Water Clarity Active
USGS scientists study water quality in the Bay-Delta system, which also includes studying water clarity.
Water clarity, measured in units of turbidity, is affected by the presence of suspended sediments. Turbidity is an import measurement of water quality, because suspended particles (including sediment) must be filtered out before household use, and this process can slow down the availability of the water. Monitoring suspended sediment itself is important because it plays a role in determining the movement of sediment-bound contaminants, including pesticides, trace metals, and excess nutrients. Water clarity also affects the suitability of water for fish and wildlife. Monitoring turbidity and calculating the amount of suspended sediment enables USGS scientists to provide crucial information for agencies and groups interested in the availability and quality of water for both municipal and agricultural use, as well as for habitat restoration and species conservation. For example, turbidity may be important to the survival of the endangered delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), as high turbidity (low clarity) may provide these small fish protection from predators.
For more information see:
Improved Lower South Bay suspended-sediment flux measurements
Suspended-Solids Concentrations in San Francisco Bay, California
Delta sediment measurements to support numerical modeling of turbidity
Sediment Transport Between Estuarine Habitats in San Francisco Bay
Drag and sediment transport: conditions at the bottom boundary
Ecosystem Engineers: Impacts of Invasive Aquatic Vegetation on the Delta’s Critical Ecosystems
Back to San Francisco Bay-Delta Science
USGS scientists study water quality in the Bay-Delta system, which also includes studying water clarity.
Water clarity, measured in units of turbidity, is affected by the presence of suspended sediments. Turbidity is an import measurement of water quality, because suspended particles (including sediment) must be filtered out before household use, and this process can slow down the availability of the water. Monitoring suspended sediment itself is important because it plays a role in determining the movement of sediment-bound contaminants, including pesticides, trace metals, and excess nutrients. Water clarity also affects the suitability of water for fish and wildlife. Monitoring turbidity and calculating the amount of suspended sediment enables USGS scientists to provide crucial information for agencies and groups interested in the availability and quality of water for both municipal and agricultural use, as well as for habitat restoration and species conservation. For example, turbidity may be important to the survival of the endangered delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), as high turbidity (low clarity) may provide these small fish protection from predators.
For more information see:
Improved Lower South Bay suspended-sediment flux measurements
Suspended-Solids Concentrations in San Francisco Bay, California
Delta sediment measurements to support numerical modeling of turbidity
Sediment Transport Between Estuarine Habitats in San Francisco Bay
Drag and sediment transport: conditions at the bottom boundary
Ecosystem Engineers: Impacts of Invasive Aquatic Vegetation on the Delta’s Critical Ecosystems
Back to San Francisco Bay-Delta Science