THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WATER QUALITY GRADIENTS IN RESERVOIRS

Abstract

Significant interactions among morphometric, hydrologic chemical, and biological factors favor the establishment of water quality gradients in reservoirs. Results of three intensive water quality surveys conducted at West Point Lake (Georgia, USA) during 1979 document the existence of marked longitudinal gradients in the concentrations of total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and suspended solids (turbidity) from headwater to dam in this large reservoir. Comparisons of data from cove and main-pool stations also indicated the presence of significant lateral heterogeneities.The occurrence of such gradients must be recognized in the design, implementation, and interpretation of sampling programs if effective management strategies are to be developed for ameliorating reservoir water quality problems.