As of June 30, 2010, water-quality data collection at this streamgage has been discontinued due to funding reductions from partner agencies. Although historic data will remain accessible, no new data will be collected unless one or more new funding partners are found. Users who can contribute funding for the non-Federal share of costs to continue operation of this water-quality streamgage should contact Brenda Majedi of the USGS Maryland, Delaware, DC, Water Science Center at 443-498-5527 or email blfeit@usgs.gov.
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Study Information
From Miller and others (2007):
The Anacostia river water-quality monitoring project is developing a better understanding of the dynamics of water quality in this important urban watershed. This study is focused on two monitoring stations near the Maryland/Washington, D.C. border that are immediately upstream of the head of tide.
The upper watershed above the zone of tidal influence is located in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, and is experiencing rapid growth and development.Continuous measurements of water temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity are measured. These values are then used in regression models to estimate the concentrations of suspended sediment, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous. These estimates can be used to better understand the active processes in the Anacostia River, as well as to better quantify the inputs of these compounds to the lower Anacostia River and Chesapeake Bay.
Continuous-data collection for water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity is performed using YSI model 6600 multiparameter data sondes deployed in the river. The data sondes report readings of each parameter collected at 15-minute intervals to an onsite electronic CR-10X data logger, which stores the data for transmission to the USGS at 4-hour intervals.
In order to collect data of suitable accuracy and precision, equipment is field inspected and calibrated at intervals ranging from one to six weeks as dictated by hydrologic conditions, data-transmission quality (fouling and drift), and the known functional limitations of the equipment. For cleaning and calibration of the monitor and sensors, multiple observations of each parameter are made during the entire process, and are used to determine separate corrections for both fouling and drift. Shifts and corrections that exceed acceptable criteria are applied to the continuous-data records after field visits. Inspection and calibration procedures are described in detail in Wagner and others (2006).
External Links
- A report containing findings from this ongoing study is available for online viewing.
For Additional Information
Please contact:
United States Geological Survey
5522 Research Park Dr, Baltimore, MD 21228
Tel: (443)498-5500, Fax: (443)498-5510
E-mail: gs-w-mdNWISWebData_Inquiries@usgs.gov