Fox River Watershed Investigation

In consultation with the Fox River Study Group, the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) has proposed a multi-phase water quality study of the Fox River watershed from Stratton Dam to the Illinois River confluence. The ultimate objective of the full study is to identify significant watershed issues and implement a watershed scale plan including data collection, model development, and monitoring. The findings of this research will provide guidance for public and private planners and decision-makers. The FSRG outreach statement(PDF format) describes their work plan and funding. [more]

Approach

Phase I

A comprehensive summary and synthesis of recent studies of the water quality of the Fox River watershed which describes current water quality problems, possible causes, and data gaps and recommends appropriate watershed and water quality models and future study. Water quality database, FoxDB, developed. (2002-2003)

Phase II

Watershed loading and receiving water quality models of the Fox River watershed downstream from the Stratton Dam using the available data. Detailed watershed loading models for two major tributaries (Poplar Creek and Blackberry Creek) were developed to provide guidance for the larger Fox River watershed model. Biological data are reviewed and FoxDB expanded to include biological data. (2003-2009)

Phase III

A-Data Collection:
Additional monitoring on the Fox River mainstem and selected tributaries is recommended: (i) 72-hour intensive sampling during critical summer low flow, and (ii) comprehensive sampling during storm events designed to evaluate pollutant loads. (2006-2010)
B-Model Calibration Using Latest Data:
The models prepared in Phase II will be finalized through calibration using data from both ambient monitoring and intensive field data collection. Watershed development scenarios (alternatives) will be developed in conjunction with the FRSG and evaluated. (2009-2010)

Phase IV

Implementation phase. The computer models will be maintained and updated for use to evaluate the impact of different management measures, both remedial control measures and preventative actions, on the water quality of the Fox River and its tributaries. A comprehensive watershed management plan will be developed for the study area and implemented.(begin 2010)

Products

Publications Database

Search the publications database used in the Phase 1 investigation.

Publications Bibliography

Download the publications bibliography used in the Phase 1 investigation (MS Word format).

Reports and publications

Phase I Report: Water Quality Issues and Data

Overview of Recommended Phase III Water Quality Monitoring

Analyses of Biological Data

Hydrologic and water quality simulation models:

Phase II, Part 1: Methodology and Procedures for HSPF Model Development

Phase II, Part 2: Blackberry and Poplar Creek HSPF Models, Calibration and Initial Simulation Results.

Phase II, Blackberry Creek and Poplar Creek Hydrologic and Water Quality Simulation Methods: Executive Summary.

Phase II, Part 3: Validation of Hydrologic Model Parameters, Brewster Creek, Ferson Creek, Flint Creek, Mill Creek, and Tyler Creek Watersheds.

Phase II, Part 4: Fox River Watershed Hydrology Using the HSPF Model

Phase III, Evaluation of Watershed Management Scenarios

Map series:

Overview of Delineated Tributary Watersheds

Web Mapping

View GIS data and print maps for the Fox Watershed with the Fox River Watershed GIS Data Viewer
Minimum browser requirements: Internet Explorer 5+, Netscape Navigator 6+. (Opens in a separate browser window)

Fox Watershed GIS datasets

Download GIS datasets developed for the Fox River Watershed Investigation, as well as state-wide datasets of interest to Fox watershed users.

Download detailed watershed delineation GIS data developed for Fox River tributaries.

Environmental Database

Download the FoxDB environmental database (updated 12/21/2023) developed during the Fox River Watershed Investigation. The FoxDB (MS Access, 38 MB zip format) database file contains the complete water quality, sediment quality, habitat, and biological database. The structure of the relational database is described in Phase I Report: Water Quality Issues and Data (water and sediment quality data) and Analyses of Biological Data (database expanded to include biological and habitat data). The database compiles all available data from various sources and studies within the Fox River watershed (starting in 1956) and serves as a primary depository for the FRSG monitoring data (2002-present).
The Access database can be used with the Data Loader/Viewer to add and view sample records. The Data Loader/Viewer is a viewing and editing tool designed to work with the water quality database. A user's manual is also available.

The Fox River Study Group has worked with the Illinois State Water Survey to compile water chemistry data for the Fox River watershed. Those data are available through this database. Interpretation of the data by other parties does not represent the opinion of the Fox River Study Group or the Illinois State Water Survey (Data Disclaimer).

NPDES Dischargers downstream the Stratton Dam

Information on NPDES discharges was obtained from the USEPA EnviroFacts Data Warehouse. Locations were checked against description and corrected to better represent the described location if necessary. A 1996 dataset on NPDES provided by the IEPA was used for additional verification. The dataset was submitted to the FRSG for comments and updates. An Excel file (NPDESdsSTRATTON.zip) has been prepared listing the identified NPDES discharge sites. The USEPA 5-digit parameter codes are listed in (epacodelists.zip).

Poplar Creek Watershed

Information related to work in the Poplar Creek watershed.

Photo Gallery (coming soon)

View photographs of study area and scientists working on the project.

Fox River Study Group Board-Only Area

Draft reports and other interim materials available to the FRSG Board (password protected).

Contact

For additional information, contact Atticus Zavelle (217-300-0669, atticus@illinois.edu) or Laura Keefer (217-333-3468, lkeefer@illinois.edu).