A Water quality investigation of Upper Tonto Creek, Gila County, Arizona.

The rapidly increasing pressure of recreational activities in Arizona's wildland has the potential for serious environmental impacts on upland watersheds. The greatest hazard from these activities appears to be the possible degradation of natural water quality of mountain streams. The monitoring of surface water quality in areas of heavy recreational use can provide a useful tool for assessing the extent of any impacts, both present and future, which may result from these activities. The upper Tonto Creek watershed was selected as a study area for the establishment of a sampling program to assess baseline water quality conditions and delineate impacts resulting from multiple land use. Results of this study indicate the waters of Tonto Creek are of good quality and have not been seriously degraded at the present time. However, subtle variations in stream water chemistry noted during the study may reflect a weak source of pollution is present in the watershed. A more extensive sampling program would be necessary to pinpoint the source of any pollution and is recommended. The construction and use of water quality models is technically feasible for areas such as Tonto Creek and their use could significantly enhance management objectives on this and similar areas.hydrology collectio