Hydrology of Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area

Industrial development and urban sprawl can dramatically impact adjacent watersheds and associated streams. Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is a piece of public land in Fairfax Va, owned by the Bureau of Land Management. Each of the SRMA’s three streams represents a different level of urban development (high, medium, and low). Water quality data were recorded weekly with measurements for pH, turbidity, nutrient concentrations, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen. I hypothesized that differences in discharge and water quality among the three streams would reflect their level of urbanization. Thus, Giles Run, the most urbanized stream, would display the chemical characteristics of a heavily urbanized stream system and “flashier” flow. The specific conductance within Giles Run was significantly higher than that of the other two streams, which can be indicative of more urban water systems. Another finding that is important to note is the higher radon levels, indicating a greater degree of groundwater input, were observed in Thompson Creek when compared to the other streams in the park. The results of the study are aimed provide the managers of the park with a better understanding of the area’s hydrology.