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The influence of urban hydrology on water quality in the South Platte River, Denver, Colorado, USA
  • Sarah Schliemann,
  • Nels Grevstad,
  • Randi Brazeau
Sarah Schliemann
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Nels Grevstad
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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Randi Brazeau
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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Abstract

As the global population continues to shift into cities, urban hydrologic systems are becoming increasingly important drivers of overall water quality. Engineered waterways and impervious surfaces strongly influence baseline flow, peak flow, and the transport of pollutants in the urban environment. Between May 2016 -- May 2019, we systematically measured water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and the concentrations of nitrate-N, ammonia-N, and orthophosphate in the South Platte River in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado, USA. We found that the overall water quality of the river decreased through the study area. In addition, there appear to be several hotspots with consistently poor water quality. While it is beyond the scope of this paper to determine the specific sources of the hotspots, it seems likely that wastewater treatment facilities contribute to elevated pollution levels. We also found that water quality was strongly influenced by season. Decreased natural flows during the late fall and winter lead to higher concentrations of nutrients and lower dissolved oxygen levels. Most of the samples collected in this study had nutrient levels that were out of compliance with state regulations for nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations while dissolved oxygen and temperature levels were better than threshold values. Urban hydrologic systems are complex and improving water-quality may be difficult. However, tightening of water-quality standards could result in positive changes to this system.
07 Apr 2020Submitted to Hydrological Processes
11 Apr 2020Submission Checks Completed
11 Apr 2020Assigned to Editor
11 Apr 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Jun 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jun 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
23 Aug 20201st Revision Received
24 Aug 2020Assigned to Editor
24 Aug 2020Submission Checks Completed
24 Aug 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Sep 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Oct 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
29 Nov 20202nd Revision Received
30 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
30 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
30 Nov 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Nov 2020Editorial Decision: Accept