The Yellowstone River Basin (YELL) study-unit in Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota, is part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The long-term goals of this program are to describe the status and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources, and to provide a sound, scientific understanding of the primary factors affecting the quality of these resources. This web site will provide a focus for people who are interested in obtaining information about the program and obtaining access to data and publications relevant to water quality in the Yellowstone River Basin.
For details about the overall NAWQA Program, including program design and implementation, and early study unit findings since 1991, visit the NAWQA Program home page.
Major Water-Quality Issues
Major water-quality issues in the Yellowstone River Basin vary from potential degradation of pristine streams in headwater areas to industrial and agricultural effects in downstream reaches, and include both point and non-point sources. The issues generally are related to land and water use, but some are related to natural factors. Potential water-quality issues to be investigated include
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Trace elements - Leachate from mine spoils and tailings can increase trace elements in both ground and surface water. Leaching of soils derived from marine shales of cretaceous age in some locations has caused elevated concentrations of selenium in water resources. Geothermal source areas, like those in the Yellowstone National Park area, can be sources for elevated concentrations of trace elements, such as arsenic, in both ground and surface water. Concentrations of radionuclides in water resources are a concern because of the widespread distribution of uranium-bearing rocks in the basin. Trace elements and phosphorus also can be associated with suspended sediments in surface water.
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Toxic compounds - Potential sources of toxic compounds in both ground and surface water include: leachate from abandoned and active landfills; pesticides and fertilizers from lawns and croplands; hydrocarbons from leaking tanks, refining operations, pipelines, and spills; and waste from industrial and commercial activities.
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Salinity - Increases in the salinity of both ground and surface water can occur from saline ground water disposal, irrigation return flows, and some irrigation practices.
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Sedimentation - Loss of streambank vegetation, easily erodible soils, and many land-use activities can contribute to sediment problems in streams throughout the basin.
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Bacteria - Fecal coliform bacteria concentrations can exceed water-quality guidelines for streams. New guidelines are being considered for Escherichia coli, a species of bacteria associated with waste from warm-blooded animals.
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Nutrient concentrations - Nutrient concentrations in streams can exceed guidelines for the prevention of nuisance algal growths. Excessive concentrations of algae can result in inadequate dissolved-oxygen concentrations and harmful effects to aquatic life, as well as impeding aesthetic properties and recreational uses.
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Low-density residential development - Low-density residential development in the outskirts of communities has the potential to affect ground-water quality in these areas. Potential influences include leachate from septic systems; fertilizer and pesticide use on lawns, pastures, and gardens; manure from horses and pets; and increases in road construction and vehicle traffic.
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Other water-related issues - There are many other water-quality issues in the basin including: acidification of water resources by leaching of industrial wastes, increased concentrations of nutrients in surface and ground water, localized de-watering of sole-source aquifers, potential water-quality problems related to coalbed methane production and water-related concerns on tribal lands.
Surface-water, ground-water, and ecology data from the Yellowstone River Basin NAWQA study unit and other study units that overlap into Wyoming (Upper Snake River, Great Salt Lake Basins, and South Platte River) are available from the Water Quality Portal.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Algal and Water-Quality Data for the Yellowstone River and Tributaries, Montana and Wyoming, 1999-2000
Quality of Shallow Ground Water in Three Areas of Unsewered Low-Density Development in Wyoming and Montana, 2001
Comparison of macroinvertebrate community structure between two riffle-based sampling protocols in Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, 2000-2001
Water-Quality Assessment of the Yellowstone River Basin, Montana and Wyoming-Water Quality of Fixed Sites, 1999-2001
Water quality in the Yellowstone River Basin, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, 1999-2001
Water-quality characteristics of quaternary unconsolidated-deposit aquifers and lower tertiary aquifers of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Montana, 1999-2001
A Synoptic Study of Fecal-Indicator Bacteria in the Wind River, Bighorn River, and Goose Creek Basins, Wyoming, June-July 2000
Metal loading in Soda Butte Creek upstream of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming; a retrospective analysis of previous research; and quantification of metal loading, August 1999
Chemical and biological indicators of nutrient enrichment in the Yellowstone River basin, Montana and Wyoming, August 2000: Study design and preliminary results
Organic compounds and trace elements in fish tissue and bed sediment from streams in the Yellowstone River basin, Montana and Wyoming, 1998
Environmental setting of the Yellowstone River basin, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
Element concentrations in bed sediment of the Yellowstone River basin, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming — A retrospective analysis
- Overview
The Yellowstone River Basin (YELL) study-unit in Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota, is part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The long-term goals of this program are to describe the status and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources, and to provide a sound, scientific understanding of the primary factors affecting the quality of these resources. This web site will provide a focus for people who are interested in obtaining information about the program and obtaining access to data and publications relevant to water quality in the Yellowstone River Basin.
For details about the overall NAWQA Program, including program design and implementation, and early study unit findings since 1991, visit the NAWQA Program home page.
Major Water-Quality Issues
Major water-quality issues in the Yellowstone River Basin vary from potential degradation of pristine streams in headwater areas to industrial and agricultural effects in downstream reaches, and include both point and non-point sources. The issues generally are related to land and water use, but some are related to natural factors. Potential water-quality issues to be investigated include
-
Trace elements - Leachate from mine spoils and tailings can increase trace elements in both ground and surface water. Leaching of soils derived from marine shales of cretaceous age in some locations has caused elevated concentrations of selenium in water resources. Geothermal source areas, like those in the Yellowstone National Park area, can be sources for elevated concentrations of trace elements, such as arsenic, in both ground and surface water. Concentrations of radionuclides in water resources are a concern because of the widespread distribution of uranium-bearing rocks in the basin. Trace elements and phosphorus also can be associated with suspended sediments in surface water.
-
Toxic compounds - Potential sources of toxic compounds in both ground and surface water include: leachate from abandoned and active landfills; pesticides and fertilizers from lawns and croplands; hydrocarbons from leaking tanks, refining operations, pipelines, and spills; and waste from industrial and commercial activities.
-
Salinity - Increases in the salinity of both ground and surface water can occur from saline ground water disposal, irrigation return flows, and some irrigation practices.
-
Sedimentation - Loss of streambank vegetation, easily erodible soils, and many land-use activities can contribute to sediment problems in streams throughout the basin.
-
Bacteria - Fecal coliform bacteria concentrations can exceed water-quality guidelines for streams. New guidelines are being considered for Escherichia coli, a species of bacteria associated with waste from warm-blooded animals.
-
Nutrient concentrations - Nutrient concentrations in streams can exceed guidelines for the prevention of nuisance algal growths. Excessive concentrations of algae can result in inadequate dissolved-oxygen concentrations and harmful effects to aquatic life, as well as impeding aesthetic properties and recreational uses.
-
Low-density residential development - Low-density residential development in the outskirts of communities has the potential to affect ground-water quality in these areas. Potential influences include leachate from septic systems; fertilizer and pesticide use on lawns, pastures, and gardens; manure from horses and pets; and increases in road construction and vehicle traffic.
-
Other water-related issues - There are many other water-quality issues in the basin including: acidification of water resources by leaching of industrial wastes, increased concentrations of nutrients in surface and ground water, localized de-watering of sole-source aquifers, potential water-quality problems related to coalbed methane production and water-related concerns on tribal lands.
Surface-water, ground-water, and ecology data from the Yellowstone River Basin NAWQA study unit and other study units that overlap into Wyoming (Upper Snake River, Great Salt Lake Basins, and South Platte River) are available from the Water Quality Portal.
-
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 13Algal and Water-Quality Data for the Yellowstone River and Tributaries, Montana and Wyoming, 1999-2000
Streams of the Yellowstone River Basin in Montana and Wyoming were sampled as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Algal communities were sampled in 1999 in conjunction with other ecological sampling and in 2000 during synoptic sampling. Water-quality measurements related to the algal sampling included light attenuation and dissolved-oxygen concentrationsAuthorsDavid A. PetersonQuality of Shallow Ground Water in Three Areas of Unsewered Low-Density Development in Wyoming and Montana, 2001
The quality of shallow ground water underlying unsewered low-density development outside of Sheridan and Lander, Wyo., and Red Lodge, Mont., was evaluated. In 2001, 29 wells (10 each in Sheridan and Lander and 9 in Red Lodge) were installed at or near the water table and sampled for a wide variety of constituents to identify potential effects of human activities on shallow ground-water quality resAuthorsTimothy T. Bartos, Thomas L. Quinn, Laura L. Hallberg, Cheryl A. Eddy-MillerComparison of macroinvertebrate community structure between two riffle-based sampling protocols in Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, 2000-2001
Samples of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected side-by-side from riffles at 12 stream sites in Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana during 2000-2001, following protocols established by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). Samples from riffles were collected fAuthorsDavid A. Peterson, Jeremy R. ZumbergeWater-Quality Assessment of the Yellowstone River Basin, Montana and Wyoming-Water Quality of Fixed Sites, 1999-2001
The National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the U.S. Geological Survey initiated an assessment in 1997 of the quality of water resources in the Yellowstone River Basin. Water-quality samples regularly were collected during 1999-2001 at 10 fixed sites on streams representing the major environmental settings of the basin. Integrator sites, which are heterogeneous in land use and geology, were eAuthorsKirk A. Miller, Melanie L. Clark, Peter R. WrightWater quality in the Yellowstone River Basin, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, 1999-2001
This report contains the major findings of a 1999?2001 assessment of water quality in the Yellowstone River Basin. It is one of a series of reports by the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program that present major findings in 51 major river basins and aquifer systems across the Nation. In these reports, water quality is discussed in terms of local, State, and regional issues. ConditiAuthorsDavid A. Peterson, Timothy T. Bartos, Melanie L. Clark, Kirk A. Miller, Stephen D. Porter, Thomas L. QuinnWater-quality characteristics of quaternary unconsolidated-deposit aquifers and lower tertiary aquifers of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Montana, 1999-2001
As part of the Yellowstone River Basin National Water Quality Assessment study, ground-water samples were collected from Quaternary unconsolidated-deposit and lower Tertiary aquifers in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana from 1999 to 2001. Samples from 54 wells were analyzed for physical characteristics, major ions, trace elements, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon, radionuclides, pesticidAuthorsTimothy T. Bartos, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Jody R. Norris, Merry E. Gamper, Laura L. HallbergA Synoptic Study of Fecal-Indicator Bacteria in the Wind River, Bighorn River, and Goose Creek Basins, Wyoming, June-July 2000
A synoptic study of fecal-indicator bacteria was conducted during June and July 2000 in the Wind River, Bighorn River, and Goose Creek Basins in Wyoming as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program for the Yellowstone River Basin. Fecal-coliform concentrations ranged from 2 to 3,000 col/100 mL (colonies per 100 milliliters) for 100 samples, and Escherichia colAuthorsMelanie L. Clark, Merry E. GamperMetal loading in Soda Butte Creek upstream of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming; a retrospective analysis of previous research; and quantification of metal loading, August 1999
Acid drainage from historic mining activities has affected the water quality and aquatic biota of Soda Butte Creek upstream of Yellowstone National Park. Numerous investigations focusing on metals contamination have been conducted in the Soda Butte Creek basin, but interpretations of how metals contamination is currently impacting Soda Butte Creek differ greatly. A retrospective analysis of previoAuthorsG.K. BoughtonChemical and biological indicators of nutrient enrichment in the Yellowstone River basin, Montana and Wyoming, August 2000: Study design and preliminary results
No abstract available.AuthorsD. A. Peterson, S. D. Porter, S. M. KinseyOrganic compounds and trace elements in fish tissue and bed sediment from streams in the Yellowstone River basin, Montana and Wyoming, 1998
A comprehensive water-quality investigation of the Yellowstone River Basin began in 1997, under the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. Twenty-four sampling sites were selected for sampling of fish tissue and bed sediment during 1998. Organic compounds analyzed included organochlorine insecticides and their metabolites and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from fish-tissue andAuthorsDavid A. Peterson, Gregory K. BoughtonEnvironmental setting of the Yellowstone River basin, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
Natural and anthropogenic factors influence water-quality conditions in the Yellowstone River Basin. Physiography parallels the structural geologic setting that is generally composed of several uplifts and structural basins. Contrasts in climate and vegetation reflect topographic controls and the midcontinental location of the study unit. Surface-water hydrology reflects water surpluses in mountaiAuthorsRonald B. Zelt, G.K. Boughton, K. A. Miller, J.P. Mason, L.M. GianakosElement concentrations in bed sediment of the Yellowstone River basin, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming — A retrospective analysis
Chemical data for bed sediment were analyzed as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program investigation of the Yellowstone River Basin in parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The primary data set consisted of about 13,000 samples collected during 1974-79 for the National Uranium Resource Evaluation program. Data were available for 50 elements, although noAuthorsD. A. Peterson, R. B. Zelt