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/Program
:
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.