Analysis of Long-term Changes to

Russian River Water Quality

Presenter: Robin Glas

Presenter Status: Faculty

Academic Year: 19-20

Semester: Spring

Department: Geology

Abstract:
Freshwater quality can be affected by a number of elements such as deforestation, urban development, and climate change. The Russian River is an important habitat for endangered salmonid fish species, tourism, and is a water source for hundreds of thousands of local residents. Over the past few decades, there have been changes in water quality both in the tributaries and in the main stem of the Russian River. Our study uses available water quality data to identify long-term trends across the watershed. Our analysis indicates that over the past decade and a half, dissolved oxygen concentration is decreasing, while water temperatures have increased. Although there is high variability in the data, these overall trends could be explained by warming air temperatures across the state of California. Future work should consist of better identifying the cause of these changes in water quality across the Russian River Watershed in order to better manage this important resource.