Predicting recreational water quality using turbidity in the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, 2004-7

• DOI: 10.3133/sir20095192
• Publication Date: 2020-05-28T16:25:29Z
• Authors: Amie M. G. Brady; Rebecca N. Bushon; Meg B. Plona
• Keywords: Turbidity; Indicator bacteria

The Cuyahoga River within Valley National Park (CVNP) in Ohio is often impaired for recreational use because of elevated concentrations bacteria, which are indicators fecal contamination. During the seasons (May through August) 2004 2007, samples were collected at two river sites, one upstream and centrally-located CVNP. Bacterial turbidity determined, streamflow time sampling rainfall amounts over previous 24 hours prior to ascertained. Statistical models predict Escherichia coli (E. coli) developed each site (with data from 2006) tested during an independent year (2007). At Jaite, a near center CVNP, predictive model performed better than traditional method determining current day's water quality using E. concentration. Jaite model, based on turbidity, produced more correct responses (81 percent) fewer false negatives (3.2 (68 26 percent, respectively). Old Portage, just with as explanatory variables did not perform well method. was used estimate three other sites park; although it method, - yielding between 68 91 percent responses. Further research would be necessary determine whether elsewhere provide accurate results.