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EUTROPHICATION INVESTIGATION OF AMERICAN FALLS RESERVOIR, IDAHO. 1968-1969
Description:
During the 1967 irrigation season, there was a prolonged long period of high temperatures that adversely affected the American Falls Reservoir, Idaho (17040206). The Idaho Public Health Department reported a very heavy algae bloom, resulting in septic conditions in the reservoir that caused downstream offensive odors and extensive fish kills. The U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife had been considering the need for multilevel outlets at the dam on the assumption that thermal stratification was a factor encouraging high surface temperatures. The water temperature data collected during this study would not support an argument for such a plan. Cross currents close to the dam and cooler bottom water upwelling at the dam would negate any such efforts. Dissolved oxygen was being consumed in the early summer months more rapidly than it could be replaced. The influence of waterfowl on the COD loading of the reservoir was not investigated. In 1968 and 1969, phosphorus and nitrogen compounds were abundant in the reservoir, but not necessarily in amounts associated with other eutrophic lakes. Bushnell, V.C. 1969. Regional Water Quality Control, Pacific Northwest Region, Bureau of Reclamation. 130 pp. plus appendices.