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IMPACTS OF GEOTHERMAL WATERS ON SELECTED STREAMS IN SOUTHERN IDAHO, 1984-1985
Description:
Four drainage areas were studies in Southern Idaho (17040212, 17040213) to determine the impact of geothermal discharges on area streams. Areas studied included Big Wood River near Ketchum, Mud Creek near Buhl, Salmon Falls Creek near Castleford, and the Snake River from Twin Falls to Bliss. Geothermal discharges were found to be high in fluorides and their discharge resulted in stream fluoride concentrations which exceeded acceptable limits. Acceptable limits were set at 1 and 1.5 mg/l fluoride to protect the water for stock watering and cold water biota respectively. The 3 streams which no longer have capacity to receive additional geothermal waters include: Warm Springs Creek (near Ketchum), Mud Creek, and Salmon Falls Creek. Renk, R. 1986. Water Quality Status Report No. 60. Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment, Boise, ID. 28 pp plus appendices.