Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CONTENTS
MARANA
O R O VA L L EY Very little odor escaped the reclamation facility boundary
10
Sil
ve
rbell
Rd
This is a sister series to the Living River reports completed for the Upper Santa Cruz River (learn more at www.tiny.cc/uscr).
Tangerine Farms Rd
(Libellula saturata) H
AS
D
DA
A LIVING ECOSYSTEM
Cortaro Rd
A
CA
Ina Rd
TRES RIOS
REACHES OF THE RIVER Rivers in the Southwest offer rare, yet vital, oases for wildlife $600 million to upgrade the facilities. Completed in 2013, this
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and people in an unforgiving climate. The Santa Cruz River is project significantly improved the quality of water released into
lve
Marana Flats RI
rb
LL such an example, having drawn people to its life-giving waters the river, a key ingredient for a healthier river.
el
lR
RIVE for over 12,000 years. Although the river has undergone
Three Rivers Camino Del Cerro R To gauge conditions of this valuable ecosystem and track
dramatic changes since its waters provided a cool and shady
the impacts of our community investment, Pima County and
River reaches with seasonal flows AGUA NUEVA retreat to early inhabitants, the river endures and continues to
the Sonoran Institute developed a Living River series for the
River reaches dominated by effluent benefit the wildlife and communities of southern Arizona.
TU CS O N Lower Santa Cruz River. Modeled on the Sonoran Institutes
SA
Direction of river flow Two stretches of the Santa Cruz, the upper and lower, Living River report for the Upper Santa Cruz River, this report
NT
Water reclamation facility continue to flow year-round thanks to the release of effluent documents annual change along the Lower Santa Cruz River
A
(treatment plant) RU or highly treated wastewaterinto the river. This use of effluent to gain insight into the rivers health. Beginning with baseline
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is re-creating our flowing-river heritage, naturally recharging monitoring in 2013 (prior to reclamation facility upgrades), the
Z
RIV
our groundwater aquifer, supporting rare wildlife habitat, and Living River series is an assessment of the wetland conditions
ER
THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER WATERSHED building a valued community amenity. Along the Lower Santa created and affected by the effluent.
Cruz River, as effluent created a thriving river ecosystem, the
This fourth report examines changes in indicators of river
community responded by building river parks and The Loop
health along a 23-mile stretch of the river during the 2016
Great blue heron recreational trail to provide easier access to this river bounty.
(Ardea herodias) water year (October 1, 2015September 30, 2016). Facility
LOWER Tucson
SCR Effluent in the Lower Santa Cruz River is not new; two upgrades were completed in December 2013, thus this report
10
wastewater treatment plants, or water reclamation facilities, captures conditions during the second full water year after
Green Valley
have been operating here since the 1970s. What has changed project completion.
is the quality of the effluent being released. In its largest
All Living River reports for the Lower Santa Cruz River are
UPPER public works project ever, Pima County invested more than
SCR available for download at www.sonoraninstitute.org.
19
U.S. 0 1 2
Nogales MEXICO miles north
A Living River 3
The Ribbon of Green green start near the Agua Nueva outfall). This green ribbon
includes native willows and other wetland plants that need
Sources
conditions. Add effluent to the river and suddenly we see a vital habitat for wildlife in the region. They also create a vibrant,
vivid ribbon of green snaking its way downstream (notice the cooling corridor for people to enjoy as they visit river parks and
travel The Loop recreational path.
Tre s Ri os Ou tfall
In urban areas, water is often pumped or diverted from one Additional water in the Lower Santa Cruz River comes from
location, used by people, treated in a reclamation facility, precipitation in the surrounding watershed. When it rains tre s ri os wrf
ash
and released as effluent, highly treated wastewater, in a new or snows, water that doesnt evaporate, percolate into the caanda del oro W
location. Most of the water flowing in the Lower Santa Cruz soil, or get absorbed by plant roots, becomes stormwater
River comes from effluent continuously released by the Agua that eventually flows into a wash and down to the river. The
Nueva Water Reclamation Facility (Agua Nueva) and Tres Rios Santa Cruz River Watershed includes all of the land whose
Water Reclamation Facility (Tres Rios). Effluent is also frequently stormwater flows toward the river. Along with stormwater from Rillito riv
er
used in reclaimed water systems to irrigate landscaping. Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and Green Valley, irrigation runoff
from farmland in Marana flows toward the river and provides
additional streamflow.
WATER SOURCES LEGEND
The Loop
Stormwater
Effluent north
c h r i s t op h e r c ol u m b u s pa r k
Si lv e rb e ll lak e
Agua N
ueva ou
tfal l
Agu a Nu e va wrf
er
z riv
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ta
s an
Sweetwater
So
no
ra
mu
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Wetlands
rtle
(Kinos e)
ternon sonoriens
)
an s
s w e e t wat e r w e t l an d s
latr
ni s
Every year students visit the river, learn about river science, and create
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river poetry or art (as seen on the left in a painting by Marta Wrzeszcz).
te
5
yo
Learn more about Living River of Words, page 21. A Living River
Co
Assessing
relate to conditions in the river channel and in the riparian
areas, the areas next to and affected by the river. Other
Conditions
characteristics monitored informally and discussed throughout Monitoring site at Trico Marana Road 20132016
the report include birds, amphibians, reptiles, and recreation.
Flow Water flowing in and out of the system Miles of flow in June
Extent determines available aquatic habitat. Number of dry days at Trico Road
of river is divided into three sections, or reaches: Three Rivers, to the baseline conditions observed in the 2013 water Dead willow trees, like the one above left, are a visible reminder of how Gooddings willow (left) and
Cortaro Narrows, and Marana Flats. Reaches were delineated year. To review data and additional charts from the 2013, important water is for life. Increasingly variable flow conditions will saltcedar (right) saplings
by their differing hydrology, geology, and adjacent land use. 2014, 2015, and 2016 water years, please download a challenge plants at this site. Newly sprouted seedlings were observed observed near Trico Marana
supplementary report from the Sonoran Institute website during the 2016 survey, but time will tell if they become mature trees. Road, June 2016.
The following pages compare the data collected in the
that is available at www.tiny.cc/lr16.
2016 water year (October 1, 2015September 30, 2016)
Stormwater
Total Acre-Feet
11,000 AF (20%) Flowing past
6000
Trico Road
14,200 AF (26%)
0
}
Total Effluent Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
43,100 AF (80%)
2015 2016
Total streamflow at Cortaro Road Total streamflow at Trico Road Total effluent
Past Trico
Streamflow is measured at gage stations at Cortaro Road and Trico
Road, which are downstream of the Agua Nueva and Tres Rios
Tucson Airport 13.0 2.3 5.7 reclamation facilities (see map page 2). Data sources for streamflow,
Stormwater
Evaporation
Diverted rainfall, and water budget include National Weather Service, Pima County
Regional Flood Control District, Pima County Regional Wastewater
Total Winter Rains Summer Monsoon Reclamation Department, Tucson Water, and U.S. Geological Survey.
(inches)
Total Effluent
Plants
2016 Rainfall and Streamflow volume of streamflow at Cortaro Road was greater than the
effluent released into the river upstream. Overall, volume of
1 acre foot (AF) = 0.75 There was more rain in 2016 compared to 2013, and 16% streamflow at Cortaro Road was generally similar to 2013.
football fields covered more rain than the 11.2-inch historical average measured at However, at Trico Road, streamflow was much lower in 2016
Recharge
with water one foot deep the Tucson International Airport. Extra flow from stormwater with little recorded flow in March through June, the driest
was most notable in January, July, and August, when the total time of year.
2016
present in the river (a total of five species were found in the percentage of the fine materials (silt and clay) covering the
Release of effluent supports wetland species that are
river since 2015). riverbed was reduced compared to the 2013 baseline. Fine
abundant downstream of the reclamation facilities. The river
Conditions
materials can smother habitat and suppress life on the riverbed
Stretches of the river in Three Rivers and Marana Flats sections that are drying have seen the most change since
if too abundant. Therefore, in addition to improved water
experienced periodic drying. Reduced nutrient levels may have 2013. Streamside plant communities in these sections vary
quality, the decrease in fine materials may have contributed to
diminished any clogging layer in the riverbed, which helped depending on presence of water at time of survey. These same
improvements in the aquatic invertebrate community.
increase infiltration and percolation of river water through the areas saw a decrease in native willows in 2015, though tree
This report compares indicators in the 2016 water year to
sediment in the riverbed. Water management and diversions While pollution-tolerant invertebrates are still present, cover was not measured in 2016.
2013 baseline conditions. Data from 2014 and 2015 can be
also played a role in varying flow extent. Although shorter community diversity improved and the abundance of species
found online in the supplementary report at www.tiny.cc/lr16. As discussed in the 2013 baseline report, both the extent and
flow extent may present challenges for wetland plants and sensitive to pollution increased. However, the invertebrate
intensity of odor emanating from the reclamation facilities has
As anticipated, water quality improved following the completion aquatic wildlife, increased infiltration of water is a benefit to community still reflects impaired river conditions compared
diminished significantly with the upgrade process. An extensive
of the upgrades to the reclamation facilities. Similar to 2014 local aquifers. This is demonstrated by the sustained increase to warm-water streams in Arizona that are not dominated
system monitors odor at the facility and along the fenceline.
and 2015, all measures were better or similar to the 2013 in recharge since the upgrades were completed in 2013 (see by effluent. More time may be needed for the invertebrate
Levels of hydrogen sulfide, the cause of the rotten egg odor,
baseline. Most notably, ammonia levels were significantly water budget).
were far below the levels required by facility permits.
Category 2013 Conditions 2016 Conditions The fall 2016 fish survey found four non-native fish species in the river.
High levels of ammonia posed a health All water quality measures improved or remained
Water risk to aquatic life. Other measures met similar to 2013. Most important were significant
Quality standards or provided a baseline for reductions in ammonia, improving conditions for
comparison in future assessments. aquatic wildlife (pp. 1415).
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2013 2016 2013 2016 2013 2016 2013 2016
Trico Rd
dry day
11 11 37
2015 (100%) (100%) 83 36 46 26 67
Oct Nov Dec
Avra Valley Rd
Cortaro Narrows
2016
Jan Feb Mar
7 7 38
(100%) (100%) 20 11 10 5 70
50
Three Rivers
72
5
(100%) 4.1 7 0 5 1
Jul Aug Sep (82%) 41 40
AGUA NUEVA
Flow Direction
Data source: Pima County Regional Flood Control District and U.S. Geological Survey Data source: Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, Harris Environmental Group, Inc.
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Water Quality 2013 2016 2013 2016 2013 2016 2013 2016
Trico Rd
Marana Flats
Sonora Sucker
quality conditions (chemical, physical, and biological properties) (Catostomus insignis)
5 5.7 8.1 18 4
684 684 0.5
to sustain plant and animal communities. There are many
typical measures that help track changes in water quality in the
river, including the amounts of total dissolved solids, ammonia, Avra Valley Rd
dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and metals. Longfin Dace
Cortaro Narrows
(Agosia chrysogaster)
Nitrogen and other nutrients enter the river from air pollution,
11 5.8 6.9 11 4
3
fertilizer, surface runoff, and release of effluent. While elevated 679 702 1
nutrient levels can benefit growth of riparian plants, they can
also lead to poor conditions for aquatic wildlife. High nutrient Desert Sucker
(Catostomus clarki) TRES RIOS
levels can also encourage growth of organisms, such as bacteria
Three Rivers
and algae, which live in the spaces between the sand and gravel
in the streambed. These organisms can explode in number 24 6.8 6.7 8
701 741 0.8 2
and represent one of the factors that create a clogging layer
Gila Chub
that reduces the ability of water to soak into the riverbed and (Gila intermedia)
AGUA NUEVA
recharge local aquifers.
Data source: Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department
Flow Direction
The Santa Cruz River historically supported several Other measures of water quality remained similar to the 2013 baseline. Measuring total dissolved
native fish species in the Tucson area. These species solids is a common way to test for salts in the water. Total dissolved solids have been higher with
included Gila Topminnow, Gila Chub, Desert Sucker, the communitys rising use of water from the Colorado River. However, the range of observed
Sonora Sucker, Longfin Dace, and a pupfish species values remained similar to 2013. Metals in high concentrations can endanger wildlife in aquatic
that went extinct when the river ceased to flow year- ecosystems. All the samples tested for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, and
round. Several groups collaboratively survey fish; see zinc were low enough to protect conditions for aquatic wildlife in the river.
results of this annual effort on page 16.
Learn more about changes in water quality and view data from 20132016 at www.tiny.cc/lr16.
e
) rat
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Sandhill cranes
d ard
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(Antigone canadensis)
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Data source: Arizona Game and Fish Department,
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Sonoran Institute, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
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University of Arizona
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2013 2016 2013 2016 2013 2016 2013 2016
2% 40%
at the same four locations, and there
improvement 1
3
90% 40%
were signs of improvement. The pollution-
tolerant midges (Chironomidae) are still
A fall 2016 fish survey was conducted at
present, but are no longer the dominant
four locations along the river to detect fish
taxa. Overall, diversity appears higher
species. Improvements in water quality have
Avra Valley Rd 40% because the dominant species is now a
allowed fish to thrive. Although there are no 18 23
Cortaro Narrows
7% 4%
smaller percentage of the community. If
native fish species, three additional species 1 43%
the dominant species is more than 50%
were caught in Cortaro Narrows and Marana 4 41% of the community, river life is thought to
Flats (a total of five species were found in
be impaired. There were also increases in
the river since 2015). Although Western
the percent of pollution-sensitive mayflies
Mosquitofish had expanded in low numbers TRES RIOS no fish no fish 6% 50% 13 30 (Ephemeroptera). While this increased
upstream to Three Rivers in 2014 and 2015,
diversity is supported by an increase in the
Three Rivers
86% 34%
only one individual was observed in 2016.
biological index scores, the scores remain
Continued monitoring will determine if Three
below 39. Scores below 39 suggest that river
Rivers provides fish habitat. In time, large no fish 3% 37% 19 23
1 life is impaired. Continued monitoring will
floods may bring back native species, since 63% 50%
AGUA NUEVA determine the level of improvements.
the Longfin Dace and Gila Topminnow are
found upstream in Santa Cruz County (see Flow Direction Fish species key Invertebrate species key Learn more about aquatic wildlife and view
map inset page 2). data from 20132016 at www.tiny.cc/lr16.
Recreation
Silve
Co A new trailhead (see number 1, left) was recently completed
ach
near the intersection of Silverbell Road and Coachline Blvd.,
rbel
line
Rd
The Lower Santa Cruz River is a popular destination for birding honoring the Los Morteros campsite of the Anza Trail. The
l Rd
d
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eak and other recreation. Though this stretch of the river has a Anza Trail commemorates the 240 men, women, and children
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in history of being hidden from view, there have been many of the 177576 Spanish colonial expedition led by Juan Bautista
Tw
access improvements, such as the addition of river parks and de Anza. This group traveled on foot and horseback from New
The Loop, the recreational path along the river, making it easier Spain (now Mxico) to settle San Francisco in what was then
for people to enjoy the river. While conducting traffic counts on Alta California. The trail follows the Santa Cruz River through
two days in 2016, volunteers working with Pima Association of Pima County.
MARANA Governments counted nearly 450 bicyclists along the path near
Go to www.pima.gov/TheLoop to find a detailed map of parks,
the Sweetwater Wetlands and the Caada del Oro Wash.
trails, and access points to plan your visit. Newly added in 2017
are points of Safe Access to Flowing River.
West Cortaro Rd
3
10
4 A
NT
S
AC
Social Impacts RU
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RI
AS
VER
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With the release of effluent into the river, reclamation facilities O
OR
are supporting important wetland habitats and heightening Ina Road
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5
the recreation experience for those enjoying our river parks
AA
or walking and biking along The Loop trail adjacent to the C
river. Even so, unpleasant odors often associated with the
ilv
S
reclamation process can lead to negative perceptions of the er
be
ll R
river. The most common offender is hydrogen sulfide (H2S) d
which causes the rotten egg smell. Minimizing both the extent
and intensity of disagreeable odors coming from the facilities (ppb) (ppb)
CYCLISTS!
A new bike trail
was one of the goals of the reclamation facility upgrades. Actual concentration segment is open directly
(average measured at Concentration next to the Santa Cruz River
La Cholla Blvd
both facilities) (as allowed by (see 7, left).
facility permit)
Oracle Rd
2016 Results
1st Ave
6
Little odor leaving facility
As part of the upgrades, odor is monitored continuously at 7
the facilities and at numerous points along the surrounding
fencelines. Levels of H2S at Agua Nueva remained very low River Rd
in 2016, with an average of 0.03 parts per billion (ppb) for RIL
Camino del Cerro LIT
the over 4 million measures taken. Levels of H2S at Tres Rios OR
IVE
were also low with an average of 0.69 ppb for over 3.5 million Odor sniffers (the white dots above) monitor H2S along the R
measures of odor. These concentrations are far less than the fenceline at Agua Nueva and Tres Rios Water Reclamation
Facilities (see 5 and 9). 9
10 ppb allowed by the facility permits. Detailed odor data of 8
TUCSON
this kind is not available for years prior to the upgrades, thus
comparisons to previous H2S levels are not possible. Learn
1 Anza Trailhead Los Morteros Campsite 6 Sunset Road Bridge
more about odor at www.tiny.cc/lr16. LEGEND 2 El Rio Preserve 7 New bike trail segment 10
3 Wheeler Taft Abbett Library 8 Christopher Columbus Park
Safe Access
to Flowing River 4 Crossroads at Silverbell District Park 9 Agua Nueva WRF
18 A Living River The Loop 5 Tres Rios WRF 10 Sweetwater Wetlands
Riparian Vegetation 2016 Results
Living
The Living River of Words offers work with local artists to take
local schools the opportunity what they have learned and create
Effluent supports wetland species
River of
to participate in a program that poetry or art entries for an annual
In the spring of 2016, measures of riparian encourages young people to contest. The contest is open to all
Just as water is essential for aquatic wildlife, many plants grow only
Words
vegetation were taken at seven sites along explore how water moves through youth who are 519 years old, and
in areas with more water, such as wetlands and riparian areas next
the river and at one site in a dry area of the the landscape as well as the winning entries are featured in a
to rivers and desert washes. Thus, effluent released into the river is
river upstream of Agua Nueva. The release of
Youth
also supporting numerous plants that add to the ecosystem diversity connections that plants, animals, traveling exhibit.
effluent supports wetland species of plants and people have to water.
along the Lower Santa Cruz River. Although riparian vegetation The 2017 Living River of Words
that grow well in high-nitrogen environments.
Poetry
represents only a small percentage of the land cover in the Santa Cruz The Living River reports guide Youth Poetry and Art contest
These stream-side plants are most abundant
River Watershed, it provides important benefits to the region, such the programs science-based received 1,018 submissions.
downstream of the reclamation facilities. The
and Art
as slowing flood flows, increasing groundwater recharge, reducing classroom activities and field trips Included here, and on other
changes in vegetation observed since 2013
erosion potential along stream banks, maintaining habitat for wildlife, to the river. These field trips often pages, are some of the final
are at the ends of Three Rivers and Marana
and providing recreational and spiritual enjoyment. represent the first opportunity for selections included in the traveling
Contest
Flats, where there have been increasingly
many students to experience and exhibit. Learn more about the
variable conditions as noted by changes in flow
visit a flowing river. Students then program at: www.pima.gov/nrpr.
extent. While there are still wetland plants in
these areas, the plant community has varied
ts < 4 s
an s ( tu
4)
gh 5 ) ity
was shifting toward upland plants that grow Sunshine shines
Up an ca
Hi ( fin
= tl di
5)
on the streams stones
f
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A rattlesnakes smooth
= d
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toward more wetland plants that have high whisper sounds all around.
Mother Earth dreams half open stars.
development of the Living River River Bank Brian Powell, Pima County Office of Printing: Arizona Lithographers
health assessments. The Technical Sustainability and Conservation 07/2017/1700 copies
The birds chirping up in a tree
Committee provided guidance The green leaves rustling with the wind E. Linwood Smith, Image Credits: all front and back cover art this year
by selecting and aggregating The feel of the cool mud below my shoes Consulting Ecologist was created by Living River of Words students. Front
indicators of river health, identifying left: Katherine Daily, age 17, Flowing Wells High
The smell of the moisture along the river Patrice Spindler, Arizona
reference values or standards for School Ms. Pechuzal; center: detail of painting
Tells me I am home. Department of Environmental
evaluating and tracking changes by Bianey Franco, age 15, Tucson High Magnet
Quality
Quim Al-Fayed Musa, age 12 School Ms. Jenness; right: Gabe Marcott, age
in river conditions, and reviewing Juliet Stromberg,
DeGrazia Elementary Ms. Mirlocca 16, Flowing Wells High School Ms. Pechuzal. 23:
this report. The information Arizona State University illustrations by Terry Moody. 45 photo montage by
presented in this report grew out of
Robert Webb, University of Arizona Terry Moody created with aerial photos by Brian F.
discussions involving these experts
McKenna Whisenant, age 11 | DeGrazia Elementary Ms. Mirlocca