Abstract
Urban karst systems are typically considered more vulnerable to contamination and excess storm discharge because of potential source areas, increased sediment loading, and focusing of water from impervious surfaces. However, urban hydrology can lead to unexpected patterns, such as pirating of recharge into man-made storm systems. Valley Creek Basin in southeastern Pennsylvania, presents such an urban karst system. Four springs were monitored for suspended sediment, water chemistry, and storm response for an 18-month period. The baseflow suspended sediment concentrations were low, less than 4.0 mg/l. Furthermore, trace metal analysis of baseflow water samples and spring mouth sediment showed only low concentrations. The response to storms within the system was rapid, on the order of 1–3 h. The maximum water stage increases at the urban springs were typically less than 15 cm, with springs from more commercialized areas showing <2 cm increase. A nearby retention basin, in contrast, had water level rises of 100 cm, suggesting that pirating of recharge into stormwater systems occurs. Thus, the concept of an urban karst system as a contaminant conduit is not the only one that applies. In Valley Creek Basin, reduced infiltration due to paving led to smaller storm response and less contaminant input, and the smaller capture area due to diversion of stormwater led to short flow paths and rapid storm response. Although contaminant levels have not increased due to urbanization, the springs may be at risk for future contamination. Short flow paths may reduce flushing, which means that the system will not cleanse itself if contamination occurs.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Claire Welty of University of Maryland-Baltimore County for introducing us to the springs of Valley Creek Basin, and the East Whiteland Township and landowners who provided access to the springs. Dr. Ellen Herman, Sam Panno, and an anonymous reviewer provided helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. Funding for this project was provided by the National Science Foundation Hydrologic Sciences Program under Award No. 125601.
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Toran, L., Gross, K. & Yang, Y. Effects of restricted recharge in an urban karst system. Environ Geol 58, 131–139 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1500-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1500-0