Predicting water quality in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, southwestern Montana

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides a wide range of streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality data to Government, commercial, academic, and public users. The USGS has a record of success with using optical turbidity sensors to predict suspended-sediment concentrations in rivers and streams. Turbidity sensors collect backscatter signals from suspended particles in water, which can be accurately measured and linked closely to hazardous contaminants that travel on the surfaces of suspended particles. Contaminant concentrations derived from the statistical relations between turbidity and contaminants like copper and lead can then be measured in real-time.