Timeline: 2007-2008
Client/Partner: CDM
Study Location: Middle Santa Ana River Watershed
Role: Lab Manager

Summary:

Various waterbodies in the Middle Santa Ana River watershed are listed on the state 303(d) list of impaired waters due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. The Middle Santa Ana River (MSAR) Bacterial Indicator Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) was adopted by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to address these fecal coliform impairments. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 approved the TMDL May 16, 2007. As part of the TMDL Implementation Plan, implementation of a bacteria monitoring program for the MSAR watershed was required. In addition, monitoring was incorporated into the implementation of activities designed to gather information regarding urban and agricultural sources of bacteria.
Microbial source tracking (MST) is an evolving watershed management tool for the development of TMDLs and the assessment of various inputs of fecal microorganisms into surface and groundwater from point source and nonpoint source runoff. MST based on Bacteroidales may serve as a management tool to validate the concept of allowable bacterial loads as specified by TMDL regulations. As part of the monitoring plan water quality framework, samples from 13 stations in the Middle Santa Ana River (MSAR) Watershed have been analyzed by UC Davis for microbial MST markers.

As assigned Water Quality Laboratory QA Officer Alexander Schriewer was responsible for all processes pertaining to the laboratory analysis and creation of the MST result database for CDM.

The study was conducted on behalf of:

  • Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
  • San Bernardino County Stormwater Program
  • Riverside County Flood Control District
  • Cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, Fontana, Montclair, Norco, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Riverside, and Upland
  • Milk Producers Council, and
  • Chino Watermaster Agricultural Pool

Report:

CDM (2008) Middle Santa Ana River Water Quality Monitoring Plan, April 03, 2008.