5.2.4 - Future Monitoring

A regular water quality monitoring program should be established to assess the environmental quality of Strawberry Creek on a long-term basis. This will allow the water quality of the creek to be periodically re-evaluated and problems to be redefined, especially with respect to the bacterial contamination. Changes in ambient water quality and constituents can be determined with respect to the baseline data presented in this report. The effectiveness of implemented control measures can also be evaluated. Point source monitoring of additional suspected contamination sources should be conducted.

Regular water quality sampling stations should be identical to those used for the baseline and wet weather sampling rounds performed in this study. Water quality parameters chosen should be targeted to specific objectives, but should also be comprehensive enough in scope to enable evaluation of overall water quality. Comprehensive water quality monitoring enables the determination of future appropriate "beneficial uses" of Strawberry Creek in terms of aquatic life, recreation, and educational value. A comprehensive round of water quality sampling at all six stations should be performed at least annually under low flow conditions. Storm sampling can be conducted to assess the effectiveness of non-point source and stormwater management techniques.

Staff gauges capable of measuring both low and peak flows should be installed on both forks of the Strawberry Creek. Rating curves (graphs that correlate stream discharge to the water surface elevation read on the staff gauge) for each fork could then be compiled. This requires repeated observations of the staff gauge in conjunction with measurements of streamflow at varying water levels, especially during the rainy season. Once rating curves are established, the instantaneous discharge of the creek can be ascertained simply by reading the staff gauge.

Rating curves are a fundamental tool in hydrologic analysis. Pr. Luna Leopold had established staff gauges on the North Fork near Haviland Hall and on the Main Branch upstream of Oxford Street. The Main Branch gauge is now missing, and the Haviland gauge needs to be surveyed for accuracy. Dr. Leopold had established rating curves for each gauge. Lag time (interval between rainfall and runoff) can be easily determined by simultaneously recording rainfall amounts and streamflow. Decreasing trends in lag time due to further development in the watershed or increases in lag time due to stormwater detention practices can then be identified and evaluated in terms of changes in peak flows, flocxi stage, or streambank erosion. Hydrologic analyses can be a useful tool in assessing the impacts of development or evaluating the effectiveness of stormwater management practices in the watershed. In addition, monitoring of streamflow is an excellent teaching tool in engineering and applied natural sciences.