Monitoring Water Quality Threatening Grand Canyon’s Drinking Supply
In the wake of the Dragon Bravo Fire, concerns are growing about the potential impact on the drinking water supply for Grand Canyon National Park, specifically at Roaring Springs. Scientists and park officials have teamed up to keep a close eye on the water quality to mitigate any negative consequences.
Northern Arizona University researchers are proactively setting up sensors and cameras to detect any increase in ash and sediment levels in the water entering the aquifers on the North Rim, a measure known as turbidity. These tools will provide early warnings if the water quality starts to deteriorate.
Abe Springer, an ecohydrogeology professor at Northern Arizona University, explains the issue: “Turbidity is an issue because it affects the water quality and standard treatments are to filter the water. [For example], as you know from a river trip, when you’re on a muddy river, it’s a lot harder to filter and your filters get plugged quicker. So that’s the issue.”
The installation of this equipment will take place at various springs and across more than 6,000 sinkholes on the Kaibab Plateau. These sinkholes channel runoff directly into the aquifer located over 3,000 feet below, eventually reaching Roaring Springs and supplying the rest of the park.
Springer adds, “We really anticipate being able to help the park instrument some sites before the winter closures so we can observe the snow melt season next year.” By providing early warnings of high sediment flows, the park can halt water pumping during peak turbidity, thereby protecting their vital water infrastructure.
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