Water-quality data for selected national park units, southern and central Arizona and west-central New Mexico, water years 2003 and 2004

Abstract : In 1992 the National Park Service began a Level 1 Water Quality Data Inventory program to make available to park managers the water-resource information with which to best manage each park and plan for the future. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Arizona Water Science Center in Tucson, Arizona, collected water samples and other water quality information at 30 sites in 9 park units in southern and central Arizona and west-central New Mexico in water years 2003 and 2004. Sites consisted of springs, seeps, mine audits, streams, and wells. The baseline water-quality data presented in this report were determined through field measurements and laboratory analyses of selected physical properties and chemical constituents. Field measurements made at each site were pH, specific conductance, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and alkalinity. Water samples collected at each site were submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory and analyzed for majorion, trace-element, and nutrient concentrations. Analyses done at selected sites included turbidity, coliform counts, and concentrations of suspended sediment, turbidity, cyanide, and arsenic. Quality control for this study was maintained through the use of proper training, use of standard field and laboratory protocols, collection of sample blanks and replicates, and thorough review of the analytical results. Laboratory analyses were done using methods approved by the U.S. Geological Survey or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.