Apalachicola River . This River is formed by the confluence of the Flint 

 and Choctawhatchee Rivers and flows into Apalachicola Bay. Recent data show 

 an increase in total phosphorus concentrations and a decrease in nitrate- 

 nitrite levels over the period of record. Historical data indicate a high 

 level of fecal coliform bacteria near the headwaters of the Apalachicola 

 River, but levels are lower toward the mouth of the river. The reverse is 

 evident in more recent fecal coliform counts which show low levels in the 

 upper reach of the river, and higher levels toward the bay. No overall tem- 

 poral trend in water quality is evident in the Apalachicola River. Available 

 data indicate good water quality south of the Florida-Georgia State line, 

 although decreased dissolved oxygen (DO) and increased fecal coliform counts 

 in recent years are of some concern. In 1977-79, violations of standards of 

 pH, several heavy metals, and DO were observed. 



Choctawhatchee River . The Choctawhatchee River originates in northern 

 Alabama, enters Florida near Graceville, and flows about 89 mi into the Choc- 

 tawhatchee Bay. A comparison of historical and 1979 data indicate increasing 

 total phosphorus concentrations and decreasing nitrate-nitrite levels. Aver- 

 age DO concentrations have increased and mean pH levels have decreased in 

 recent years. No overall temporal trend in the water quality in the Chocta- 

 whatchee River Basin is discernible. Available data indicate generally good 

 water quality. Over the period of record to 1979 several violations were evi- 

 dent in pH, total alkalinity, DO, and several heavy metals; however, the 

 violations are infrequent and do not appear to be a serious concern. 



Yellow River . The Yellow River in the Perdido/Escambia River Basin orig- 

 inates in Covington County, AL and flows southward for approximately 92 mi 

 emptying into the Blackwater Bay in Florida. A comparison of historical vs. 

 recent data shows a decrease in total phosporous (TP) and nitrate-nitrite 

 averages indicating an improvement in nutrient concentrations in the Yellow 

 River. Dissolved oxygen concentrations and pH have decreased in recent years 

 especially near Holly where substantial decreases have been observed. 

 Recently, fecal coliform have increased considerably over the period of record 

 particularly in the upper reaches. No overall change of water quality in the 

 Yellow River is noticeable. Water quality has been generally good despite 

 high fecal coliform bacteria counts at several localized areas. 



Blackwater River . The Blackwater River is considered to be one of the 

 cleanest rivers in Florida. It originates north of Bradley, AL and travels 

 58 mi to Blackwater Bay. A comparison of available historic and recent data 

 indicates an apparent overall improvement in the water quality, especially in 

 phosphorus, nitrate-nitrite, and DO concentrations. Few violations are evi- 

 dent with the exception of pH and total alkalinity concentrations near Hwy-4 

 northwest of Baker in Okaloosa County. 



Escambia River Basin . The Escambia River flows approximate 92 mi south 

 from the Florida-Alabama line into Escambia Bay forming the boundary between 

 Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. A comparison of historical and recent data 

 indicates some improvement in water quality within the last two years. A 

 noticeable improvement in total phosphorus and nitrate-nitrite concentrations 

 throughout the river was observed. Improvements in macroinvertebrate diver- 

 sity also were reported. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the upper reaches 

 of the river have increased in recent years. No obvious trends in fecal coli- 

 form concentrations in the Escambia River were found. In general, the water 



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