Oatka Creek Water Quality Assessment: Identifying Point and Nonpoint Sources of Pollution with Application of the SWAT Model

Abstract

In this Oatka Creek study, I determined the sinks and sources of nutrients, sediment and bacteria pollution, evaluated the effectiveness of best management practices on reducing phosphorus and sediment losses from the watershed, and developed a total maximum daily load (TMDL). The objectives were as follows: Objective 1: Conduct segment analyses throughout the Oatka Creek watershed to identify sources of nutrients and sediment. Objective 2: Evaluate nutrient and sediment load contributions of segments of Oatka Creek and its tributaries within the basin and to the Genesee River using discharge measurements and weekly water chemistry monitoring. Objective 3: Create, calibrate and validate a Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to evaluate allocated source contributions, and sources identified via segment analysis and flux (load) measurements and suggest remediation strategies to reduce phosphorus loads and concentrations in Oatka Creek.