Turbidity as a Water Quality Standard for Salmonid Habitats in Alaska

Abstract

Evidence both of trophic level changes induced by reduction in light penetration and of more direct effects of sediment and turbidity on aquatic life indicates that turbidity constitutes a valid and useful water quality standard that can be used to protect aquatic habitats from sediment pollution. A review of studies conducted in Alaska and elsewhere indicated that water quality standards allowing increases of 25 or 5 nephelometric turbidity units above ambient turbidity in clear coldwater habitats provide moderate and relatively high protection, respectively, for salmonid fish resources in Alaska. Even stricter limits may be warranted to protect extremely clear waters, but such stringent limits apparently are not necessary to protect naturally turbid systems.