Physical and chemical markers of surface water pollution in park lakes, rivers and streams in the Los Angeles Metropolitan region, California

Background: To describe chemical and physical characteristics of non-drinking surface water in samples taken from city park lakes, rivers and streams in the Los Angeles Metropolitan region. Randomly selected water samples were tested for water quality parameters.

Methods: The study design is a cross-sectional assessment of the water quality physical and chemical markers. Phase 1 of the study included identification of sites, collection, and testing of water samples using a rapid test kit and was limited to four indicator parameters. In Phase 2, water samples found outside the desirable range for these parameters were re-tested and confirmed with USEPA-accepted or approved water testing protocols. Phase 2 of the screening included a set of additional supplemental water quality markers. Results are parsed with GIS mapping information to further characterize potential health and ecological threats due to water contamination.

Results: This presentation discusses the presence and concentration of water pollutants in non-drinking water samples taken in public spaces in Los Angeles County. This presentation provides a framework for understanding the need for ongoing water quality monitoring, and for identifying non-point water pollution sources and potential remediation practices.

Conclusions: Stormwater pollution and other sources of non-point water contamination frequently find its way to city lakes, rivers, beaches, etc. in urban communities. Municipal stormwater drainage and sewage infrastructure is severely outdated or insufficient in many urban localities. Routine water quality monitoring may provide public awareness and evidence for local governments and citizens to develop innovative ideas for water pollution prevention and control strategies.