Turbidity Dynamics in an Urbanized Headwater Stream

Excess suspended sediment in streams degrades aquatic ecosystems, reduces reservoir capacity, increases drinking water treatment costs, and serves as a carrier for pollutants such as phosphorus, bacterial, heavy metals, and pesticides. Due to the high temporal variability of suspended sediment transport, continuous instream turbidity measurements are used as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration. This variability is particularly pronounced in small urban streams (drainage areas < 100 sq. km). To evaluate turbidity dynamics within the Stroubles Creek watershed (14 sq. km), two Eureka Manta multi-parameter sondes with McVan wiped turbidity sensors were installed at two cross sections upstream and downstream of a 450-m reach experiencing active bank retreat. Turbidity was recorded every 10 min. from March 2006 to May 2007. The continuous turbidity records were evaluated for hysteresis and indications of contributions of bank retreat to the stream sediment load. While the transport of suspended sediment from upstream sources through the study reach is observed, channel erosion appears to be a significant source of sediment to the stream.