In 2019, Partners of Scott County Watersheds developed a water quality data matrix to visualize and better understand the water quality trends within Scott County. This matrix used data from PSCW Snapshots and the Iowa DNR IOWATER Program to identify trends and patterns of several water quality parameters, including transparency, water/air temperature, concentrations of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus (as orthophosphate), chloride, and pH.

With more than 600 new data records, we felt it was time to update the matrix! To see a detailed report on how this (and the 2019) matrix was developed, click here.

In short, PSCW analyzed current Snapshot sites that had at least ten years of data for nitrate, phosphorus, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen and chloride. Of the 62 sites, 42 met the matrix criteria.

Trends within the matrix are identified using the following color guidelines:

• Red trend, red mean = parameter a high concern
• Red trend, yellow mean = parameter a concern
• Red trend, green mean = parameter not a concern depending on parameter magnitude
• Yellow trend, red mean = parameter a high concern
• Yellow trend, yellow mean = parameter a concern
• Yellow trend, green mean = parameter not a concern
• Green trend, red mean= parameter a high concern
• Green trend, yellow mean = parameter not a concern depending on parameter magnitude
• Green trend, green mean = parameter not a concern

Based on the matrix and other Snapshot data, we ranked the Scott County HUC 12 watersheds with the most concerning parameter levels and trends.

With this data and matrix, we are able to better assess the quality of our watersheds and focus our efforts on areas of greatest concern.