River-quality assessment of the Truckee and Carson River system, California and Nevada: Hydrologic characteristics

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“…Many anecdotal reports during the early and midtwentieth century describe growing water quality problems in the Truckee River caused by human activities in the basin [ Nevada Division of Water Planning , 1997]. Studies completed over the past three decades provide more detailed understanding of the exact nature and causes of the water quality degradation [ Brown et al , 1986; Covay , 1996; Kilroy , 1997]. The primary water quality characteristics and constituents of interest on the Truckee River include temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and total dissolved solids.…”

“…Water quality in the river reach between Derby Dam and Pyramid Lake continues to be impacted by many of the pollutants encountered upstream, although some reduction in nutrients occurs due to biological assimilation, particularly in late summer. Constituent loadings to the river and increased temperature in this reach come primarily from agricultural return flows [ Brown et al , 1986]. Groundwater inflows to the river generally result in a decrease in temperature, but also contribute dissolved solids [ Pohll et al , 2001].…”

“…[44] When excess amounts of nutrients are introduced to the river, an overabundance of aquatic growth can occur, further exacerbating low dissolved oxygen levels due to nocturnal respiration and decay of dead algae and vegetation [Kilroy, 1997]. High levels of dissolved solids are harmful to the most beneficial uses of the river, including municipal, industrial, and agricultural water supply, as well as in-stream uses [Brown et al, 1986]. Generally, quality in the river degrades with increasing distance downstream of Lake Tahoe with respect to most of the water quality constituents of interest.…”