Comparison of Water Quality Data to Determine Effects of Urbanization on the Flint River, Madison County, Alabama

Urbanization of watersheds can affect surrounding surface and ground water quality. The watershed study conducted tried to reveal origins of non-point source runoff within the important Flint River Watershed in North Alabama. The land use of the area has greatly changed from agriculture to an urbanized area. A more technology driven economy in Madison County, AL prompted the change. The watershed studied did not have much historical data in the sites of the main channel that were tested. Most non-point pollution sources are credited to urban and agricultural runoff. Finding locations along the river that have changes in or high amounts of runoff can be beneficial to protecting the area and preventing further problems. This paper explains the sample collection and discusses the problems encountered, both in not finding enough historical data and with water quality. One of the benefits of this study was gathering data that can be used in future studies to allow better watershed management plans to be put into action.