You are here:
DEEP CREEK, LATAH COUNTY, IDAHO - WATER QUALITY STATUS REPORT, 1988
Description:
Deep Creek, Idaho (17060108) had been identified as a first priority stream segment in the Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement program. Current designated uses for Deep Creek are as a domestic and agricultural water supply, primary and secondary contact recreation, as well as cold water biota. A water quality study was conducted from February 8, 1987 to August 10, 1988. Objectives were to determine water quality in various reaches and subwatersheds and to document the effects of snowmelt and storm event runoff on the water quality of Deep Creek. The designated beneficial uses are adversely affected by pollutants from nonpoint sources. Primary pollutants are suspended sediment, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus bacteria. The majority of sediment and nutrient transport occurs during the spring snowmelt period. Cattle are the likely source of bacterial contamination in stream reaches below station S-3. Agricultural practices affecting 4 stations have increased nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Cultural alteration of riparian vegetation and streambanks has caused streambank instability. The result is an increase in channel erosion and sediment transport, decreases in streamflow during the base flow period, and a decrease in fish habitat diversity. Mann, H. 1989. Water Quality Status Report No. 88. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Water Quality Bureau, Boise, ID. 29pp.