Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Water Quality Canal Sampling for South Gulf Cove Prepared by Dr. Jon Hubertz Gated access to harbor Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Canal Water Sampling Program South Gulf Cove Initiated 2009 Five Stations sampled in canals Quarterly samples by Benchmark technicians Benchmark EnviroAnalytical Inc. analysis Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Fecal Coliform bacteria Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Salinity Station Depth, Secchi Depth Air/Water Temp., Wind Spd./Dir., Cloud Cover Processes Affecting Water Quality Tides - Not important in this location due to limited access Wind - Can cause some local currents Circulation - No flushing of canals Salinity - Mainly dependent on rainfall, evaporation Temperature - Shallow canals, little vertical change Sunlight - Plant growth Rain and Runoff - Potential source of pollution from land Turbidity - Vertical mixing, runoff Boating Activity Station Locations Data Interpretation Methods: Dissolved Oxygen: Fish & Wildlife Standards. Bacteria: Public Health Standards. Secchi: FDEP Typical Water Quality Values. Chl & Nutrients: FL Trophic State Index. Summary of Average Values over Six Years Nitrogen1.3 mg/l Eutrophic Phosphorus107 mig/l Eutrophic Salinity2.4 ppt Brackish Oxygen6.5 mg/l Good pH Basic Transparent35 % < 3 ft.