AWWA WQTC71451

When a small patch of Hydrilla (approximately 30 square feet) was discovered in the Mulberry Fork in April 2008, the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) took the opportunity to thoroughly study and document the progression and characteristics of the Mulberry Hydrilla infestation. The Mulberry provides a source of raw water for the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB). This discovery seemed inevitable since Hydrilla had invaded the Tennessee River Basin directly north of the Mulberry Fork as well as other tributaries of the Black Warrior River. This study is unique because the initial data collection begins with a Hydrilla patch that is relatively limited and posing no immediate threat to intakes or source water quality. This project details the spread and character of Hydrilla, providing utilities and other entities with monitoring and control strategies from the perspective of an active program developed from the beginning of an infestation. Of particular interest to the BWWB is the potential generation of total organic carbon (TOC) by Hydrilla and other invaders, which create large masses of organic matter and is a precursor of disinfection byproducts, a potential carcinogen. Water samples were collected from five areas of reduced flow in the Mulberry Fork and analyzed for water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia, alkalinity, turbidity, and oxidation reduction potential (ORP). All sampling methods and equipment complied with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved methods. Includes 4 references, extended abstract only.