Turbidity (NTU)
proportional to how turbid the water is. Meaning the more turbid (violent) the water is
the higher the turbidity number is. Turbidity both directly and indirectly affects the
oxygen levels of the water. Oxygen, not mentioned in the table is very important for
almost all organisms metabolism. Turbidity directly affects the oxygen levels;
increasing the levels of turbidity allows more sunlight to be absorbed by the particles
in the water, this increases the temperature of the water and the ability of oxygen to
stay in solution (the water). Turbidity indirectly affects the oxygen levels; less light
gets to the plant organisms in the water which produce oxygen through
photosynthesis. Turbidity also affects the fertilization of fish eggs, fish growth rates,
and fishes health.
Causes of City Creek Turbidity.
*Spring Snow Melt runoff peaks in april may.
* August/ September thunderstorms
