Possible water pollution sources in Sabino Creek, Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona

• Main Author: Haile, Abdi Barre,1956-
• Other Authors: Fogel, Martin
• Language: en
• Published: The University of Arizona. 1987
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/191949

Sabino Canyon is an important source of recreation for the Tucson Area. Human activities near the creek have caused pollution problems. This was especially noticeable in the Summerhaven area, where during 1970's a malfunctioning sewage treatment plant was discharging into Sabino Creek. During 1982, a new treatment facility was constructed with zero discharge into the creek. In the Lower Sabin° Creek recreation area, no sampling has been done since then. Thus, this research was designed to assess the extent of stream's pollution and to identify possible water pollution sources and to investigate the stream discharge-water quality relationship for Sabin° Creek. Selected water quality parameters were used as pollution indicators. Among the considered parameters were: Cl, NO₃, PO₄, SO₄, Ca, TDS, and pH. Chemical Hydrographs were used as a tool to interpret the collected data. The results of the study indicated no major pollution sources. In addition, the creek's water was suitable for most beneficial uses. The results also indicated that concentrations of most chemical constituents were diluted by the increase of stream flow. Sulphate and chloride ions didn't show strong dilution with increasing flow and this behavior was thought to be related to autumn flushing, or atmospheric inputs. Finally, holidays and weekend recreational activities did not seem to have an immediate impact on the creek's water quality.