Computation and use of volume-weighted-average concentrations to determine long-term variations of selected water-quality constituents in lakes and reservoirs

Abstract

A computer program using the Statistical Analysis System has been developed to perform the arithmetic calculations and regression analyses to determine volume-weighted-average concentrations of selected water-quality constituents in lakes and reservoirs. The program has been used in Texas to show decreasing trends in dissolved-solids and total-phosphorus concentrations in Lake Arlington after the discharge of sewage effluent into the reservoir was stopped. The program also was used to show that the August 1978 and October 1981 floods on the Brazos River greatly decreased the volume-weighted-average concentrations of selected constituents in Hubbard Creek Reservoir and Possum Kingdom Lake.