Study launched to probe how water temperature affects stream health

SCCWRP and its partners have launched a two-year study to improve understanding of how water temperature affects the health of sensitive aquatic life in Southern California streams where treated wastewater effluent is being discharged.

The study, launched in August and focusing on the upper Santa Clara River watershed, is motivated by a new generation of wastewater discharge permits that have lowered the maximum temperature at which receiving water is required to be maintained. Wastewater effluent is typically discharged into streams above the stream’s ambient temperature.

The study’s goal is to generate insights that can inform management decision-making regarding permissible temperatures for wastewater discharges, groundwater management and stream rehabilitation efforts.