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An Innovative Index for Evaluating Water Quality in Streams

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Abstract

A water quality index expressed as a single number is developed to describe overall water quality conditions using multiple water quality variables. The index consists of water quality variables: dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, turbidity, total phosphorus, and fecal coliform. The objectives of this study were to describe the preexisting indices and to define a new water quality index that has advantages over these indices. The new index was applied to the Big Lost River Watershed in Idaho, and the results gave a quantitative picture for the water quality situation. If the new water quality index for the impaired water is less than a certain number, remediation—likely in the form of total maximum daily loads or changing the management practices—may be needed. The index can be used to assess water quality for general beneficial uses. Nevertheless, the index cannot be used in making regulatory decisions, indicate water quality for specific beneficial uses, or indicate contamination from trace metals, organic contaminants, and toxic substances.

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Acknowledgments

Individuals in the IRC of Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), especially Bob Breckenridge and Ron Rope, have provided very important encouragement. In addition, Curtis Cude of the Oregon Department of Water Quality and Dr. Ken Hall, professor, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, B.C., Canada added very useful comments that improved the quality of this study. We would like to express our appreciation to all of them. Support for this study from the Inland Northwest Research Alliance (INRA) was greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33620-5350, USA

    Ahmend Said

  2. Civil and Environmental Department, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322-4110, USA

    David K. Stevens

  3. Integrated Environmental Analysis Department, Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83415-2213, USA

    Gerald Sehlke

Authors
  1. Ahmend Said
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  2. David K. Stevens
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  3. Gerald Sehlke
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Correspondence to Ahmend Said.

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Said, A., Stevens, D. & Sehlke, G. An Innovative Index for Evaluating Water Quality in Streams. Environmental Management 34, 406–414 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-004-0210-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-004-0210-y

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