Sierra Nature Notes, Volume 8, May 2008

2007 Report on Analysis of Water Quality of Lakes and Streams in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Robert W. Derlet, M.D.
Professor
University of California, Davis

Pristine Sierra lake near Mt. Whitney, Sequoia National Park. This lake receives almost no hiker use and no stock use. Note relative absense of algae on sandy bottom and smooth banks of meadow at stream edge.

Surface water quality in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is important for backcountry users as well as downstream municipal water districts. It’s water contributes in part to the Sierra Nevada Mountains watershed which provides 50% of California’s fresh water for domestic use.  Melting snow must pass through a fragile ecosystem prior to runoff into lowland reservoirs.  This ecosystem, primarily granite or metamorphic rock has little buffering capacity, and therefore small amounts of environmental pollution, may have a significant impact on biotic life. Much of this watershed encompasses road less, back country wilderness areas which have limited and restricted use. Over the past 50 years, deposition of rate limiting substances by humans, and domesticated animals and  increases in air pollution from the central valley have resulted in increasing eutrophication, and increases in phytoplankton species and biomass.  We hypothesize that this changing environment may also affect the presence of total and pathogenic bacteria and algae biomass. Therefore, identifying specific factors that are associated with increases microorganisms and algae are important. Understanding factors that impact the water quality from these areas is important for use restrictions and management decisions.

Coliform bacteria have been established as indicators of fecal pollution of watersheds. The findings of coliforms would indicate that the watershed carries a risk for water-borne diseases such as entero-invasive E. coli, Giardia, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersenia species and other microbial pathogens, some of which can survive for extended periods in the environment. The objective of the current study was to determine coliform presence in Kings Canyon National Park backcountry, and study associated indicators of human impact on water including total bacteria, algae biomass, as well as other indicators of harmful pollution.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Dr. Rober Derlet, Water sample sites, 2007. (Click map to enlarge -- large file, not recommended for dial-up connections).

METHODS
A total of 37 study sites in back country lakes and streams in Kings Canyon National Park were analyzed during the summer of 2007. Analysis consisted of observation comparisons of algae biomass, amount of non-organic stream and lake foam, a quantitative assessment of heterotrophic bacteria, and determination of the presence of coliforms. The following methods were applied:

• Algae: In the absence of chlorophyll analysis, gross observations of amounts of algae bio mass was made utilizing a 0 - 6 scale with 0 = no algae to 6 = severe algae bloom.
• Foam: Foam was made utilizing a 0 - 6 scale with 0 = no visible foam within 10 meters of the study site and 6 = sudsy water. To distinguish natural organic form from chemical soap form, the stick mixing technique was applied.
• Bacteria: Water samples for bacteria analysis were collected dipping into surface water duplicate Millipore bacterial counter collectors and 16 ml sterile test tubes. They were transported to the laboratory and incubated at 35 degrees Celsius. Bacterial counts were taken directly by counting CFU on the Millipore samplers after incubation.
• Coliforms:  Risk areas were determined based on land use patterns in the watershed above the sample site. Wild sites have only rare visits by humans, Day Hike sites see pass-by traffic, backpack only, primarily Backpackers and rare stock, and Pack Animal (Stock) areas seeing significant stock use.  Water samples for coliform analysis were collected simultaneous with bacteria samples. Bacteria for coliform analysis were collected dipping into surface water duplicate Millipore coli counter collectors and 16 ml sterile test tubes. They were transported to the laboratory and incubated at 35 degrees Celsius. A  subculture from the sampler, as well as the test tube samples  were subject to standard laboratory analysis for coliforms which includes confirmation testing utilizing MacConkey, EMB and Sorbitol agars.

RESULTS
A total of 37 sites were analyzed as listed below, followed by the site Elevation and Land use Risk category. The risk category abbreviations are: W = Wild/no human impact areas; DH = Day Hike or pass through areas; BP = Backpack areas; PA = Pack Animal areas. Note: These classifications are based on site observations by the author, and do not necessisarily reflect data or observations from the National Park Service.

1. Bubbs Creek above Kings River confluence - 5,120ft - PA
2. Charlotte Creek at Bubbs Creek trail crossing - 7,280ft - BP
3. Bubbs Creek at Lower Junction camp site - 8,120ft - PA
4. East Creek at confluence with Bubbs Creek - 8,184ft - PA
5. Bago Springs - 9,318ft - W
6. Bubbs Creek at Vidette Meadow - 9,500ft – PA
7. Lake 12,248 – 12,248-DH
8. Golden Bear Lake – 11,200 BP
9. Bull Frog Lake, western shore - 10,610ft - DH
10. Charlotte Lake near ranger station - 10,383ft - BP
11. Upper Rae Lake - 10,541ft - BP
12. Lower Rae Lake - 10,538ft -PA
13. Springs behind Rae Lake ranger station - 10,600ft - W
14. Arrow Lake - 10,291ft - PA
15. Arrow-Dollar Creek crossing - 10,280ft - PA
16. Dollar Lake - 10,220ft - PA
17. 60 Lakes drainage stream at John Muir Trail - 9,600ft - BP
18. Creek draining lake 11,300 along John Muir Trail - 9,080ft - W
19. Woods Creek, north fork - 8,600ft - PA
20. Woods Ck – 7,800 - PA
21. South Fork of Kings, Upper Paradise - 7,000ft - DH        
22. Kings River, Lower Paradise - 6,600ft - PA
23. Copper Creek in Kings Canyon - 5,100ft - PA
24. Lewis Creek - 4,600ft – PA
25. 4th lake in Darwin Canyon -11,500-DH
26. Lake 11540 above Darwin Bench - 11,540ft - W
27. Drainage of Creek draining Lake 11540ft - W
28. Darwin Canyon - BP
29. Side Creek ranger station at McClure Meadow - 9,675ft - W
30. Evolution Creek at McClure Meadow - 9,600ft – PA
31. Creek from Lake 11,236 –W- (Above Evolution)
32. Goddard Canyon Creek at trail crossing - 8,550ft – BP
33. Bearpaw Water facet (from spring) 7,820 –W
34. Hamilton Lake -8,235 –BP
35. Buck Ck- 7,300 –W
36. 9 Mile Ck- 7,600 –W
37. Side stream Alta Trail- 8,250-W

Outlet of Evolution Lake, Kings Canyon National Park. Note algae growth on bottom and foam on surface. Both can be indicators of high visitor use and careless camping practices: washing body or dishes in or near water; feces from stock or human use washing into lake and increasing nitrogen/phosphorous load.

• Algae: Very high algae biomass was noted at the following four sites:
  Lower Rae Lake (5+), Arrow Lake (5+), Dollar-Arrow Creek crossing (5+), and Dollar Lakes (5+). High algae biomass was observed at Kings River in Lower Paradise (4+). All other sites had between 0 - 3+ algae.
• Soap/Chemical Foam: 5+ foam was noted at Darwin Bench draining Darwin Canyon single observation, Dollar Lake, and Bubbs Creek just below Vidette Meadows.
• Bacteria: Significant heterotrophic bacteria, greater than 8,000 CFU/mL were found on the   Darwin Bench, Dollar Lake, and Bubbs Creek at Vidette Meadow.
• Coliforms: Overall, coliforms were found in 14 of the 37 sites (38%). Analysis by risk category showed coliforms as follows:
  W (Wild areas) – 0 of 11 sites = 0%
  DH (Day Hike areas) – 1 of 4 sites = 25%
  BP (Backpack areas) – 1 of 8 sites = 12%
  PA (Pack Animal areas) – 12 of 14 sites = 86%
  

Specific Positive Coliform sites by risk category
These classifications are based on site observations by the author, and do not necessisarily reflect data or observations from the National Park Service:

1. Wild
• None
2. Day Hike:
   • South Fork King River above Upper Paradise Trail Bridge
3. Backpack areas (without significant stock):
   • Drainage from Darwin Canyon 5 lakes
4. Pack Animal Areas
   • SF Kings @ Lower Paradise
   • SF Kings @ Lower Paradise
   • Woods Ck @7,800 Ft,
   • Dollar Lake
   • Dollar- Arrow Ck Crossing,
   • Arrow Lake,
   • Bubbs Ck @Videttte,
   • Lower Bubbs Ck @ 5,120ft,
   • Copper Ck,
   • Lewis Ck,
   • Evolution Ck @ McClure Meadow
   • Lower Evolution Ck @ JMT crossing and
   • SF San Joaquin @JMT Crossing.

Encouraging Findings: The side streams used by rangers at McClure and Rae Lakes Ranger Stations have been free of Coliforms for all the years studied. Anecdotally, I believe that the Wilderness Permit Ranger lectures are very important in maintaining the natural state of the backcountry and they are doing a great job. This year, I observed both McClure Meadow and an enlarged new portion of the Kings “Junction Meadow” as examples of successes in Meadow restoration which will be important to water quality.

                                                                                   
DISCUSSION
Water year 2006-2007 was a dry year which may have affected results with most watersheds receiving less than half normal precipitation. The spring along the JMT between Glen Pass and Upper Rae Lakes was dry as of September 1.

Algae:
Algae have become a significant problem in certain parts of the Park, and the drought year and lower water flows contributed to an additional algae biomass.  In particular algae biomass is greatest in the Rae Lakes area from Dollar Lake upward to Lower Rae Lake. These areas are heavily used both by backpackers and stock.

Foam
Foam was also found in two areas heavily used by stock and backpackers, Dollar Lake and Bubbs Creek at Vidette Meadow. A surprise finding of foam in the Darwin Bench was unexpected.  This suggested that this area which is considered lightly used and does not have a designated trail may have been impacted heavily by backpackers this summer.

Total Bacteria
Total heterotrophic bacteria correlated well with both Backpacker and Pack Animal use.

Coliforms
Data by risk category is consistent with prior studies in SEKI, as well as data from the entire Sierra which involves nearly 600 water samples which we have analyzed over the past six years. In general, water from Pack Animal areas have  a high coliform prevalence. No significant difference in prevalence was noted despite the dry year. Some difficult to explain trends have been found over the past 6 years. East Lake creek at its confluence with Bubbs Ck has tested negative for 6 of 6 years despite moderate stock use in the watershed.

FUTURE STUDIES
Future studies need to be directed in a number of areas. This would include more quantitative analysis of algae using chlorophyll extraction and analysis techniques. In addition, analysis of foam by subjecting foam and water from foam sources to multi-variant chemical analysis would helpful to determine the possible sources. We believe excessive foam results from soaps, detergents, cleaning agents or sunscreens used by backpackers. A specific study area watershed could be created within the park that would help to further investigate algae, foam, bacteria and coliforms. Such a study area would be selected and the results compared with a similar area that did not have study area restrictions. For example, the hypothetical Evolution Valley study area could be compared to another area in the park over several years. Study area restrictions could include prohibiting use of soaps or cleaning agents in the area, preventing grazing which would minimalize stock use and prohibiting camp fires above 9,600 ft which should decrease camp sites.

The high sierra are under ever increasing pressure from air pollution, backpackers, campers , and domestic animals used for transport or simply for grazing on public lands.. Although this report is based largely on carefully recorded observations over past summer, it is consistent with data from research from the past 6 summers.  If only these are considered they represent clear evidence that there should be current and future concern for water quality derived from the higher elevations. Plans should now be developed to prevent future deterioration. Urgency exists, since the anticipated climate models we are expecting less rainfall and less snow at the higher elevations so that preserving the integrity of the forests, the ground cover and the standing and flowing waters becomes increasingly important.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Expand protected meadow status. Because of the associated wetlands, McClure should have permanent protection from grazing. Consider adding Colby Meadow, and also Big Pete in the LeConte drainage to a list of permanent protected meadows

2. Require backpackers to take lightweight collapsible buckets to encourage washing away from streams or lakes.

3. Require stock riders to rake and cover manure at lease 100 ft from streams or lakes.

 

For Further Reading

2006 Report on Analysis of Lakes and Streams in Kings Canyon National Park for Coliform Bacteria and other Microorganisms
Robert W. Derlet, M.D.

High Sierra Water: What is in the H20?
Robert W. Derlet, MD
Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
U.C. Davis
Kemal Ger
Department of Environmental Science
University of California, Davis

An Analysis of Human Pathogens Found in Horse/Mule Manure Along the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks
Robert Wayne Derlet, MD James Reynolds Carlson, PhD
From the Emergency Department (Dr Derlet) and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (Dr Carlson), University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, CA

A Walk Through the Hydroclimate Network in Yosemite National Park: River Chemistry
Dave Peterson, Rich Smith, Steve Hager
United States Geological Survey

Airborne Pollutants in National Parks: Sequoia Park joins Large Study Effort
Judy Rocchio
Air Quality Program Coordinator
Pacific West Region
National Park Service

Giardia Lamblia and Giardiasis
With Particular Attention to the Sierra Nevada
by Robert L. Rockwell, PhD