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William G. Wilber

Publications and source records attributed to William G. Wilber.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2010

The quality of our nation's waters: Nutrients in the nation's streams and groundwater, 1992-2004

National Findings and Their Implications Although the use of artificial fertilizer has supported increasing food production to meet the needs of a growing population, increases in nutrient loadings from agricultural and, to a lesser extent, urban sources have resulted in nutrient concentrations in many streams and parts of aquifers that exceed standards for protection of human health and (or) aquatic life, often by large margins. Do NAWQA findings substantiate national concerns for aquatic and human health? National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) findings indicate that nutrient concentrations in streams and groundwater in basins with significant agricultural or urban development are substantially greater than naturally occurring or “background” levels. For example, median concentrations of total nitrogen and phosphorus in agricultural streams are about 6 times greater than background levels. Findings also indicate that concentrations in streams routinely were 2 to 10 times greater than regional nutrient criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to protect aquatic life. Such large differences in magnitude suggest that significant reductions in sources of nutrients, as well as greater use of land management strategies to reduce the transport of nutrients to streams, are needed to meet recommended criteria for streams draining areas with significant agricultural and urban development. Nitrate concentrations above the Federal drinking-water standard—or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)—of 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L, as nitrogen) are relatively uncommon in samples from streams used for drinking water or from relatively deep aquifers; the MCL is exceeded, however, in more than 20 percent of shallow (less than 100 feet below the water table) domestic wells in agricultural areas. This finding raises concerns for human health in rural agricultural areas where shallow groundwater is used for domestic supply and may warn of future contamination of deeper groundwater pumped from public‑supply wells. Are levels of nutrients in water increasing or decreasing? A decadal assessment of trends in concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus from about 1993 to 2003 shows minimal changes in those concentrations in the majority of studied streams across the Nation, and more upward than downward trends in concentrations at sites with changes. These findings underscore the need for reductions in nutrient inputs or management strategies that would reduce transport of nutrients to streams. Upward trends were evident among all land uses, including those only minimally affected by agricultural and (or) urban development, which suggests that additional protection of some of our Nation’s most pristine streams warrants consideration. The median of nitrate concentrations in groundwater from 495 wells also increased significantly from 3.2 to 3.4 mg/L (6 percent) during about the same period, and the proportion of wells with concentrations of nitrate greater than the MCL increased from 16 to 21 percent. Nitrate concentrations in water in deep aquifers are likely to increase during the next decade as shallow groundwater with elevated concentrations moves downward. The potential for future contamination of the deep aquifers requires attention because these aquifers commonly are used for public water supply, and because restoration of groundwater is costly and difficult. Long-term and consistent monitoring of nutrients, improved accounting of nutrient sources, and improved tracking and modeling of climatic and landscape changes will be essential for distinguishing trends in nutrient concentrations, understanding the causes of those trends, and accurately tracking the effectiveness of strategies implemented to manage nutrients.

Circular↗
USGS2008

Methods and Sources of Data Used to Develop Selected Water-Quality Indicators for Streams and Ground Water for the 2007 Edition of The State of the Nation's Ecosystems Report with Comparisons to the 2002 Edition

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was one of numerous governmental, private, and academic entities that provided input to the report The State of the Nation?s Ecosystems published periodically by the Heinz Center. This report describes the sources of data and methods used by the USGS to develop selected water?quality indicators for the 2007 edition of the Heinz Center report and documents modifications in the data sources and interpretations between the 2002 and 2007 editions of the Heinz Center report. Stream and ground?water quality data collected nationally as part of the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program were used to develop the ecosystem indicators for the Heinz Center report, including Core National indicators for the Movement of Nitrogen and Chemical Contamination and for selected ecosystems classified as Farmlands, Forest, Grasslands and Shrublands, Freshwater, and Urban and Suburban. In addition, the USGS provided water?quality and streamflow data collected as part of the National Stream Water Quality Accounting Network and the Federal?State Cooperative Program. The documentation provided herein serves not only as a reference for current and future editions of The State of the Nation?s Ecosystems but also provides critical information for future assessments of changes in contaminant occurrence in streams and ground water of the United States.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1991

National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. A basis for water-resource policy development

The concepts that are the basis for the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program began forming in the early 1980's. By 1986, a pilot phase was initiated to test and refine assessment concepts and in 1991, the NAWQA program began a multi-year transition to a fully operational program. The goals of the program are to describe the status and trends in the quality of a large representative part of the Nation's ground- and surface-water resources and to develop an understanding of the natural and human factors affecting the quality of these resources. This information will provide a sound scientific basis upon which water resources decision making at all governmental levels can be based. To meet its goals, the program will integrate water-quality information at local, regional, and national scales. The program will be perennial and consist of two major components -- study-unit investigations and national assessment activities. Investigations of surface- and ground-water resources of major regional hydrologic systems (river basins and aquifer systems) each covering 1200 to about 60,000 square miles, will be conducted on a rotating basis for 60 study units located throughout the Nation. Key findings from these study-unit investigations will be used along with other information to provide issue-oriented water-quality assessments of regional and national interest.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1985

Effects of land use and surficial geology on flow and water quality of streams in the coal-mining region of southwestern Indiana, October 1979 through September 1980

An assessment of streams in the coal-mining region of southwestern Indiana was done from October 1979 through September 1980 during stable stream flows to provide baseline hydrologic and water-quality information and to document the effect of several natural and human-induced factors on water quality in the region. Streams in southwestern Indiana are generally well buffered against acidification from acid-mine drainage because they flow upon calcareous unconsolidated surficial deposits and bedrock. The pH of streams draining forested, agricultural, and reclaimed mined watersheds ranged from 6.3 to 8.8, which is generally within the range of natural waters. The pH of streams draining unreclaimed mined watersheds ranged from 3.8 to 7.9, which was much more variable than for streams draining lands used for other activities. Concentrations of major dissolved constituents in streams affected by coal mining were significantly higher than in streams unaffected by mining. The principal cause of the elevated concentrations of dissolved constituents was the oxidation of pyrite and marcasite and subsequent dissolution of calcite and dolomite. The principal water type of streams draining forested and agricultural watersheds was calcium bicarbonate, whereas the principal water types of streams draining mined watersheds were magnesium sulfate and magnesiumcalcium sulfate. Concentrations of boron, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc were generally higher in streams draining mined areas than in streams draining forested and agricultural watersheds. Median concentrations of iron and manganese were lower in streams draining reclaimed mined watersheds than in streams draining unreclaimed mined watersheds; this suggests that post-1967 surface-mine reclamation techniques have been effective at reducing concentrations of these metals in streams. Concentrations of aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc increased significantly as pH decreased below 6.0 in streams draining unreclaimed mined watersheds. The elevated concentrations of metals in waters and the low pH result from the oxidation of the sulfide in pyrite to sulfate, which releases dissolved ferrous iron, other metals, and acidity into the water. Median suspended-sediment concentrations of samples from streams draining agricultural and mined watersheds were 1.5 and 5.4 times those of streams draining forested watersheds. Suspended sediment in streams was composed primarily of silt and clay-sized particles. The effect of surficial geology on stream quality was evident for several dissolved constituents in forested and agricultural watersheds. In general, pH and concentrations of alkalinity and calcium were significantly higher in streams draining the Wisconsin glacial province than in streams draining the Illinoian glacial province and unglaciated regions. The higher pH and concentrations of these constituents suggests that there is greater dissolution of carbonate minerals in the Wisconsin glacial province than the other regions. Median concentrations of arsenic, lead, and manganese for streams draining the Wisconsin glacial province were significantly lower than for those constituents in streams draining the Illinoian province and unglaciated region. The median cadmium concentration for streams draining the Wisconsin glacial province was lower than for streams draining the unglaciated region. These differences may have been due to lower solubilities of metal and trace elements at higher pH values in the Wisconsin glacial province than in the Illinoian glacial province and the unglaciated region.

Indiana↗
USGS1981

Preliminary water-quality assessment of the upper White River near Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

The White River Park Commission is planning the development of park facilities along the White River through Indianapolis. A key element in the planning is the determination of whether water quality of the river is suitable for recreation. A preliminary water-quality assessment of the river in Indianapolis on August 4-5, 1980, indicates that, during low-flow steady-state conditions, water quality of the river is suitable for partial body contact recreation (any contact with water up to, but not including, complete submergence). Dissolved-oxygen concentrations varied but were higher than the Indiana water-quality standards established to ensure conditions for the maintenance of a well-balanced, warm-water fish community. High fecal-coliform densities that have been observed in the White River during high stream-flow are probably caused by stormwater runoff from combined sewers. However, during the low-flow steady-state conditions on August 4-5, 1980, fecal coliform densities were within the Indiana standards for partial body contact recreation. Concentrations of organic matter (based on biochemical-oxygen demand and dissolved- and suspended-organic carbon concentrations), nutrients, and heavy metals in the White River were generally within the limits recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and were generally similar to values for other Indiana rivers. Chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and mercury are accumulating in bottom materials downstream from 30th Street (river mile 235.58). The source of these metals is probably stormwater runoff from combined sewer overflows. The phytoplankton densities of the White River were high (>500 cells per milliliter). The dominant phytoplankton species are indicative of rivers moderately affected by organic wastes. The highest cell concentrations, upstream from dams on the White River, significantly affected dissolved-oxygen concentration and pH.

Indiana↗
USGS1980

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks, Blackford and Delaware counties, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for liquid wastes discharged into Indiana streams. A digital computer model was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings on Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The model parameters included atmospheric reaeration, carbonaceous and nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand, and benthic-oxygen demand. The model was calibrated with data collected during three water-quality surveys at low flow. Verification of the model was not possible owing to varied effluent discharge during sampling. During these surveys, in-stream dissolved-oxygen concentration averaged less than 3 milligrams per liter, well below the State minimum requirement of 5.0 milligrams per liter. The model indicated that these low concentrations were caused by high waste loadings, lack of dilution, low reaeration, and benthic-oxygen demand. The hypothetical summer waste-assimilation study assumed that future reductions in discharge Loadings would decrease carbonaceous and benthic decay and increase nitrogenous decay. This hypothetical study indicated that projected effluent waste loads that would provide acceptable in-stream dis-solved-oxygen concentrations are highly dependent on rates of nitrification. Ammonia toxicity became the limiting water-quality criterion at low nitrification rates. The hypothetical winter waste-assimilation study indicated that projected dissolved-oxygen concentrations in Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks did not fall below the State standard. Owing to a lack of dilution, however, ammonia-nitrogen concentrations would violate in-stream toxicity standards in both Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks. In order to quantify the results of the waste-assimilation study, it would be necessary to collect additional stream data.

Indiana↗
USGS1980

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Little Laughery Creek, Ripley and Franklin counties, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing Limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in Little Laughery Creek tributary and Little Laughery Creek was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. Natural streamflow during the summer and annual 7-day, 10-year low flow is zero. Headwater flow upstream from the wastewater-treatment facilities consists solely of process cooling water from an industrial discharger. This flow is usually Less than 0.5 cubic foot per second. Consequently, benefits from dilution are minimal. As a result, current and projected ammonia-nitrogen concentrations from the municipal discharges will result in in-stream ammonia-nitrogen concentrations that exceed the Indiana ammonia-nitrogen toxicity standards (maximum stream ammonia-nitrogen concentrations of 2.5 and 4.0 milligrams per liter during summer and winter low flows, respectively). This waste-Load assimilation study is not based on a verified model. The changes in stream water quality predicted by the model represent only possible stream responses to differing effluent conditions. Benthic-oxygen demand is probably the most significant factor affecting Little Laughery Creek and is probably responsible for the in-stream dis-solved-oxygen concentration being less than the Indiana stream dissolved-oxygen standard (5.0 milligrams per liter) during two water-quality surveys. After municipal dischargers complete advanced waste-treatment facilities, benthic-oxygen demand should be less significant in the stream dissolved-oxygen dynamics.

Indiana↗
USGS1980

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Wabash River, Huntington County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in the Wabash River in Huntington County, Ind., was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The major point-source waste load affecting the Wabash River in Huntington County is the Huntington wastewater-treatment facility. The most significant factor potentially affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentration during summer low flows is nitrification. However, nitrification should not be a limiting factor on the allowable nitrogenous and carbonaceous waste loads for the Huntington wastewater-treatment facility during summer low flows if the ammonia-nitrogen toxicity standard for Indiana streams is met. This wasteload assimilation study is not based on a verified model. The changes in stream water quality predicted by the model represent only possible stream response to different effluent conditions. The dissolved-oxygen standard for Indiana streams, an average of 5.0 milligrams per liter, should be met during summer and winter Zow flows if the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System's 5-day, carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demands of a monthly average concentration of 30 milligrams per liter and a maximum weekly average of 45 milligrams per liter are not exceeded.

Indiana↗
USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Cedar Creek, Dekalb and Allen counties, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes the establishing of limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in Cedar Creek was used to develop alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. All point-source waste loads affecting Cedar Creek are in the four incorporated municipalities of Auburn, Garrett, Huntertown, and Waterloo, in a primarily agricultural area. Avilla, because of its distance from Cedar Creek, does not significantly affect the water quality of the modeled segment. The model indicates that the dissolved-oxygen concentration of the Auburn wastewater effluent and nitrification are the most significant factors affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentration in Cedar Creek during summer low flows. The observed dissolved-oxygen concentration of the Auburn wastewater effluent was low, and averaged 30 percent of saturation. Whether the effluent is aerated before discharge will ultimately define the waste-load assimilative capacity of Cedar Creek. Projected nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand loads, from the Indiana State Board of Health, for the Auburn and Waterloo wastewater-treatment facilities will result in violations of the current instream dissolved-oxygen standard (5 milligrams per liter), even with an effluent dissolved-oxygen concentration of 80 percent saturation. Natural streamflow for Cedar Creek upstream from the confluence of Willow and Little Cedar Creeks is small compared with the waste discharge, so benefits of dilution for Waterloo and Auburn are minimal. Stream reaeration capacity is not sufficient to maintain an average dissolved-oxygen concentration of at least 5 milligrams per liter, the State's water-quality standard for streams. The model also indicates that, during winter low flows, ammonia toxicity, rather than dissolved oxygen, is the limiting water-quality criterion in the reach of Cedar Creek downstream from the wastewater-treatment facility at Auburn and the confluence of Garrett ditch. Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations predicted for 2978 through 2000 downstream from the Waterloo wastewater-treatment facility do not exceed Indiana water-quality standards for streams. Calculations of the stream's assimilative capacity indicate that future waste discharge in the Cedar Creek basin will be limited to the reaches between the Auburn wastewater-treatment facility and County Road 68.

Indiana↗
USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for East Fork White River, Bartholomew County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes the establishing of limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in East Fork White River was used to develop alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The model indicates that benthic-oxygen demand and the headwater concentrations of carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand, nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen are the most significant factors affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentration of East Fork White River downstream from the Columbus wastewater-treatment facility. The effect of effluent from the facility on the water quality of East Fork White River was minimal. The model also indicates that, with a benthic-oxygen demand of approximately 0.65 gram per square meter per day, the stream has no additional waste-load assimilative capacity during summer low flows. Regardless of the quality of the Columbus wastewater effluent, the minimum 24-hour average dissolved-oxygen concentration of at least 5 milligrams per liter, the State's water-quality standard for streams, would not be met. Ammonia toxicity is not a limiting water-quality criterion during summer and winter low flows. During winter low flows, the current carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand limits for the Columbus wastewater-treatment facility will not cause violations of the in-stream dissolved-oxygen standard.

Indiana↗
USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for South Fork Wildcat Creek, Clinton County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in South Fork Wildcat Creek was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. Natural streamflow during the 7-day, 10-year low flow is zero, so no benefit from dilution is provided. The Indiana State Board of Health's projected ammonia-nitrogen concentration for the Frankfort wastewater-treatment facility will violate the in-stream total ammonia-nitrogen standards of 2.5 milligrams per liter and 4.0 milligrams per liter during summer and winter low flows, respectively. The model indicates that nitrification and algal respiration were significant factors affecting the dissolved-oxygen dynamics of South Fork Wildcat Creek during two water-quality surveys. Stream water quality during the two water-quality surveys was degraded by the discharge of wastewater receiving only primary treatment. Benthic deposits resulting from this wastewater discharge seem to exert a considerable oxygen demand. The discharge of partially treated wastewater should be eliminated when a new wastewater-treatment facility becomes operational in mid-1979. Therefore, benthic-oxygen demand due to benthic deposits should become negligible at that time.

Indiana↗
USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Wildcat Creek, Howard County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in Wildcat Creek was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The model indicates that benthic-oxygen demand is the most significant factor affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentrations in Wildcat Creek during summer low flows. The Indiana stream dissolved-oxygen standard should be met if the Kokomo wastewater-treatment facility meets its current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit restrictions (average monthly 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand of 5 milligrams per liter and maximum weekly 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand of 7.5 milligrams per liter) and benthic-oxygen demand becomes negligible. Ammonia-nitrogen toxicity may also be a water-quality limitation in Wildcat Creek. Ammonia-nitrogen waste loads for the Kokomo wastewater-treatment facility, projected by the Indiana State Board of Health, will result in stream ammonia-nitrogen concentrations that exceed the State standard (2.5 milligrams per liter during summer months and 4.0 milligrams per liter during winter months).

Indiana↗
USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for West Fork Blue River, Washington County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in West Fork Blue River was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. Alternative waste loads that would permit instream dissolved-oxygen concentrations of at least 5.0 milligrams per liter for West Fork Blue River in Washington County, Ind., were determined. All point-source waste loads that potentially impact West Fork Blue River are in the town of Salem. The Salem municipal wastewater-treatment facility is the only facility in the modeled reach that has a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit to discharge organic waste. In-stream dissolved-oxygen concentration averaged 96.5 percent of saturation at selected sites on West Fork Blue River during two 24-hour summer surveys. This high dissolved-oxygen concentration reflects small carbonaceous and nitrogenous waste loads, adequate dilution of waste by the stream, and natural reaeration. Nonpoint source waste loads accounted for an average of 53.2 percent of the total carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand and 90.2 percent of the nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand. Waste-load assimilation was studied for both summer and annual 7-day, 10-year low flow. Natural streamflow for these conditions was zero, so no benefit from dilution was provided. The projected reaeration capacity of the stream was not sufficient to maintain at least 5 milligrams per liter dissolved oxygen in the stream with current waste-discharge restrictions. Consequently, during low flows, advanced waste treatment (nitrification-denitrification) or some other form of ammonia removal may be necessary to meet current Indiana stream water-quality standards for ammonia and dissolved oxygen. During winter low flow, ammonia toxicity, rather than dissolved-oxygen concentration, was the limiting water-quality criterion downstream from the Salem wastewater-treatment facility.

Indiana↗