4/27/05
The purpose of our research was to continue the study of chloride levels found in the Wingra Watershed. Research on chloride levels has been done since 2000 and we continued to track the levels of chloride because this is an important matter that greatly affects our environment and the watershed environment such as animals and plants. For our research we decided to add additional sites for collecting samples and monitoring the levels of chloride, we did this because we wanted to see if there was a difference in the levels depending on certain areas within the Wingra Watershed. We collected samples from four different sites. To measure the level of chloride found in our samples we used the hach chloride test kit. We used both the low level test and the high level test. The low test gives more of an accurate reading so we used this whenever it was possible. But we did have to use the high test to test the retention pond when the levels were high. The results of our research show that the levels of chloride have increased since the last couple of years. Some of the reasons for this increase might be related to the increase in snow and ice amounts that Madison received this year. Further investigation may result in other factors that would contribute to the increase of chloride levels.
Project Goal: The goal of our project is to find out if the chloride levels in Lake Wingra increase due to road salt runoff.
Methods: We took water samples from a total of four points-three around Lake Wingra and one at the retention pond, which is located on the Edgewood College campus. The first sample was taken on November 2, 2004 and we continued to take samples through late February. the final sample was taken on February 22, 2004. We tested these samples using the Hach Chloride test. The results of the tests were then graphed and studied. (Link to Pictures and Map)
Results: From our graphs, we can see that there is a steady rise in the amount of chloride in the lake. The levels begin to rise as the snow melts and the water runs into Lake Wingra. (Link to Figures and Data)
Summary: This study is important to the health of the Wingra Watershed. A sudden change in the salt content in Lake Wingra is harmful to aquatic animals and plant life. When freshwater is tainted by abundant amounts of salt, aquatic animals may suffer from dehydration. Plants that surround the lake may become destroyed.
Conclusion: The results of our tests show a rapid increase in the chloride levels in Lake Wingra as a result of road salt runoff. Past studies have also arrived at this conclusion. We believe that alternatives to road salt should be used in an effort to decrease harmful effects to the aquatic animal life and plant life of the Wingra Watershed.
Resources: http://natsci.edgewood.edu/, www.crh.noaa.gov, http://kare.iewatershed.com,