Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Streams in the Lower Flint River Basin

Abstract

In recent years, increasing pumpage of groundwater has created conflicts in water management on the Dougherty plain within the Lower Flint River Basin (LFRB), making it essential to develop a better understanding of stream water quality, quantity, and the potential impacts of proposed water management measures in the area. Geomorphic and basic water chemistry data were collected on 20 reaches from the LFRB tributaries in order to develop a local channel classification system. Based primarily on conductivity, pH, geology, and valley morphology, the streams on LFRB were classified into five categories. Time series data of stream water quality, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and turbidity were collected to characterize spatial and temporal water quality dynamics. A preliminary temperature model was developed to help support management decisions in the basin. The model performed well in base flow temperatures predictions. These data and model will be further used by fisheries scientists to develop tools with which to analyze possible reservoir and groundwater pumping effects on stream biota.