promote algal growth which, upon death, will decompose, consuming dissolved oxygen. The above situation has been compounded by the introduction of two exotic species. The introduction of the invasive fish species, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), by 1986 (Foster 1989) created eutrophication-like conditions in Otsego Lake because they effectively removed larger bodied crustacean zooplankton, which previously had been efficient algal grazers (Harman et. al. 1997). The additional introduction of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in about 2008 increased lake clarity by decreasing phytoplankton populations through high rates of filtration (Waterfield 2009). Monitoring of the nutrients in the lake itself has not been wholly effective in determining the success of watershed nutrient control efforts because of the addition of these exotic fauna. Therefore, the direct monitoring of the available nutrients within Otsego Lakes tributaries is an important component of assessing effectiveness of agricultural best management practices (BMPs). This study is an annual continuation of work initiated in a 1996 study conducted by the SUNY College at Oneonta s Biological Field Station to evaluate the effectiveness BMPs that are currently in place within the Otsego Lake watershed (Hewett 1996). BMPs are conservation techniques recommended by the United States Department of Agricultures (USDA). In 1998, the municipalities surrounding the lake agreed upon a management plan, with priority given to reducing phosphorus inputs (Anon. 1998). Because 44 percent of the Otsego Lake watershed is being used for agricultural purposes (Harman et al. 1997), loading by this source was targeted for management. To date, 23 farms within close proximity to stream in the watershed have employed BMPs. The funding for these BMPs was provided for in part by the USDA 1 Rufus J. Thayer Otsego Lake Research Assistant, summer 2013. Current affiliation: SUNY Oneonta. Funded by the Otsego County Conservation Association.

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (Otsego County Water Quality Coordination Committee 1998). Techniques such as conservation tillage, crop nutrient management, pest management, manure storage management and conservation buffers are used to prevent soil erosion of, and reduce sediment and nutrient loading to streams. METHODS This year s data were collected in accordance with the methods of previous years (i.e., Mehigan 2013). The five tributaries monitored and the numbers of sample sites on each are: White Creek (3), Cripple Creek (5), Hayden Creek (8), Shadow Brook (5), and Mount Wellington (2). A list of sample sites is displayed in Table 1, along with their GPS coordinates and physical descriptions. The locations of the sample sites and their relation to current BMPs in use in the watershed are shown in Figure 1. These sites were chosen because of their accessibility and proximity to farms using BMPs. Each site was visited on the Tuesday of every week from 30 May to 6 August 2013. Physical parameters were recorded at each sample site using a YSI (6820 V2) multi-parameter water quality sonde. Before each use, the sonde was calibrated using the manufacturer s specifications. Water quality parameters measured included temperature ( C), ph, specific conductivity (µs/cm), oxidation reduction potential (mv), percent dissolved oxygen, oxygen concentration (mg/l), and turbidity (NTU). Chemical analyses were conducted using water samples collected at each point in 125ml acid washed plastic bottles. Samples were chilled until brought to the laboratory, where they were preserved to ph<1. Analysis of the samples included nitrite+nitrate, total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations. The analysis was conducted using Lachat QuikChem FIA+ Water Analyzer. Table 1. GPS coordinates and physical descriptions of sample locations (modified from Putnam 2010). White Creek 1 (WC1): N 42º 49.612 W 74º 56.967 South side of Allen Lake on County Route 26 over a steep bank. White Creek 2 (WC2): N 42º 48.93 W 74º 55.29 Plunge-pool side of stream on County Route 27 (Allen Lake Road) where there is a large dip in the road. White Creek 3 (WC3): N 42º 48.407 W 74º 54.178 West side of large stone culvert under Route 80, just past the turn to Country Route 27. Cripple Creek 1 (CC1): N 42º 50.878 W 74º 55.584 Weaver Lake accessed from the north side of Route 20 just past outflow of beaver dam.

Table 1 (cont.). GPS coordinates and physical descriptions of sample locations (modified from Putnam 2010). Cripple Creek 2 (CC2): N 42º 50.603 W 74º 54.933 Young Lake accessed from the west side of Hoke Road. The water at this site is shallow; some distance from shore is required for sampling. Cripple Creek 3 (CC3): N 42º 49.418 W 74º 54.007 North side of culvert on Bartlett Road. Cripple Creek 4 (CC4): N 42º 48.837 W 74º 54.032 Large culvert on west side of Route 80. The stream widens and slows at this point; this is the inlet to Clarke Pond. Cripple Creek 5 (CC5): N 42º 48.805 W 74º 53.768 Dam just south of Clarke Pond accessed from the Otsego Golf Club road. Samples were collected on the downstream side of the bridge. Hayden Creek 1 (HC1): N 42º 51.658 W 74º 51.010 Summit Lake accessed from the east side of Route 80, north of the Route 20 and Route 80 intersection. Small pull off but researcher must wade in the water to place the probe. Hayden Creek 2 (HC2): N 42º 51.324 W 74º 51.294 Downstream side of culvert on Dominion Road. Hayden Creek 3 (HC3): N 42º 50.890 W 74º 51.796 Culvert on the east side of Route 80 north of the intersection of Route 20 and Route 80. Hayden Creek 4(HC4): N 42º 50.267 W 74º 52.175 North side of large culvert at the intersection of Route 20 and Route 80. Hayden Creek 5 (HC5): N 42º 49.996 W 74º 52.501 Immediately below the Shipman Pond spillway on Route 80. Hayden Creek 6 (HC6): N 42º 49.685 W 74º 52.773 East side of the culvert on Route 80 in the village of Springfield Center. Hayden Creek 7 (HC7): N 42º 49.279 W 74º 53.984 Large culvert on the south side of County Route 53. Hayden Creek 8 (HC8): N 42º 48.869 W 74º 53.291 Otsego Golf Club, above the white bridge adjacent to the clubhouse. The water here is slow moving and murky. Shadow Brook 1 (SB1): N 42º 51.831 W 74º 47.731 Small culvert on the downstream side off of County Route 30 south of Swamp Road.

Table 1 (cont.). GPS coordinates and physical descriptions of sample locations (modified from Putnam 2010). Shadow Brook 2(SB2): N 42º 49.891 W 74º 49.067 Large culvert on the north side of Route 20, west of County Route 31. Shadow Brook 3 (SB3): N 42º 48.799 W 74º 49.839 Private driveway (Box 2075) off of County Route 31, south of the intersection of Route 20 and Country Route 31 leading to a small wooden bridge on a dairy farm. Shadow Brook 4 (SB4): N 42º 48.337 W 74º 50.608 One lane bridge on Rathbun Road. This site is located on an active dairy farm. The streambed consists of exposed limestone bedrock. Shadow Brook 5 (SB5): N 42º 47.441 W 74º 51.506 North side of large culvert on Mill Road behind Glimmerglass State Park. Mount Wellington 1 (MW1): N 42º 48.843 W 74º 52.608 Stone bridge on Public Landing Road adjacent to an active dairy farm. Mount Wellington 2 (MW2): N 42º 48.77 W 74º 53.004 Small stone bridge is accessible from a private road off Public Landing Road; at the end of the private road near a white house there is a mowed path which leads to the bridge. Water here is stagnant and murky. Sampled on the side opposite the lake before the confluence of Mount Wellington stream and the brook beside the golf course.

Figure 1. Map showing sampling locations of five tributaries in the northern watershed of Otsego Lake, as well as locations of BMPs (asterisks). Temperature RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Aquatic species, especially fishes, are sensitive to temperature changes. Highs and lows in temperature in a given water body can result in mortality or displacement of aquatic organisms (Mason 2002). In order to prevent these fluctuations, watershed managers may promote the growth of conservation buffers. These buffers allow vegetation to grow unmolested along stream and river banks, which allows streams to run cooler. Traditionally, the removal of woody plant species and tall herbaceous species along stream banks has allowed more sunlight to be absorbed by streambeds. Over the summer of 2013 the lowest value of 13.17 C was located at site CC3, and the highest value of 31.9 C was located at HC2. The mean values ranged from 16.20 C to

22.38 C. Last year s mean values ranged from 15.44 C at MW1 to 22.56 C at HC1 (Mehigan 2013). Figure 2 displays the mean temperatures recorded for the summer of 2013. Temperature (C) 24.0 22.0 20.0 18.0 16.0 Mean Temperature 14.0 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 2. Mean Temperatures of sampling sites along the stream gradients of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph. ph Most organisms are sensitive to ph, which is an expression of the concentrations of positive hydrogen ions on a negative logarithmic scale from 0-14. Aquatic organisms usually can only survive in the midranges of this scale (EPA 2012). The ph of water is heavily influenced by atmospheric, geological and biological processes. The ph of water also affects the availability of dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and toxic heavy metals. The lowest recorded value was 7.42 at site CC1, and the highest was 8.66 at HC1. The minimum and maximum mean ph values for sites in the summer of 2013 are 7.78 at CC2 and 8.33 at CC1 respectively. Last year s mean ph ranged from 7.82 at CC1 to 8.28 at HC4 in 2012 (Mehigan 2013).The northern reaches of the Otsego Lake watershed are fed by carbonate rich groundwater seepage (Fetterman & Burgin 1997), making samples more basic than those of other streams. Figure 3 displays the mean ph recorded for sites during the summer of 2013.

ph Mean ph 8.5 8.4 8.3 8.2 8.1 8.0 7.9 7.8 7.7 7.6 7.5 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 3. Mean ph of sampling sites along the stream gradients of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph. Conductivity Conductivity is a measure of a solution s ability to conduct electricity, which increases with increasing ion content (Wetzel 2001). This measurement can be used to identify possible polluted runoff. The lowest value recorded was 0.135 ms/cm at site CC1, and the highest was 0.602 ms/cm at site CC3. The minimum and maximum mean specific conductance values for sites in the summer of 2013 are 0.208 ms/cm at WC1 and 0.602 ms/cm at CC3 respectively. Mean conductivity readings in the summer of 2011 ranged from 0.233 ms/cm at WC1 to 0.451 ms/cm at MW2 (Zaengle 2012). Figure 4 displays the mean specific conductivity of sampling sites in the summer of 2013. Dissolved Oxygen Measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO) content show whether waters are favorable or unfavorable for fish and other organisms. Fish typically require more than 6mg/l (Murphy &Willis 1996). The amount of oxygen present in the tributaries of Otsego Lake can be affected by nutrient loading and a lack of shade for streams, two aspects that the USDA BMP s attempt to improve. Cooler waters can hold more DO (Wetzel 2001). The lowest value recorded was 3.64 mg/l at site CC1, and the highest was 14.55 mg/l at site HC1. The minimum and maximum mean values for sites in the summer of 2013 were 6.47 mg/l at CC1 and 10.20 mg/l at HC1 respectively. Mean site DO concentrations in 2012 ranged from 5.04 mg/l at CC1 to 11.16 mg/l at SB4 (Mehigan 2013). Figure 5 shows the mean DO values for all sites sampled in 2013.

Mean Conductivity 0.6 Conductivity (ms/cm) 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) 10.00 12.00 14.00 White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 4. Mean conductivity of sampling sites along the stream gradients of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph. Disolved Oxygen (mg/l) Mean Dissolved Oxygen 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 5. Mean dissolved oxygen of sampling sites along the stream gradients of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph.

Turbidity Turbidity is a lack of clarity of water, usually due to the absorption and scattering of light by suspended inorganic particles (Wetzel 2001). These particles can contribute to siltation of substrates, disrupting lake and stream benthic communities. High concentration of suspended particles can affect fish species ability to absorb dissolved oxygen, find food, and reproduce (Jorgensen 2013). In the study of the Otsego Lake watershed, this has only been the second year of turbidity data collection. This data collection was facilitated by a turbidity sensor which has been added to the BFS YSI probe to collect in situ turbidity data. The minimum and maximum mean values for sites in the summer of 2013 were 1.47 NTU s at WC1 and 49.1 NTU s at SB5 respectively. The lowest values recorded were typically bellow detection levels for the probe used. The highest turbidity value recorded was 225.7 NTU s at site SB5. In 2012, turbidity ranged from 3.68 NTU at CC3 to 26.03 NTU at MW2 (Mehigan 2013). Figure 6 shows the mean turbidity of all sites sampled in 2013. Turbidity (NTU) 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 Figure 6. Mean turbidity of sampling sites along the stream gradients of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph. Nitrogen Mean Turbidity 0 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for the growth of plants. Unnaturally high levels of nitrogen can be found in water bodies that receive runoff from agricultural lands. The addition of excess nitrogen to a system can increase its productivity (Wetzel 2001). Algae and plant growth will increase due to the increased availability of nitrogen as a fertilizer. Upon reaching the end of their growing season, decomposing plants and algae will contribute to the eutrophication of the lowest regions of the water column. The minimum and maximum mean values for the total nitrogen content of sites sampled in 2013 were 0.336 mg/l at WC2 and 2.33 mg/l at SB2 respectively. The lowest value of 0.21 mg/l was recorded at WC1, and the highest value of 3.64 mg/l was recorded at SB2. In 2012, mean total nitrogen values ranged from 0.37 mg/l at WC1 to

2.3 mg/l at HC8 (Mehigan 2013). Figure 7 shows the mean total nitrogen of all sites sampled in 2013. Figure 8 shows the mean nitrite and nitrate concentrations for all sites sampled in 2013. Figure 9 shows the mean nitrite and nitrate concentrations at stream outlets since 1998, including data from 1991. Table 1 shows a comparison of mean nitrate concentrations since 1998, including data from 1991. 3.5 Mean Total Nitrogen Total Nitrogen (mg/l) 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 7. Mean total nitrogen of sampling sites along the stream gradient of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph. Nitrate + Nitrite Concentrations (mg/l) 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 Mean Nitrite + Nitrate 0.0 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 8. Mean nitrite + nitrate of sampling sites along the stream gradient of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph.

3 Mean Nitrite + Nitrate at Stream Outlet 2.5 2 Nitrate (mg/l) 1.5 1 0.5 0 White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Stream Outlets Wellington 1991 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Figure 9. Mean nitrate+nitrite at stream outlets of 5 tributaries in the northern watershed of Otsego Lake 1991, 1998-2013.

Comparison of Mean Nitrate Concentrations (mg/l) 1998-2013 1991 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 WC1 0.10 0.05 0.11 0.25 0.31 0.29 0.15 0.27 0.01 0.22 0.21 0.06 0.25 0.09 0.10 0.10 WC2 0.31 0.30 0.12 0.16 0.25 0.24 0.15 0.09 0.04 0.11 0.09 0.12 0.10 0.06 0.08 0.08 WC3 1.09 0.37 0.41 0.19 0.22 0.33 0.24 0.35 0.31 0.12 0.35 0.24 0.16 0.24 0.13 0.13 0.13 CC1 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.08 0.12 0.18 0.13 0.04 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.23 0.23 CC2 0.04 0.02 0.24 0.04 0.16 0.34 0.22 0.20 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.97 0.01 0.28 0.28 CC3 1.54 1.19 0.89 1.63 1.20 1.12 1.06 0.60 0.86 0.88 0.97 1.16 1.17 0.97 1.32 1.32 CC4 1.42 0.97 0.92 1.77 1.07 1.37 1.05 0.56 0.88 0.97 0.77 1.15 1.19 1.01 1.28 1.28 CC5 0.69 0.99 0.37 0.68 1.41 0.77 0.80 0.77 0.27 0.83 0.39 0.38 0.99 0.81 0.69 1.18 1.18 HC1 0.82 0.29 0.82 0.68 0.64 0.52 0.26 0.02 0.72 0.07 0.01 0.47 0.33 0.30 0.90 0.90 HC2 0.72 0.24 0.71 0.66 0.76 0.52 0.24 0.03 0.84 0.06 0.01 0.59 0.34 0.36 1.04 1.04 HC3 1.35 0.64 0.96 1.62 1.44 1.43 1.11 0.60 1.11 0.51 0.44 0.62 0.86 0.70 1.45 1.45 HC4 1.34 0.95 1.17 1.73 1.41 1.27 1.11 0.66 1.10 0.55 0.46 0.68 0.88 0.73 1.39 1.39 HC5 1.36 0.85 1.19 1.87 1.18 1.34 1.39 0.98 1.64 0.59 0.36 0.94 0.89 0.72 1.41 1.41 HC6 1.45 0.90 1.29 1.87 1.51 1.27 1.51 1.38 1.58 0.69 0.45 1.02 0.95 0.77 1.51 1.51 HC7 1.45 0.95 1.33 2.00 1.50 1.46 1.31 1.05 2.52 1.22 0.57 1.93 1.00 0.94 1.57 1.57 HC8 1.11 1.63 1.21 1.48 1.56 2.09 1.62 1.62 1.31 1.69 0.89 0.70 1.62 1.22 1.17 1.77 1.77 SB1 0.21 0.31 0.66 0.53 0.33 0.34 0.32 0.21 0.25 0.09 0.14 0.16 0.21 0.17 - - 0.96 SB2 1.86 1.21 1.45 1.40 1.80 1.33 1.39 1.55 0.61 0.98 0.95 1.43 1.34 1.57 1.79 1.79 SB3 1.56 0.77 1.57 1.37 1.38 1.36 1.19 0.73 0.94 0.57 0.44 1.34 0.65 0.89 1.69 1.69 SB4 1.39 0.87 1.56 1.55 1.43 1.47 1.02 0.73 0.88 0.63 0.57 1.31 0.77 0.94 1.72 1.72 SB5 0.90 1.20 0.58 1.27 1.27 1.11 1.05 1.04 0.47 0.87 0.35 0.39 1.22 0.51 0.78 1.48 1.48 MW1 0.91 1.11 0.78 1.14 2.31 2.46 1.17 0.67 0.70 0.55 0.23 0.79 0.32 0.50 1.24 1.24 MW2 1.47 0.68 1.10 1.06 1.66 2.70 1.58 1.60 1.18 0.83 0.35 0.89 1.07 1.15 1.15 1.15 * - - stream flow was too low for sample collection; no nutrient data exists for Site SB1 in 2012 Table 1. Comparison of mean nitrate concentrations (mg/l) 1998-2013. 1991 is also included, but only the values for stream outlets were taken, where available.

Phosphorus Phosphorus is a component of many agricultural fertilizers. Phosphorus is an important component of all life, and is an essential mineral for the growth of flora and fauna. In Otsego Lake the addition of excess phosphorus can create increases in productivity, due to it being the limiting nutrient (Harman et al. 1997). In 2013 the minimum and maximum mean values for sites sampled in 2013 were 18.5 µg/l and 233.6 µg/l. The lowest value of 5 µg/l was recorded at HC2 and the highest 1090 µg/l was recorded at MW2. In 2012, mean total phosphorus values ranged from 20 µg/l at HC4 to 71µg/L at MW2 (Mehigan 2013). Figure 10 shows the mean total phosphorus content of samples taken at each site in 2013. Figure 11 shows mean total phosphorus at stream outlets from 1996 to 2013. Table 2 is a comparison of phosphorus concentrations since 2000. 300.0 Mean Total Phosphorus Total Phosphorus (ug/l) 250.0 200.0 150.0 100.0 50.0 0.0 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 Distance from Otsego Lake (km) White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Wellington Figure 10. Mean total phosphorus of sampling sites along the stream gradients of five major tributaries in summer 2013. Distance from the lake increases moving from left to right on the graph. Note High phosphorus readings at site MW2 required Y axis scale to be increased from 90 µg/l to 300 µg/l.

300 Mean Total Phosphorus at Stream Outlets Total Phosphorus (µg/l) 250 200 150 100 50 0 White Creek Cripple Creek Hayden Creek Shadow Brook Mount Stream Outlets Wellington 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Figure 11. Mean total phosphorus concentration (µg/l) at the most downstream sites (outlets) of 5 tributaries in the northern watershed of Otsego Lake 1996-2013.

Comparison of phosphorus concentrations (µg/l), 2000-2012 Site 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 WC1 31 34 72 25 33 51 17 66 46 33 33 25 22 18 WC2 28 33 23 26 39 61 33 37 34 24 25 25 33 29 WC3 19 24 12 23 26 36 40 38 19 22 17 21 21 27 CC1 45 36 112 30 49 49 33 86 89 38 63 49 62 26 CC2 48 23 46 124 144 172 37 36 25 24 25 28 22 22 CC3 25 24 10 25 39 37 62 40 22 26 41 30 21 49 CC4 28 35 19 22 46 55 40 39 34 27 45 30 37 126 CC5 42 45 51 28 46 70 37 58 59 34 41 40 51 45 HC1 26 25 60 21 43 33 33 48 43 35 28 53 22 25 HC2 20 17 14 13 23 34 57 30 27 18 24 20 52 23 HC3 25 28 47 26 34 39 50 35 54 24 31 24 21 27 HC4 20 23 17 26 29 41 22 38 27 24 31 24 20 24 HC5 28 27 27 22 33 43 46 41 37 22 31 27 41 32 HC6 24 24 21 33 28 40 40 49 32 26 26 27 25 31 HC7 34 26 19 30 44 54 73 40 42 27 32 28 30 40 HC8 32 37 54 31 51 120 89 43 71 30 37 32 62 42 SB1 52 39 57 21 27 103 54 28 19 36 30 33 - - 23 SB2 56 43 24 31 45 63 50 17 32 34 29 21 27 37 SB3 28 36 46 24 37 40 30 35 30 25 35 24 32 36 SB4 48 37 27 27 62 62 22 26 39 38 26 22 42 39 SB5 39 54 40 34 63 85 38 45 44 37 38 31 45 92 MW1 38 45 36 50 83 51 23 54 33 29 45 25 26 40 MW2 142 192 99 136 88 214 69 65 38 57 68 46 71 234 * - - stream flow was too low for sample collection; no nutrient data exists for Site SB1 in 2012 Table 2. Comparison of total phosphorus concentrations (ug/l) 2000-2013 CONCLUSION From the middle of June, 2013, to July there were several weeks of record setting rainfall for Otsego and Herkimer Counties. This influenced this year s data by increasing the variability of the data set. Phosphorus and nitrogen values were higher than they have been for several tributaries compared to recent years. A cause of this could be found in the washing out of several dirt roads that cross Mount Wellington Creek, or unknown human disturbance. Physical parameters were not significantly different this year than those of the last. Temperature averages did seem to drop in the Hayden Creek and Shadow brook compared to last year. The ph values for all sites seemed to be less basic than previously reported. Dissolved oxygen seems to be slightly higher overall at most sites. Turbidity values are considerably higher than they have been in past years as well. Overall, these differences are typical of streams that receive increased rainfall. Increased strength and speed of a stream can: lower temperatures, lower ph values, introduce more ions into a stream, create more turbulence for oxygen to

dissolve into the water, and suspend more sediment in the water for longer (Ward & Elliot 1995). All of which are observed in this years data. It may also be worth noting that rainfall events seemed to mirror the sampling regime of our researcher. Sampling was done every Tuesday morning for the length of the study. Unfortunately, rain events seemed to happen often on Monday evenings. This rhythmic deviation from normal weather patterns may have skewed trends in our data set. This is an example as to why continued monitoring of the Otsego Lake tributaries is beneficial and necessary. Continued data collection will define more accurate trends in the water quality of a tributary. By recording data for several decades, researchers can paint a better picture of the effects of BMP placement in their watershed. REFERENCES Albright, M.F. 2001. Otsego Lake limnological monitoring, 2001. In 34th Ann. Rept. (2001). SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta. Anonymous. 2007. A plan for the management of the Otsego Lake watershed. Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee. Otsego County. New York. Fetterman, A. R., Burgin, B. 1997. Preliminary geochemical analysis of surface and groundwater in Cripple Creek, a tributary to Otsego Lake, Otsego Co., New York.. SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta. Foster, J.R. 1989. Introduction of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Otsego Lake. In 22 nd Ann. Rept. (1988). SUNY Oneonta Biol. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta. Harman, W.N., L.P. Sohacki, M.R Albright and D.L. Rosen. 1997. The State of Otsego Lake, 1936-1996. Occasional Paper #30. SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta. Hewett, B. L. 1996.Water quality monitoring and the benthic community in the Otsego Lake watershed. In 29 th Annual Report (1997). SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta. Iannuzzi, T.J. 1991. A model plan for the Otsego Lake watershed. Phase II: The Chemical limnology and water quality of Otsego Lake. Occasional Paper #23. SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta. Jorgensen, S., Tundisis, J. G., Matsumura-Tundisi, T. 2013. Handbook of inland aquatic ecosystems management. Mason, Christopher Frank. Biology of freshwater pollution. Pearson Education, 2002.

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