Description:

Deep Creek and Mud Creek are located in Twin Falls County near Buhl, Idaho (17040212). From April through October, these creeks convey irrigation drainage water from the western part of the Twin Falls irrigation tract to the Snake River. During 1986, water quality surveys were conducted on both creeks to assess water quality conditions and beneficial use impairments due to agricultural pollutants. In addition, data were collected to identify subbasins within each watershed for agricultural best management practices treatment under the Idaho Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program. During the 1986 irrigation season, Deep and Mud Creeks contributed an estimated 5,150 tons and 3,660 tons of sediment to the Snake River. Inorganic nitrogen and total phosphorus levels in both creeks exceeded recommended limits to prevent nuisance plant growth. Fecal coliform bacteria exceeded the secondary contact recreation standard at most stations throughout the irrigation season. Macroinvertebrate collections indicate degraded water quality conditions exist in both creeks. The data indicate that beneficial uses are being impaired or threatened in both creeks due to agricultural pollutants. Litke, R.T. 1988. Water Quality Status Report No. 81. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environment, Boise, ID. 119 pp.

Record Details:

Record Type:DOCUMENT

Product Published Date:10/03/1997

Record Last Revised:12/10/2002

Record ID: 5870

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Title :DEEP CREEK AND MUD CREEK, TWIN FALLS, IDAHO. WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT, 1986

Version :1.0

State :ID

Quality Assurance:

Title :DEEP CREEK AND MUD CREEK, TWIN FALLS, IDAHO. WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT, 1986

Data Use & Constraints :Duplicate (split) and spiked water samples were collected at various stations on different dates to assess the accuracy and precision of the data collected. The quality assurance component of the field work follows Bauer (1986) and Bauer et al. (1986a, 1986ab). Precision was generally good for suspended sediment, nitrate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, and dissolved orthophosphate. Precision was not as good for ammonia, and poor for fecal coliform bacteria. Mean percent recovery was excellent for suspended sediment and nitrate. Recovery was good for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, and dissolved orthophosphate. Recovery for ammonia was poor.