Major ion concentration for Bear Den Creek, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North Dakota : 1969-1996.

Abstract

The analysis of major ion concentration is a practical method in the determination of the surface water quality. Plots of major ion concentration as a function of discharge have been analyzed for Bear Den Creek for the years between 1969 -1996. The resulting data for Bear Den Creek, an ephemeral stream located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North Dakota, have established a baseline of naturally occurring major ion concentration with current conditions of low population and the primary landuse of ranching. Comparison of alkalinity to hardness (AIH) ratios for Bear Den Creek have been analyzed to explore possible acidification of the surface water. Data from 1989-1996 have indicated that acidification is not a factor in the overall water quality of the Bear Den Creek drainage basin, which is consistent with the current conditions. The results of the major ion concentration analysis have been compared with the North Dakota Class I stream standards, the most stringent of maximum allowable concentrations for Na+, cr, and solo. The data compared unfavorably with the overall standards for the three ions, and is an indication Bear Den Creek does not meet the overall standards of a Class I stream. This study also serves as part of the Fort Berthold Watershed Project, a joint effort of the Three Affiliated Tribes and Emporia State University. Funded through an Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Education Grant, the project goal is to build the environmental capacity of the Three Affiliated Tribes, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, regarding the importance of watershed management and to increase public access to watershed management.