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04/19/23 1
Watersheds, Non-Point Pollution, Watersheds, Non-Point Pollution, and Hydrologyand Hydrology
Mr. Brian Oram, PG Professional Geologist, PASEO, Licensed Well Driller
Lab Director, Center for Environmental Quality
Wilkes University
GeoEnvironmental Sciences and Engineering Department
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
http://www.water-research.net
04/19/23 2
Center for Environmental QualityCenter for Environmental Quality
Non-profit/ equal opportunity employer, is operated and
managed, within the GeoEnvironmental Sciences and
Engineering Department
Outreach Programs Environmental and Professional Education and Training Applied Research Community and Business Outreach Programs
Website: http://www.water-research.net
04/19/23 3
The Water CycleThe Water Cycle
04/19/23 4
What is a Watershed?What is a Watershed?
The simple definitionIt's the area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.
Right Now Your Sitting In a Watershed !
They cross county, state, and national boundaries(This is the challenge !)
04/19/23 5
Watershed MapWatershed Map
04/19/23 6
Watershed ViewWatershed View
04/19/23 7
Non Point Source PollutionNon Point Source Pollution
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources.
NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water. These pollutants include:
04/19/23 8
Sources of Non-Point Sources of Non-Point PollutionPollution
Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas;
Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals;
Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding streambanks;
Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, urban runoff and faulty septic systems; and
Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification are also sources of nonpoint source pollution.
We are Still the Largest Source of Oil Pollution to the Environment !
04/19/23 9
Sources of PollutionSources of PollutionCauses of Contamination
Improper Waste Disposal
Improper Well Construction
Poor Site Selection
Wells Not Properly Abandoned
Improper Waste Storage
Lack of Information on
Hazardous Sites or Activities
(Partial Listing)
04/19/23 10
Primary Aquifers in PAPrimary Aquifers in PA
04/19/23 11
Well GeologyWell Geology
04/19/23 12
Surface Water & Groundwater Surface Water & Groundwater
04/19/23 13
Groundwater Pocono's RegionGroundwater Pocono's RegionBased on the geology of the Pocono's region, the
Primary water quality problems are as follows:
Corrosive WaterLow pH
Soft Water (low hardness) to Moderate Hardness
Iron and Manganese Discolored Water – Reddish
to Brown TintsTotal Coliform Bacteria
Sulfur Odors and Elevated Sulfates
04/19/23 14
Coliform BacteriaColiform BacteriaColiform Bacteria
Absent or < 1 colony/100 ml
Testing PurposeUsed as an Indicator of Sanitary Condition of Water Source
SourcesNatural Soil BacteriaHuman and Animal WasteInsect Waste
04/19/23 15
PhosphatePhosphate
Phosphate will stimulate the growth of plankton and aquatic plants which provide food for larger organisms, including: zooplankton, fish, humans, and other mammals.
Plankton represent the base of the food chain. Initially, this increased productivity will cause an increase in the fish population and overall biological diversity of the system. But as the phosphate loading continues and there is a build-up of phosphate in the lake or surfacewater ecosystem, the aging process of lake or surface water ecosystem will be accelerated.
04/19/23 16
Phosphate CyclePhosphate Cycle
04/19/23 17
Before and AfterBefore and After
04/19/23 18
Nitrate + NitriteNitrate + Nitrite
Drinking Water Standards(Primary) Nitrate: 10 mg as N/ L Nitrite: 1 mg N/L
Health Concern Blue Baby Syndrome- Methemoglobinemia
Sources Fertilizers Human and Animal Waste Non-anthropogenic sources (fixation, rock
weathering) Atmospheric Deposition
04/19/23 19
Nitrogen CycleNitrogen Cycle
04/19/23 20
What Can We Do?What Can We Do?Control Nutrient and Fertilizer UseConserve WaterControl Stormwater RunoffProperly Store and Handle Hazardous
WasteMaintain Septic SystemsCommunity Action and EducationMonitoring
04/19/23 21
Watersheds, Non-Point Pollution, Watersheds, Non-Point Pollution, and Hydrologyand Hydrology
Mr. Brian Oram, PG Professional Geologist, PASEO, Licensed Well Driller
Lab Director, Center for Environmental Quality
Wilkes University
GeoEnvironmental Sciences and Engineering Department
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
http://www.water-research.net
04/19/23 22
Groundwater MovesGroundwater Moves
1. Which ways can groundwater move?a. Upb. Downc. Sidewaysd. All of the above
1. d. All of the aboveAlthough most movement is lateral (sideways), it can move straight up or down. Groundwater simply follows the path of least resistance by moving from higher pressure zones to lower pressure zones.
04/19/23 23
Groundwater MovesGroundwater Moves2. How is the speed of groundwater movement measured?a. Feet per dayb. Feet per weekc. Feet per monthd. Feet per year
2. d. Feet per yearGroundwater movement is usually measured in feet per year. This is why a pollutant that enters groundwater requires many years before it purifies itself or is carried to a monitored well.
04/19/23 24
Groundwater MovesGroundwater Moves3. How is stream flow usually measured?a. Feet per secondb. Feet per minutec. Feet per hourd. Yards per hour
3. a. Feet per secondWater flow in streams/rivers is measured in feet per second.
04/19/23 25
Groundwater MovesGroundwater Moves4. What determines how fast groundwater moves?a. Temperatureb. Air pressurec. Depth of water tabled. Size of materials
4. d. Size of materialsCoarse materials like sand and gravel allow water to move rapidly. (They also form excellent aquifers because of their holding capacity.) In contrast, fine-grained materials, like clay or shale, are very difficult for water to move through. Thus, water moves very, very slowly in these materials.
04/19/23 26
Groundwater MovesGroundwater Moves5. Can the water table elevation change often?a. Yesb. No
5. a. YesWater table elevations often fluctuate because of recharge and discharge variations. They generally peak in the winter and spring due to recharge from rains and snow melt. Throughout the summer the water table commonly declines due to evaporation, uptake by plants (transpiration), increased public use, industrial use, and crop, golf course and lawn irrigation. Elevations commonly reach their lowest point in early fall.
04/19/23 27
Groundwater MovesGroundwater Moves
6. Does aquifer storage capacity vary?a. Yesb. No
6. a. YesJust like the water level in rivers and streams, the amount of water in the groundwater supply can vary due to seasonal, weather, use and other factors.
04/19/23 28
Watersheds, Non-Point Pollution, Watersheds, Non-Point Pollution, and Hydrologyand Hydrology
Mr. Brian Oram, PG Professional Geologist, PASEO, Licensed Well Driller
Lab Director, Center for Environmental Quality
Wilkes University
GeoEnvironmental Sciences and Engineering Department
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
http://wilkes.edu/~gse
04/19/23 29
Private Water SupplyPrivate Water SupplyA Pennsylvania PerspectiveA Pennsylvania Perspective
Mr. Brian Oram, PG Professional Geologist, PASEO, Licensed Well Driller
Lab Director, Center for Environmental Quality
Wilkes University
GeoEnvironmental Sciences and Engineering Department
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
http://wilkes.edu/~gse
04/19/23 30
Center for Environmental QualityCenter for Environmental Quality
Non-profit/ equal opportunity employer, is operated and
managed, within the GeoEnvironmental Sciences and
Engineering Department
Outreach Programs Environmental and Professional Education and Training Applied Research Community and Business Outreach Programs
Website: http://wilkes.edu/~eqc
04/19/23 31
Keys to a Safe Drinking WaterKeys to a Safe Drinking Water
The Sanitary Survey- Proper Site Location State Federal and Local Regulations Types of Well Water Sources Well Drilling and Construction Initial Water Testing Well Water Conditioning or Treatment Well Maintenance
04/19/23 32
Protect Your Water SourceProtect Your Water SourceThings You or Your Community Can DoThings You or Your Community Can Do
Periodically Inspect Drain Surface Water Away Install Sanitary Seal Annual Testing Maintain Records Start a Community Based
Groundwater Education Program
Proper Abandonment Chemical Storage,
Disposal and Use Keep Wellhead Above
Grade Proper Well Location Septic System
Maintenance Recycle used Oil and
Participate in Hazardous Chemical Disposal Programs
04/19/23 33
Why Test My Water ?Why Test My Water ?
A USGS survey found that 70% of private wells werecontaminated. This contamination could result in acuteor chronic health concerns.
In general, there are no regulations related to wellconstruction, placement, or required testing. It is up toyou to determine the safety of your water.
EPA recommends, at minimum, an annual water test forprivate wells.
04/19/23 34
Drinking Water Drinking Water RegulationsRegulations
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), passed in 1974 and amended in 1986 and 1996, gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set drinking water standards.
These standards are divided into two broad categories: Primary Standards (NPDWR) and Secondary Standards (NSDWR).
04/19/23 35
Primary Standards (NPDWR)Primary Standards (NPDWR)
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
Primary standards protect drinking water quality by limiting the levels of
specific contaminants that can adversely affect public health and are known
or anticipated to occur in water. They take the form of Maximum
Contaminant Levels or Treatment Techniques.
There are over 100 chemical and biological primary drinking water
standards, which include: trace metals, disinfection agents, disinfection by-
products, radiological, microbiological agents, and organic chemicals.
Examples: Arsenic, Lead, MTBE, total coliform, Giardia, Trihalomethanes,
Asbestos, Copper, Benzene, Trichloroethane, etc.
04/19/23 36
Secondary StandardsSecondary StandardsNational Secondary Drinking Water Regulations
These standards were established more for cosmetic effects
(such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such
as taste, odor or color) in drinking water.
The secondary standards include: aluminum, chloride, color,
corrosivity, fluoride, foaming agents, iron, manganese, odor,
pH, silver, sulfate, total dissolved solids, and zinc.
04/19/23 37
What Should I TestWhat Should I Test
The Selection of the Appropriate Testing Parameters Depends on YOUR Water
How does it taste? Do you have odor problems ? Are there any aesthetic problems, such as: color,
turbidity, grittiness, or staining ? Where are you located ? How much do you want to spend ?
Comprehensive testing can cost over $2500.00
04/19/23 38
Taste ProblemsTaste Problems
Salty or Brackish Taste
Alkali Taste
Metallic or Bitter Taste
High Sodium
Elevated Hardness or
alkalinity
Corrosion, Low pH, high
metallic content (Cu, Fe,
Mn, Pb,Al, Zn)
04/19/23 39
OdorsOdors Rotten Egg / Musty
Odor Oily
Methane Smell
Chemical/ Solvent
Sulfate, Sulfur,
Nuisance Bacteria Gasoline, Oil
Contamination or
Nuisance Bacteria Organic Material or
Natural Gas Industrial Chemicals
04/19/23 40
Sediments and StainsSediments and Stains
Milky or Cloudy
Precipitation of carbonates / sulfates, excessive air, suspended solids,
aquifer material
Bluish Green – Green Precipitates
Copper, hardness, aggressive water and corrosion by-products, nuisance
bacteria
Blackish Tint or Black Slimes
Reactions with manganese and possibly iron, nuisance bacteria
Yellowish or Reddish Tint or Slimes
Humic material, dissolved or precipitated iron, nuisance bacteria
04/19/23 41
Impacts Water SupplyImpacts Water SupplyLand-use Residential (Rural or Urban) Industrial Agricultural Commercial Undeveloped Woodland
Water Source Well, Spring, Cistern, Dug
Well Water Characteristics Geology Well Construction and Age Distribution System Type / Age
Known Hazards AreasWaste Disposal SitesChemical StorageChemical SpillsUnderground StoragePipelinesSewage and Sludge Disposal
Surrounding Water UsersWell ConstructionWell SpacingWater WithdrawalRecharge Areas
04/19/23 42
Groundwater Pocono's RegionGroundwater Pocono's RegionBased on the geology of the Pocono's region, the
Primary water quality problems are as follows:
Corrosive WaterLow pH
Soft Water (low hardness) to Moderate Hardness
Iron and Manganese Discolored Water – Reddish
to Brown TintsTotal Coliform Bacteria
Sulfur Odors and Elevated Sulfates
04/19/23 43
Less Common ProblemsLess Common ProblemsThese water quality are not common to Groundwater inPocono's Region.
Elevated Nitrate- Nitrite LevelsRadon or RadiologicalOrganic Contamination
Elevated Trace Metals (except corrosion by-products like Copper, Lead, Aluminum, Zinc)
Salty or Brackish Water (some areas)Trihalomethanes
Pathogenic Organisms
04/19/23 44
Coliform BacteriaColiform BacteriaColiform Bacteria
Absent or < 1 colony/100 ml
Testing PurposeUsed as an Indicator of Sanitary Condition of Water Source
SourcesNatural Soil BacteriaHuman and Animal WasteInsect Waste
04/19/23 45
Corrosive WaterCorrosive Water Chemical or Biochemical Reaction
between the water and metal surfaces.
The corrosion process is an oxidation/reduction reaction that returns refined or processed metal to their more stable ore state.
Corrosion can also be accelerated by:
1) low pH; 2) high flow rate within the piping; 3) high water temperature; 4) Chemistry of the water; and 4) presence of suspended solids, such
as sand.
04/19/23 46
Evidence of CorrosionEvidence of Corrosion
Physical Signs of Corrosion Leaky Pipes Water Has Bitter Taste Greenish Blue Stains Red or Discolored Water Premature Failure of Water
Heaters/ Heat Exchange Units
Elevated Levels of Copper, Lead, Aluminum, Zinc, Iron, Chromium
Check for Corrosion Testing for Cu and Pb and
other metals and TDS
Corrosivity Testing –
Saturation Index
Nuisance Bacteria Testing
04/19/23 47
pHpH
pH < 7 acidic
a pH > 7 basic
NSDWR – 6.5 – 8.5
Problems Bitter or Alkali Taste Corrosion Scale Formation Leaching Metals
04/19/23 48
Water HardnessWater Hardness The hardness of a water is a measure of the
concentration of the multivalent cations (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, etc) associated with carbonates (CO3) .
Hardness is typically reported as mg /L as CaCO3 (calcium carbonate)
Grains per gallon (1 gpg (US) = 17.12 mg CaCO3/L ).
Hardness Classification: – Soft: 0 to 17 mg CaCO3/L– Slightly Hard: 17 to 60 mg/L;– Moderately Hard 60 to 120 mg/L– Hard 120 to 180 mg/L– Very Hard > 180 mg/L
04/19/23 49
Nitrate + NitriteNitrate + Nitrite
Drinking Water Standards(Primary) Nitrate: 10 mg as N/ L Nitrite: 1 mg N/L
Health Concern Blue Baby Syndrome- Methemoglobinemia
Sources Fertilizers Human and Animal Waste Non-anthropogenic sources (fixation, rock
weathering) Atmospheric Deposition
04/19/23 50
Nitrogen CycleNitrogen Cycle
04/19/23 51
Sulfates in WaterSulfates in WaterSulfates are a combination of sulfur and oxygen and are a part of naturally
occurring minerals in some soil and rock formations that contain groundwater.
The mineral dissolves over time and is released into groundwater.
Hydrogen sulfide gas also occurs naturally in some groundwater. The gas is
formed from decomposition of organic compounds contained within the
bedrock. Problems are typically found in aquifers that are shale, siltstone, peat
related, or near surface sources of organic material.
Sulfur-reducing bacteria, use sulfur as an energy source and are the primary
producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. These bacteria chemically
change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide
04/19/23 52
Problems with SulfatesProblems with SulfatesNSDWRNSDWR
Laxative Effect- MCL 250 mg/L Form Precipitates on Piping and
Fixtures Rotten Egg Odors Sewage Gas Odors Corrosion Water Heater Failure/Odors
04/19/23 53
SummarySummary
Keys to Safe Drinking Water (Private Well)
Proper Handling of Chemicals and WasteDevelopment of Local StandardsUnderstand Your SourceAnnual Water TestingPublic Education
04/19/23 54
Private Water SupplyPrivate Water SupplyA Pennsylvania PerspectiveA Pennsylvania Perspective
Mr. Brian Oram, PG Professional Geologist, PASEO, Licensed Well Driller
Lab Director, Center for Environmental Quality
Wilkes University
GeoEnvironmental Sciences and Engineering Department
Wilkes Barre, PA 18766
http://wilkes.edu/~eqc
http://wilkes.edu/~gse