Water Quality Study In Santa Rosa Creeks

Analysis of Water Quality Near Homeless Encampments Along Santa Rosa Creek and Russell Creek

Presenter: Lily Roberts

Co-Presenter(s):
Molly Clemons, Hailey Elson, Athena Everson, Kieran Fara, Ylla Hartman, Ryan Hohne, Anna Lichterman, Claudia Mayo, Lily Roberts, Jackie Guilford

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Jackie Guilford

Department: Geography, Environment, & Planning

Funding Source/Sponsor: CEI

Other Funding Source/Program: Rising Waters

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Sustainability and Environmental Inquiry

Abstract:
This project is a collaboration with the City of Santa Rosa Water Department and Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry. Part of the Rising Waters Program, we examined the impact of homeless activity on the water quality of urban creeks in Santa Rosa, CA. Water was sampled upstream and downstream of areas with frequent homeless encampments on Santa Rosa Creek and Russell Creek monthly from October 2022 - March 2023. Water samples were analyzed for fecal bacteria (enterococcus, E. coli), nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, TSS, pH, temperature, and conductivity. Concurrent with water sampling, walking surveys were conducted to document levels of trash and signs of homeless activity that could impact water quality.