pH
 

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pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and is ranked on a scale from 1.0 to 14.0. Acidity increases as pH gets lower.  pH affects many chemical and biological processes in the water. For example, different organisms flourish within different ranges of pH. The greatest variety of aquatic animals prefer a range of 6.5-8.0. This range is the Alaska DEC water quality standard for the growth and propagation of fish, shellfish, aquatic life, and wildlife.  pH values outside of this range reduces the diversity in the stream because it stresses the physiological systems of most organisms and can reduce reproduction.  Changes in acidity can be caused by atmospheric deposition (acid rain), surrounding rock and soils, and certain wastewater discharges.

We measure pH in two ways: (1) using an indicator solution and color comparator, and (2) using an electronic meter (Hanna Meter) with a probe that can detect the migration of H+ ions.  He report our results from only the Hanna Meter here.

[ Cottonwood Creek ] [ Wasilla Creek ] [ Little Susitna ] [ Bodenburg Creek ] [ McRoberts Creek ]

 

(Source: http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/BACT/info/index.html, http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/stream/)