The results of these tests were analyzed using a software program called Statgraphics that created

APPENDIX A MONOCACY CREEK WATER QUALITY DATA MAIN AND EAST BRANCHES EXPLANATION OF WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS TEMPERATURE Background: Temperature is a key determinant of what species can survive in a particular environment. Although temperature preferences vary widely among species, they do have one commonality. All species are negatively impacted by rapid fluctuations in temperature. Sources of Abnormal Readings: Discharges of coolant and waste waters from industrial or utility plants, runoff from heated surfaces such as pavement and roofs, and lack of stream cover to provide shading are among the top sources of thermal pollution. Standards: Life and the reproductive necessities for trout are the target standards for water temperature. Growth is impaired in an adult brook trout at temperatures above 66°F or about 19°C. Death of brook trout will occur at temperatures above 75°F or about 24°C. DEP Water Quality Standards dictate a temperature no greater than 66°F for a high quality, cold water fishery (HQCWF). There should also be no fluctuation greater than 2°F in a one-hour period. pH Background: pH is based on a scale from 0 to 14. On this scale, 0 is the most acidic value, and 14 is the most alkaline value. Seven would be neutral. A change of one pH unit represents a 10-fold change in acidity or alkalinity. Type of bedrock and other natural conditions may affect pH readings. For instance, streams underlain by ...