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Water Quality for Virginia Master Gardeners
What you should knowWhat you can do
What you should be able to teach
Shameless Commercial
Have you joined VMGA?The Voice of VA
Master GardenersPromote fellowship,
training & communication
State Coordinator’s Endowment.
Outline
Factors that contribute to water quality and pollution
Lawn and garden activities can impact water quality
Information about pond water quality issues
Role of MGs in protecting water qualityVCE’s role in homeowner water quality
Outline
Factors that contribute to water quality and pollution
Lawn and garden activities can impact water quality
Information about pond water quality issues
Role of MGs in protecting water qualityVCE’s role in homeowner water quality
Why is Water Quality Important
???
Why is Water Quality Important
Life is water-basedFederal Law
Clean Water ActFIFRARivers and HarborsClean Air Act
State LawVA Constitution (Article XI sec1)
Hydrologic Cycle
PrecipitationRunoffInfiltrationEvaporation
Factors that affect runoff
?
Factors that affect runoff
SlopeVegetationPrevious moistureInfiltration rate
Infiltration
This however, is only valid when the soil surface remains undisturbed.
Groundwater
Watersheds
What is a watershed?What is your watershed?How can you find out?
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Fairfax County Watersheds
http://www.fairfaxcounty-watersheds.net/
Types of surface water
Ephemeral streams – vernal poolsPuddlesStreamsPondsLakesRiversEstuariesOceans
Pollution Sources
Point SourceName some sources
Non-Point SourceName some sources
Pollution Types
SedimentNutrientsAnimal WastePesticidesSaltsToxicantsThermal
Nutrients
N-P-KSources?Air is the major source!Sinks
Which are the Biggies for us?
SedimentNutrientsAnimal WastePesticidesSaltsToxicantsThermal
Chesapeake Bay PollutantsCHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM - ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
TRACK 1: NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT INDICATORCBP 7/22/03
1980s –2002
Decreasing
No significant trend
Increasing
Nitrogen Trends in Rivers Entering the Bay:
Flow Adjusted ConcentrationsMonitoring data from major rivers entering tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay show that nitrogen concentrations are decreasing in the Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, and James rivers.
The Pamunkey (a tributary to the York) shows an increasing trend.
The remaining riversshow no trends.
Source: USGS and Susquehanna River Basin Commission, PA. Results are shown for flow adjusted trend analyses using the earliest complete data set collected since 1985.
Chesapeake Bay PollutantsCHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM - ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
TRACK 1: NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT INDICATORCBP 7/22/03
1980s –2002
Decreasing
No significant trend
Increasing
Monitoring data from major rivers entering tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay show that phosphorus loads are decreasing in portions of the Susquehanna and in the Patuxent, Mattaponi, James and Appomattox rivers.
The remaining rivers and the rest of the Susquehanna show no trends.
Source: USGS and Susquehanna River Basin Commission, PA. Results are shown for trend analyses using the earliest complete data set collected since 1985.
Phosphorus Trends in Rivers Entering the Bay:Monitored Loads
Pollution Impacts
SedimentNutrientsAnimal WastePesticidesSaltsToxicantsThermal
Types of Toxicity
AcuteCancer Birth DefectsEndocrine DisruptorsChronicBioaccumulationBiomagnification
Measuring Pollution
Chemistry/Laboratory/BioassayEffects
Global effectsLess fish landings – global warming
Ecological assaysMacroinvertebrate assays - surveys
Secondary effectsLow DO – Cloudy water
Chesapeake Bay - How’s It Doing
Lets look at some systems indicative of condition:SAV submerged aquatic vegetationStriped BassBlue crabsOysters
Chesapeake Bay - How’s It
Doing
SAV IS recovering
Chesapeake Bay -
How’s It Doing
Striped Bass
Chesapeake Bay - How’s It Doing
Blue Crabs
Chesapeake Bay - How’s It Doing
Oysters
Impacts of Pollution
ToxicityFood contaminationHabitat destructionHabitat degradationCascading Effects
Habitats at risk
Clear water habitatsSAVWetlandsOyster reef
Water Quality Healthy vs. Unhealthy
Sunlight Sunlight
HealthyHabitat
UnhealthyHabitat
BalancedAlgae Growth
Minimal Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sediment Inputs
Excessive Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sediment Inputs
HealthyBay Grasses Reduced
Bay Grasses
Algae Die-off
Algae Decomposition
No Oxygen
Lack of Benthic CommunityBenthic Community
HealthyOyster Reef
AdequateOxygen
Algal Bloom
Barren Oyster Reef
Impaired Waters
Watershed approach – 10 major tributaries
Tributary Strategy – crosses political boundaries
The states (and counties) adopt the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan
Find yours http://gisweb.deq.virginia.gov/
A Brief Break
Outline
Factors that contribute to water quality and pollution
Lawn and garden activities can impact water quality
Information about pond water quality issues
Role of MGs in protecting water qualityVCE’s role in homeowner water quality
How can we affect water quality?
How much property do you have?What is on it?What do you do to it?
Multiply that by all the neighbors in your watershed
Add in cheatingGasoline in the ditch – on the groundPesticide disposal
Add in yard wasteIn the ditch, taking up landfill capacity
Add in doing nothing and thinking THAT is betterErosion thermal /pollution
Impervious Surfaces
Loss of groundwaterErosion Flashiness of floodingContaminant transferThis is why there are stormwater utility
fees – that are going up!
Impervious Surface Solutions
Storm Water Structures
Retain water on-siteRain gardensSlow down flow at
guttersDecrease impervious
surfaces percentage
Q
T
Developed Condition, Conventional CN(Higher Peak, More Volume, and Earlier Peak Time)
Existing Condition
Hydrograph
Use Gardening
Ensure complete coverReduces runoffReduces erosionIncreases infiltration
Make it healthyLess fertilizer needLess pesticides useLess yard waste
Use MulchRetains waterKeeps soil temperature more
moderate
Home Damage
Puddles
Mosquitoes MudFurther damage
Eroded topsoil, rills, gullies
How can we make residential developmentsfunction hydrologically like natural systems?
Pervious Pavement Here is how well some of
this works Here is how good some of
this looks
Rain GardensBMP
Quiz
Amended Soils
Description:
Soil amendments are needed when development removes top layers of soil and compacts subsurface layers, thereby reducing ability of soils to store and treat runoff.
Benefits: Increases soil permeability, enabling greater storage capacity and
infiltration, reducing overall runoff from development site. Can effectively filter and treat. pollutants. Reduces the need for extensive use of irrigation and fertilizers.
BMP
Green Roofs
Description:
Lightweight vegetated surface laid over an impervious roof area.
Benefits: Improves a building’s energy performance (both heating and cooling)
by adding a thermal layer. Provides significant stormwater storage and evapotranspiration –
reducing need for other SW practices on site. Improves air quality (filters large percentage of particulates in the
air). Provides wildlife habitat. Increases lifespan of conventional roof (can double lifespan of roof).
Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting BMP
Disconnect
Benefits: Retains water on site Available systems for almost any density Can be retrofitted Can help attain stormwater goals at lower cost
Definition:
Interrupt the rapid flow of stormwater off site
BMP
Splash Blocks by Myersculpture
Low Cost Alternatives BMP
Flow-through Planter
Reservoir, 12" min. depth
Reverse bend trap or hooded overflow
18" sandy loam, minimum infiltration rate 5" per hour
12" open-graded gravel, approx. ½" dia.
Perforated pipe
Downspout
Building exterior wall
Cobbles or splash block
Filter fabric
Concrete or other structural planter wall with waterproof membrane
Additional waterproofing on building as needed
Drain to storm drain or discharge; bottom-out or side-out options
Moderate Cost Alternatives BMP
Retrofitable on a neighborhood or personal scale
Stormwater Program
Important to water quantity and qualityImportant – supports MG programsCommercial & Non-profit stormwater
planCall Paige!Help your friends and church
Quiz
Comparison of Conventional and LID Site Conditions
An Be Aesthetically done – even in suburban NOVA
Tree conservationRain gardensNarrower streetsOpen drainageOn-lot detention
storage and infiltration
Recommendation Use engineering to stave off
saltwater intrusion
•Challenge•Salt water wedge
•Salts kill crops & habitat
•Solution•Engineering
•Examples
Water Quantity
Right plant right place – resist irrigationPlace plants with similar irrigation needsTime your irrigation
Summer dormancyHigh winds and temperatures waste water
Design gardens/lawns to save waterOdd shapesThe devil strip
Pesticides
Only if you need themIPM
ScoutingTiming – effective control strategiesNatural controls/patienceLeast intrusive approachSafety for you and the environment
Rain – wind – sun - temperature
More isn’t better – or even legal
Pesticides continued
Read the labelDispose of carefullyMix accuratelyPrevent spillsWatch out for siphon effect!Remember you are a MG –
call Adria & use the PMG
Pesticide Problems
Spray driftGroundwater pollutionSurface water pollutionSediment transport
AdsorptionAbsorptionSolutionBreakdown
Recommendation –Joint Agency cooperation can
help adapt to temperature changes
•Challenge•Higher winter temperatures allow pests•And invasives
•Solution•Get the best agents on the problems
•Examples
Fertilizer Basics
Use itIf you need itCheck to make sure
VCE soil test – sample –paperworkRemember to pay attention in class
Fertilizer Basics continued
CalibrateAvoid putting it on the driveway and
walksUse it when time is right
Growing season for mostSON for turf
Yard Waste
Right plant reduces trimmingRight plant reduces diseaseAvoid planting near power linesWalks, drives,etc.Over septic and drainfields
Turf
Manage pestsCrabgrass or Poa annuaOr other weeds
Ensure healthMow high and mulch
>2.5inches – less than 1/3rd of height – free fertilizer.
Pick the right grassTurf-type tall fescue, bluegrass, rye – mix.
Turf continued
AerifyCore aeratorNot spike
OverseedEvery year is bestEvery lawn needs it
Water properly or not at all.
Outline
Factors that contribute to water quality and pollution
Lawn and garden activities can impact water quality
Information about pond water quality issues
Role of MGs in protecting water qualityVCE’s role in homeowner water quality
The Pond Part
Farm pondsNatural
pondsStorm Water
featuresOrnamental
Water Features
How does a Pond Work
WaterSedimentAir
Water Quality
Nutrients the most important issueThe source of most problems you hear
Algae Growth
WaterNutrientsLightThe right temperature
Algae Control
Remove one of:WaterNutrientsLightThe right temperature
Aquatic Weeds
Navigational problemUnsightlyOdors
Aquatic Weed Control
Advise nutrient reductionCarp – permit requiredWinter dredging – permit probably
requiredChemical control – requires a license
(category 5a) – don’t make Recommendations
The Spring Pond
Water warmsNutrients releasedSpring algae or diatom bloomsMost pond calls
The Summer Pond
Warm waterStratificationNitrogen fluxPea soup and clouds don’t mix
The Fall Pond
Cooling waterDe-stratificationTurn-over
The Winter pond
Cold water Watch out for external plumbing/or
drainage problemsNever skate in Virginia
Questions
Turtles/snakes and birds Oh My!Green waterCloudy waterLeaksSkeeters
Animals
VisitorsDesign changes – elevationNettingReality check
snailsexamine your plant material
Fishgoldfish koi othersbe careful with exotic species
Green Water
EmergencyChemical flocculationDyesPoisons
PatienceLong Term
Better practicesResignation-Adaptation
Give up or change the designPlanting
Cloudy Water
EmergencyFiltersFlocculation
PatiencePlanting
chores
SpringDredgingReplantingPest ControlPopulation Control
chores
SummerAlgae ControlMosquito ControlFilter MaintenanceFertilizationPopulation ControlPlant Clean-up
chores
FallLeaf Control/removalFilter MaintenancePopulation ControlStop Feeding
chores
WinterDraw downNoxious weed removalDredging
Careful with spoils placementDon’t poke any holes
Fore Bay cleanup & Dredging for Storm Water structures
Garden Pond Water Quality
Aging and/or treatmentchlorine in tap waterwater temperature of well water
FiltersSelection of plants – include:
floating – submerged – emergent
Animal overpopulation
Skeeters
Moving waterFishDunks
Chemical Recommendations
Don’t make any!Most all aquatic formulations require
applicators permitRecommend that they ask to see the
permit – Category 5A
Outline
Factors that contribute to water quality and pollution
Lawn and garden activities can impact water quality
Information about pond water quality issues
Role of MGs in protecting water qualityVCE’s role in homeowner water quality
VCE’s role in homeowner water quality
Liaison with DCRSoil & Water Conservation DistrictMany farm programs – CREP etc.MG programs like
Lawn KnowersGreat ScapesWater Stewards
You – the front line
