Analysis of Water Quality Near Areas of Homeless Activity on Santa Rosa Creek and Russell Creek

Abstract

Water quality was tested upstream and downstream of areas with frequent homeless encampments on Santa Rosa Creek and Russell Creek. Five locations were chosen per creek. Water samples were taken once per
month in December 2022, February 2023, and March 2023. Water quality parameters tested were temperature, pH, conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, total suspended solids, and two strains of fecal bacteria (Enterococcus and E. coli). Where accessible, walking surveys were done along the creek near the water sampling locations to approximate the level of homelessness and presence of fecal matter. We did not detect a consistent correlation between water quality and indicators of homelessness. We observed a decrease in the levels of Enterococcus and E. coli at all 10 of our sampling sites following a large rain event in March.

Results

Key Terms: datasonde, Bacteroides, homelessness, encampment, Fountain Grove, Trailhead Park, Flatrocks Park, Farmer's Lane, Brookwood, grab sample, Paulin Creek, Prince Memorial Greenway