WWRC 85-17(s)
Changes in Bacterial Water Quality in the Nash Fork
Hydrologic Watershed of Southeastern Wyoming After Ten Years
Abstract
Six sites on three streams within the Nash Fork Hydrologic Watershed
were sampled on a weekly basis during the summer of 1982, to determine if
changes have occurred in waterborne bacteria populations since 1971-72. Water
samples were collected, processed, and analysized using, the same techniques as
those employed during the 1971-72 study. Bacterial tests included: total
coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, standard plate count at 35 C°,
total heterotrophic areobic bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, and sulfate-reducing
bacteria. The data collected were analysized using organisms per 100
ml and organisms passing one point per second, to determine whether or not
changes in counts were due soley to concentration/dilution phenomenon, or to
user activities, as differences do occur. After ten years there were no
significantly detectable changes in bacterial populations enumerated. Grazing
management, recreational activities, and wildlife use of the watershed studied
has not changed much over the ten year span. These users appear to be contributing
a constant bacterial load to the streams sampled by year and month
during summer. Long term bacterial trend data could be used to help managers
determine management needs on high mountain watersheds.
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