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LOWER PAYETTE RIVER, IDAHO AGRICULTURE IRRIGATION WATER RETURN STUDY AND GROUND WATER EVALUATION, 1992-1993
Description:
This report covers the final 17 miles of the Payette River (17050112) and 32,000 acres of irrigated cropland referred to as the Lower Payette State Agricultural Water Quality Project. An in-depth surface and ground water monitoring effort was initiated in June 1992 and completed in September 1993. The area consists of 15 known surface agricultural wastewater return drains. Of those, 6 received extensive monitoring for sediments, nutrients, physical characteristics, pesticides, and bacteria. Two Payette River stations were evaluated to assist in determining impacts from the project to the river. Twenty domestic wells were chosen to receive intensive evaluation for pesticides, physical characteristics, nutrients, and common ions. Data indicated that the Lower Payette River irrigated row crop areas contribute excessive amounts of nutrients, bacteria, and sediments to the Payette River. Ground water monitoring data showed that a majority of the shallow aquifer is contaminated with nitrates. Ingham, M.J. January 1996. Water Quality Status Report No. 115. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Boise, ID. 65 pp plus appendices.