Project Number:
DNR-181
Other Project Number:
WR03R011
Funding Year:
2003
Contract Period:
Funding Source:
DNR
Investigator(s) and affiliations:
George J. Kraft, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point;
David J. Mechenich, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point;
B. A. Browne, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.
Abstract:
Non-point source pollutant inputs are the most widespread and vexing contributors to ground and surface water, affecting the drinking water resources and the biotic integrity of many of the nation’s water bodies. The relation between agriculture and nonpoint pollution is well established, and the contribution of pollutants from agricultural lands is significant. The increase in agricultural chemical use combined with the long residence time of groundwater suggests that groundwater transport of pollutants may not yet be in equilibrium with the current landscape; the consequences of which could mean that despite all of our current efforts to improve water quality pollutant export will continue to increase until equilibrium is reached.
This study assesses the role of groundwater in the export of nutrients and pesticides from the Fever River Watershed; an agriculturally dominated watershed in the Northern Mississippi Valley Loess Hills region. More than 100 water bodies in the NMVLH are listed as impaired on state 303(d) lists, and half of the land area is 1n impaired watersheds. About two-fifths of the area is in cropland and another fifth in permanent pasture. Streamflow is baseflow dominated with groundwater discharge occurring through well defined riparian springs, ill-defined riparian seeps, and streambed discharge.