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WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT, OWYHEE RIVER, OWYHEE COUNTY, ID, 1976-1977.
Description:
A water quality survey of the Owyhee River in SW Idaho (17050104, 17050105, 17050106) was conducted from August 1976 to April 1977 by the State of Idaho, Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment. The survey was conducted to help determine if the Owyhee River in Idaho qualifies for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Duck Valley Indian Reservation appears to be a major source of nutrients, solids, turbidity, trace metals, and bacteria. The South Fork of the Owyhee River is the only tributary stream with an important discernible source of these same pollutants on the remainder of the river system in Idaho. The river appears to recover rapidly downstream from these sources. The main stem of the Owyhee River (East Fork) in Idaho below the Duck Valley Indian Reservation is of excellent water quality and suitable from that standpoint to be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. For public health requirements, it is recommended that all surface waters be treated before human consumption. Water Quality Series No. 35. William H. Clark, 1978. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment. 73 pp.