The Deckers Creek drainage basin covers approximately 16,600 hectares (62.9 square miles) in Monongalia and Preston Counties of West Virginia. Throughout the twentieth century, this watershed has received high levels of pollution in several forms. A 1974 study examined the water chemistry in Deckers Creek over a six-month period at 29 sample points. Water samples from the same sites were collected and analyzed monthly from March 1999 through October 2000 for acidity, alkalinity, total iron, aluminum, manganese, and other metals, as well as for fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus concentrations. Most of the tributaries sampled in 1999-2000 showed reduced metal loads and acidity as compared to 1974, as did the main stem of Deckers Creek above the town of Richard. Little improvement, however, was detected in the portion of Deckers Creek below Richard due to the input of untreated acid mine drainage from an underground mining complex. Decreased mining activity, increased reclamation, and improved water quality of drainage from mined areas have led to improved water conditions in the upper portion of Deckers Creek. Improved chemical properties in the majority of the creek may, however, allow for increased survival of fecal coliforms and could present a new water quality problem.

Abstract:The Deckers Creek drainage basin covers approximately 16,600 ha in Monongalia and Preston Counties of West Virginia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate water quality changes over 25 years from samples taken in 1974 and 1999. A 1974 study examined the water chemistry in Deckers Creek over a six-month period at 29 sample points. Water samples from the same sites were collected monthly and analyzed in 1999. Most of the tributaries sampled in 1999 showed improved chemistry compared to 1974, as did the main stem of Deckers Creek above the town of Richard. Decreased mining activity, stricter reclamation standards, and improved deep mine discharge qualities have led to improved water conditions in the upper portion of Deckers Creek. A large-volume deep mine discharge near Richard, located 3 km upstream of the mouth, has degraded the lower portion of Deckers Creek since 1974. Below Richard, the water in the creek is of very poor quality because of the excessive acid and metals input at Richard, even though good quality tributaries also enter downstream. With the improvement in chemical properties in the majority of the creek, biological contamination in the form of fecal coliform bacteria will become more apparent and present a new water quality problem.