Exploring the Impact of Post-Water Basins on Water Quality

This research investigates the effectiveness of a water treatment system at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) designed to clean runoff water from the parking lots before it enters a local creek. The problem of urban runoff arises when rainfall or melting snow flows over impermeable surfaces like parking lots, collecting pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, debris, and chemicals. Without treatment, this runoff can negatively impact water quality, harming ecosystems and local water sources. Samples were collected after runoff water from the parking lot spent time in the stormwater basin. The study assessed water quality through sampling and various experimental methods. Key findings related to pH, metal ions, turbidity and other indicators will be discussed. The research highlights the importance of addressing runoff pollution to protect water resources, enhance local ecosystems, and set a standard for environmental stewardship in campus agreement.