Quality of urban runoff, Tecolote Creek drainage area, San Diego County, California
Water-Resources Investigations Report
80-70
By: James G. Setmire and Wesley L. Bradford
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Abstract
The quality of storm runoff from a 9.2-square-mile urbanized watershed, Tecolote Creek, San Diego County, Calif., was studied during nine storms from September 1976 through May 1977. Specific conductance reached 2,100 micromhos and total residue concentrations reached 2,770 milligrams per liter. The chemical oxygen demand concentration in 95% of the samples exceeded 50 milligrams per liter, a concentration that may be sufficient to cause severe oxygen depletion in areas of the receiving water, Mission Bay. Lead concentrations in all samples exceeded concentrations thought to affect some aquatic organisms. Median total nitrogen and total orthophosphorus concentrations were far in excess of concentrations known to cause nuisance growth of algae in lakes. Fecal coliform bacteria concentrations greatly exceeded recommended levels for primary contact recreation water. Concentrations of pesticides--heptachlor, malathion, chlordane, DDT, diazinon, and dieldrin--frequently exceeded the recommended maximums for marine or freshwater aquatic systems. Total loads of selected constituents are calculated and may be used to estimate the impact of runoff on the receiving water. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Setmire, J.G., Bradford, W.L., 1980, Quality of urban runoff, Tecolote Creek drainage area, San Diego County, California: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-70, iv, 33 p. :ill., 1 col. map ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri8070.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Quality of urban runoff, Tecolote Creek drainage area, San Diego County, California |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 80-70 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri8070 |
| Year Published | 1980 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | iv, 33 p. :ill., 1 col. map ;28 cm. |