Effects of Physical Characteristics of Urban Storm Sewersheds on Water Quality in Bloomington, IL

Increasing urbanization has consequences for surface water quality. Stormwater is a large component of urban water degradation that is poorly understood. Precipitation is quickly transported via underground pipes, from the land to the stream without following water\u27s natural flow path. Studies have correlated detention ponds with improved water quality and impervious surface cover with degraded water quality. However, other physical characteristics within a storm sewer shed including the presence of sump pumps, area and pipe miles may also affect the stormwater quality. We chose 18 storm sewer systems in Bloomington, IL. We measured pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and total suspended solids Relationships and differences among the physical characteristics and water quality was determined using correlation and ANOVA analyses. We found that the presence of a pond significantly lowered total suspended solids and the greater the length of pipe the lower the concentration of nitrate. This research could contribute to how storm sewers are built and retrofitted in the future to decrease the water quality degradation from storm events

Water Your Opinions: A Social Assessment of the Lake Bloomington and Lake Evergreen Watersheds

The purpose of this report is to better understand the knowledge of and attitudes of residents towards water resources in the McLean County area. The assessment consisted of nine key informant interviews and two community focus groups with local residents who have a vested interest in and specific knowledge about these water resources. This is one part of a larger assessment in partnership with the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD). The results of this assessment will help to inform specific questions to be used in a residential household survey in spring 2015. The survey will be used to gain a better insight into the public’s knowledge and attitudes towards water resources in McLean County. This will enable MCSWCD and water managers to strategically plan for future water resources in McLean County. A number of other findings, limitations of the assessment, and recommendations and future research are discussed