Water Health: Testing and Determining Health of
Local Bodies of Water
Abstract
Ponds and rivers represent distinct aquatic ecosystems characterized by significant differences in size, flow, and water quality metrics through pH, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), specific gravity, temperature, electric current, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). While general metrics for assessing pond health are well-established, regional tolerance ranges can vary from commonly accepted values. This study aimed to evaluate the health of local ponds and rivers by comparing water quality data to standardized ranges and observing temporal changes in key metrics. Selecting three bodies of water in Loudoun County, Virginia (Living, Stagnant, and River), and using an all-in-one water quality tester, we measured pH, salinity, TDS, specific gravity, temperature, electric current, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) across three local bodies of water. These findings were compared to the data and results of the National Institutes of Health, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Kasco Marine. Results indicated that all three water bodies fell within healthy ranges, supported by evidence of abundant wildlife and stable environmental conditions. No significant pollution or stress-related changes were observed, suggesting that these ecosystems maintain good health over time. This study provides baseline data for local water quality and highlights the stability of these ecosystems under current conditions.
Introduction
Water quality is a cornerstone of ecosystem health, shaping the survival of aquatic organisms and the stability of the surrounding environment. Aquatic ecosystems rely on balanced physical and chemical parameters such as pH, salinity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) to sustain biodiversity and maintain ecological equilibrium (Hook et al., 2014). However, human activities and climate change have introduced significant stressors, disrupting these balances and threatening water bodies worldwide. From nutrient runoff and pollution to increasingly frequent extreme weather events, these pressures have underscored the importance of monitoring and understanding water quality locally and globally (Luvhimbi et al., 2022).
In freshwater systems, water quality degradation can lead to harmful outcomes, such as algal blooms, habitat loss, and declining biodiversity. For example, harmful algal blooms (HABs), often fueled by nutrient runoff, elevated temperatures, and storm frequency, have become a growing concern. These blooms, dominated by cyanobacteria, deplete oxygen, produce toxins, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, creating ecological and human health challenges (YSI Staff, 2016). Similarly, extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change—such as flooding—have demonstrated devastating effects on aquatic systems, particularly in nearshore marine environments. Studies along Australia’s east coast showed that severe flooding altered salinity levels, causing significant mortality among kelp species like Ecklonia radiata (Davis et al., 2022). While marine impacts have been well-documented, freshwater systems face similar stressors, which remain less studied in localized contexts.
Despite using advanced tools like multi-parameter water quality testers, this study encountered challenges that complicated accurate assessments of freshwater ecosystems. Uncalibrated equipment, occasional measurement inaccuracies, and unaccounted-for variables impacted data collection and interpretation. These challenges provided firsthand insights into the complexities of water quality research and emphasized the importance of refining methodologies and tools to enhance the reliability and accuracy of environmental assessments.
This study evaluates water quality in local ponds and rivers in Northern Virginia by measuring key parameters, including pH, salinity, temperature, TDS, etc. Using a 7-in-1 water quality tester, we sought to assess the ecological conditions of these water bodies and identify potential factors influencing their health. Our findings offer insights into the challenges and opportunities of water quality assessment while contributing to a deeper understanding of freshwater ecosystem dynamics in the context of environmental change.
Declaration of competing interest
No competing interest is declared.
Acknowledgments
C.S. and R.N. conceived the experiment(s) and designed the study. C.S. and R.N performed the experiments, C.S. and R.N. analyzed the data. C.S. wrote the initial draft, and R.N. edited and formatted the manuscript. Both authors contributed to the interpretation of results and reviewed the final manuscript.
Funding Statement
The authors would like to thank the teachers at the Academies of Loudoun and Potomac Falls High School for their valuable suggestions. This work is supported in part by funds from the Loudoun Nature Conservation Project through the ”Making Change Donation” by MainStreet Bank.
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