Ryan Kroeger is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the environmental science graduate program and is advised by Dr. Scott Stoodley. The city of Stillwater and Black and Veatch created a research project with ESGP which is seeking to gather water quality data for multiple parameters as well as to investigate seasonal nitrification issues in the municipal distribution system. Field data is collected by taking water samples at designated collection points throughout the distribution system and measuring them using a HACH SL1000 portable analyzer.

 

Data will be analyzed to identify areas in which disinfectant residuals are low and where any additional substandard water quality parameters are detected. By analyzing the differing variables at each site, recommendations can be provided which may result in higher quality drinking water being delivered to consumers. Results can potentially shed light on spatial and temporal variation in disinfectant residual persistence, as well as additional factors which can influence water quality.