Quality of Surface Waters of the United States · Quality of Surface Waters of the United States...

Quality ofSurface Waters of the United States 1951Parts 9-14. Colorado River Basin to Pacific Slope Basins in Oregon and Lower Columbia River Basin

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1200

Prepared in cooperation with the State of California, U. 51 Bureau of Reclama- tion, and with other agencies

Quality ofSurface Waters of the United States 1951Parts 9-14. Colorado River Basin to Pacific Slope Basins in Oregon and Lower Columbia River Basin

Prepared under the direction of S. K. LOVE, Chief, Quality of Water Branch

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1200

Prepared in cooperation with the State of California, U. S. Bureau of Reclama- tion, and with other agencies

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1955

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Douglas McKay, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

W. E. Wrather, Director

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D. C. - Price $2.00 (paper cover)

PREFACE

This report was prepared by the Geological Survey in cooperation with the State of California, the U. S. Bureau of Recla- mation and other agencies by personnel of the Water Resources Division under the direction of:

C. G. Paulsen ............. Chief Hydraulic EngineerS. K. Love .......... Chief, Quality of Water Branch

J. D. Hem, district chemist.. Albuquerque, N. Mex. C. S. Howard, regional chemist... Salt Lake City, Utah

III

CONTENTS

Page Introduction..................................... A ....... 1Collection and examination of samples..................... 3

Chemical quality....................................... 3Suspended sediment .................................... 4Temperature .......................................... 5

Expression of results.................................... 6Composition of surface waters............................ 7

Mineral constituents in solution ......................... 8Silica............................................... 8Aluminum........................................... 8Manganese .......................................... 9Iron ................................................ 9Calcium............................................. 9Magnesium.......................................... 9Sodium and potassium ................................ 10Carbonate and bicarbonate ............................ 10Sulfate.............................................. 10Chloride ............................................ 10Fluoride ............................................ llNitrate ............................................. 11Boron .............................................. 11Dissolved solids ..................................... 12

Properties and characteristics of water .................. 12Oxygen consumed .................................... 12Color............................................... 12Hydrogen-ion concentration ........................... 12Specific conductance ................................. 13Hardness ........................................... 13Total acidity ........................................ 13Corrosiveness....................................... 14Percent sodium...................................... 14

Sediment.............................................. 14Publications ............................................ 15Cooperation............................................. 16Division of work .......................................; 17Stream now............................................. 18Literature cited .......................................... 18Chemical analyses, water temperatures, and suspended

sediment ......................................... 20Part 9-Colorado River basin ............................ 20

Colorado River at Hot Sulphur Springs, Colo. (mainstem) ............................................ 20

Eagle River basin .................................... 23V

VI CONTENTS

Chemical analyses, etc. Continued Colorado River basin--Continued

Eagle River basin--Continued PageEagle River below Gypsum, Colo................... 23

Colorado River near Glenwood Springs, Colo. (mainstem).......................................... 26

Colorado River near Cameo, Colo. (main stem) ....... 29Gunnison River basin................................ 32

Gunnison River near Grand Junction, Colo........... 32Dolores River basin................................. 35

Dolores River at Gateway, Colo.................... 35Dolores River near Cisco, Utah.................... 38

Colorado River near Cisco, Utah (main stem).......... 43Green River basin .................................. 49

Green River near Green River, Wyo................ 49Blacks Fork near Green River, Wyo................ 53Henrys Fork at Linwood, Utah ..................... 56Yampa River near Maybell, Colo................... 58Little Snake River near Lily, Colo.................. 64Green River near Jensen, Utah..................... 67Green River at Jensen, Utah....................... 71Duchesne River near Randlett, Utah ................ 74Green River near Ouray, Utah ..................... 77White River near Watson, Utah .................... 82Willow Creek near Ouray, Utah .................... 85Price River at Woodside, Utah..................... 88Green River at Green River, Utah.................. 90San Rafael River near Green River, Utah ........... 96

Dirty Devil River basin ............................. 102Dirty Devil River near Kite, Utah .................. 102

Colorado River at Kite, Utah (main stem) ............. 105Escalante River Basin .............................. Ill

Escalante River at Mouth near Escalante, Utah ...... IllSan Juan River basin................................ 113

San Juan River near Blanco, N. Mex................ 113Animas River at Farmington, N. Mex............... 119San Juan River at Shiprock, N. Mex ................ 125San Juan River near Bluff, Utah...................: 129

Colorado River at Lees Ferry, Ariz. (main stem) ..... 136Paria River basin................................... 144

Paria River at Lees Ferry, Ariz. .................. 144Little Colorado River basin .......................... 147

Little Colorado River at Woodruff, Ariz............. 147Little Colorado River at Cameron, Ariz............. 153

Colorado River near Grand Canyon, Ariz. (main stem).. 154Virgin River basin .................................. 161

Virgin River at Virgin, Utah ...................... 161Washington Fields Canal near Washington, Utah ..... 164Santa Clara River above Winsor Dam, near Santa

Clara, Utah .................................... 165

CONTENTS VII

Chemical analyses, etc. Continued Colorado River basin Continued

Virgin River basin--Continued Page Santa Clara River at St. George, Utah .............. 166Virgin River near St. George, Utah ................ 167Virgin River at Littlefield, Ariz.................... 168Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Virgin River

basin in Utah ................................... 175Lake Mead near Boulder City, Nev. (main stem)....... 176Colorado River below Hoover Dam, Ariz. -Nev. (main

stem).......................................... 182Gila River basin .................................... 185

Gila River at Kelvin, Ariz......................... 185Salt River at Stewart Mountain Dam, Ariz .......... 188Verde River below Bartlett Dam, Ariz.............. 191Agua Fria River below Lake Pleasant Dam, Ariz .... 194Gila River below Gillespie Dam, Ariz .............. 195

Diversions and Return Flows at and below ImperialDam........................................... 198

Yuma Main Canal below Colorado River Siphon at Yuma, Ariz .................................... 198

Part 10-The Great Basin .............................. 200Sevier Lake basin .................................. 200

Sevier River near Lynndyl, Utah ................... 200Salton Sea basin .................................... 202

Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Salton Sea basin in California ............................... 202

Humboldt River basin ............................... 203Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Humboldt

River basin in Nevada ........................... 203Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes basin ................ 205

Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes basin in California ............ 205

Part 11-Pacific Slope basins in California............... 206Tulare Lake basin .................................. 206

Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Tulare Lake basin in California .............................. 206

San Joaquin River basin ............................. 207San Joaquin River near Vernalis, Calif ............. 207Stockton Diverting Canal at Stockton, Calif .......... 210Mokelumne River at Woodbridge, Calif.............. 212Miscellaneous analyses of streams in San Joaquin

River basin in California ........................ 214Sacramento River basin ............................. 216

Sacramento River at Delta, Calif................... 216Pit River near Montgomery Creek, Calif............ 217Squaw Creek above Shasta Lake, Calif .............. 218McCloud River above Shasta Lake, Calif ............ 219Sacramento River at Knights Landing, Calif ......... 220

VIII CONTENTS

Chemical analyses, etc. --Continued Pacific Slope basins in California--Continued

Sacramento River basin--Continued Page Feather River at Nicolaus, Calif .................. 222American River at Fair Oaks, Calif ............... 224Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Sacramento

River basin in California........................ 226Russian River basin ............................... 230

Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Russian River basin in California........................ 230

Klamath River basin ............................... 231Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Klamath

River basin in California ....................... 231Part 12-Pacific Slope Basins in Washington and Upper

Columbia River Basin ........................... 232Upper Columbia River basin ........................ 232Columbia River at Grand Coulee Dam, Wash, (main

stem) ......................................... 232Part 13-Snake River basin............................ 235

Snake River at Neeley, Idaho (main stem) ............ 235Snake River at King Hill, Idaho (main stem) .......... 236Boise River basin ................................. 238

Boise River at Notus, Idaho....................... 238Miscellaneous analyses of streams in Snake River

basin in Idaho.................................. 241Part 14-Pacific Slope Basins in Oregon and Lower

Columbia River Basin .......................... 242John Day River basin............'................... 242

Desolation Creek near Dale, Oreg................. 242Columbia River at Maryhill Ferry near Rufus,

Oreg. (main stem) ............................. 243Deschutes River basin.............................. 246

Warm Springs River at Hehe Mill near Warm Springs, Oreg.......................................... 246

Klickitat River basin ............................... 247Klickitat River near Glenwood, Wash .............. 247Klickitat River near Pitt, Wash ................... 249

Hood River basin .................................. 251Green Point Creek below North Fork near Dee, Oreg.......................................... 251

Sandy River basin.................................. 252Bull Run River at Bull Run, Oreg.................. 252

Willamette River basin ............................. 254Middle Fork Willamette River below North Fork

near Oakridge, Oreg............................ 254Middle Fork Willamette River at Lowell, Oreg...... 255Fall Creek below Winberry Creek near Fall Creek, Oreg........................ ................. 256

Lookout Creek near Blue River, Oreg.............. 258

CONTENTS IX

Chemical analyses, etc. --Continued Pacific Slope Basins in Oregon and Lower Columbia

River basin ContinuedWillamette River basin--Continued Page

North Santiam River below Boulder Creek near Detroit, Oreg................................... 260

Breitenbush River above Canyon Creek near Detroit, Oreg................................... 261

Willamette River at Salem, Oreg ................... 262Lewis River basin .................................. 264

Lewis River at Ariel, Wash........................ 264East Fork Lewis River near Heisson, Wash ......... 265

Cowlitz River basin ................................ 266Cispus River near Randle, Wash ................... 266Rainy Creek near Kosmos, Wash................... 267West Fork Tilton River near Morton, Wash.......... 269Cowlitz River near Mayfield, Wash ................. 271Toutle River near Silver Lake, Wash ............... 272Cowlitz River at Castle Rock, Wash ................ 273Coweman River near Kelso, Wash .................. 275

Abernethy Creek basin .............................. 277Abernethy Creek near Longview, Wash. ............. 277

Clatskanie River basin .............................. 278Clatskanie River near Clatskanie, Oreg............. 278

Elokomin River basin ............................... 279Elokomin River near Cathlamet, Wash.............. 279

Big Creek basin .................................... 280Big Creek near Knappa, Oreg...................... 280

Grays River basin .................................. 281West Branch Grays River near Grays River, Wash... 281

Youngs River basin ................................. 282North Fork Klaskanine River near Olney, Oreg ...... 282

Index ................................................. 283

ILLUSTRATION

PageFigure 1. Map of the United States showing basins covered

by the four water-supply papers on quality of surface waters in 1951.................................... 2

QUALITY OF SURFACE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES, 1951

PARTS 9-14

INTRODUCTION

The quality-of-water investigations of the United States Geo- logical Survey are concerned with chemical and physical characteristics of the surface and ground water supplies of the Nation. Most of the investigations carried on in cooperation with States and other Federal agencies deal with the amounts of matter in solution and in suspension in streams.

The records of chemical analysis, suspended sediment, and temperature for surface waters given in this volume serve as a basis for determining the suitability of the waters examined for industrial, agricultural, and domestic uses insofar as such use is affected by the dissolved or suspended mineral matter in the waters. The discharge of a stream and, to a lesser extent, the chemical quality are related to variations in rainfall and other forms of precipitation. In general, lower concentrations of dissolved solids may be expected during the periods of high flow than during periods of low flow. The concentration in some streams may change materially with relatively small variations in flow, whereas for other streams the quality may remain relatively uniform throughout large ranges in discharge. The quantities of suspended sediment carried by streams are also related to discharge, and during flood periods the sediment concentrations in many streams vary over wide ranges.

The regular yearly publication of records of chemical analyses, suspended sediment, and water temperature was begun by the Geological Survey in 1941. The annual records prior to 1948 were published in a single volume for the entire country. Begin- ning in 1948, the records were published in two volumes, and beginning in 1950, in four volumes, covering the drainage basins shown in figure 1. The samples for which data are given were collected from October 1, 1950, to September 30, 1951. De- scriptive statements are given for each sampling station for which regular series of chemical analyses or sediment determinations have been made. These statements include the location of the stream-sampling station, drainage area, length of time for which records are available, extremes of dissolved solids, total hardness, sediment loads, water temperature, and other pertinent data. Records of water discharge of the streams at, or near, the sampling .point for the sampling period are included in most tables of analyses. The records are arranged by drainage basins, according to Geological Survey practice in reporting records of stream flow.

1

QUALITY OF SURFACE WATERS, 1951

This report Parts 1-4; WSP 1197 Parts 5-6; WSP 1198 Parts 7-8; WSP 1199

Figure 1. Map of the United States showing basins covered by the four water-supply papers on quality of surface waters in 1951. The shaded portion represents the section of the country covered by this volume; the unshaded portion represents the section of the country covered by other water- supply papers.

Beginning with the series of reports for the water year ending September 30, 1951, the order of listing station records has been changed. In this report, stations on tributary streams are listed between stations on the main stream in the order in which those tributaries enter the main stem. Stations on tributaries to tributaries are inserted in a similar manner.

During the year ended September 30, 1951, 60 regular sampling stations on 41 streams for the study of the chemical character of surface waters were maintained by the Geological Sur- vey in the area covered by this volume. Samples were collected less frequently during the year at many other points. Water temperatures were measured daily at 92 of the regular sampling stations. Not all analyses of samples of surface water collected during the year have been included. Single analyses of an incom- plete nature generally have been omitted. Also, determinations made on the daily samples before compositing have not been reported. Specific conductance was usually determined on each daily sample, and pH, chloride, or other determinations were also made on many of the daily samples. As noted in the table headings these data are available for reference at the district offices listed under Division of Work, on page 17.

Quantities of suspended sediment are reported for 18 stations during the year ended September 30, 1951. The sediment samples were collected one or more times daily at most stations, depending on the rate of flow and changes in stage of the

COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF SAMPLES 3

stream. Sediment samples were collected less frequently during the year at many other points. In connection with measurements of sediment discharge, sizes of sediment particles were determined at 17 of the stations. As noted under "Remarks" in the table headings, suspended-sediment concentrations also were determined from the samples collected for chemical analysis in some parts of the country. The data do not provide a reliable basis for computing the loads of suspended sediment carried by the stream but may be of value for design and operation of filtration plants utilizing these stream waters. Records of these in- frequent determinations are available for reference in the district offices listed.

Material which is transported essentially in continuous contact with the stream bed is termed bed load and is not considered in this report. All other undissolved material in transport is termed suspended sediment and generally constitutes the major part of the total sediment load. At the present time no reliable method has been developed for deter mining bed load on a routine basis.

COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF SAMPLES

CHEMICAL QUALITY

Samples for chemical analysis were usually collected daily at, or near, points on streams where gaging stations are maintained for measurement of water discharge. Most of the analyses were made on 10-day composites of daily samples collected for a period of a year at each sampling point. Three composite samples were usually prepared each month by mixing together equal volumes of daily samples collected from the 1st to the 10th, from the llth to the 20th, and during the remainder of the month. For some streams that are subject to sudden and large changes in chemical composition or concentration, samples were com- posited for shorter periods on the basis of the concentration of dissolved solids indicated by measurements of specific conductance of the daily samples.

The samples were analyzed according to methods regularly used by the Geological Survey. These methods are essentially the same as or are modifications of methods described in recognized authoritative publications for the mineral analysis of water samples (Collins, 1928; Am. Public Health Assoc., 1946).

For those waters containing moderately large quantities of soluble salts, the value reported for dissolved solids is the sum of the quantities of the various determined constituents using the carbonate equivalent of the reported bicarbonate. In other analyses the value reported as dissolved solids is the residue on evaporation after drying at 180°C for 1 hour. Specific conductance is given for most analyses and was determined by means of a conductance bridge using a standard potassium chloride solution as reference.


SUSPENDED SEDIMENT

In general, samples were collected daily with the. US D-43 depth-integrating sampler (U. S. Inter-agency, 1948, p. 70-76) from a fixed sampling point at one vertical in the cross section. The US DH-48 hand sampler was used at many stations during periods of low flow. Suspended-sediment samples, consisting of depth-integrated samples at three or more verticals in the cross section were made periodically to determine the cross-sectional distribution of the suspended concentration with respect to that at the daily sampling vertical. In streams where comparatively rap- id fluctuations in transverse distribution of water discharge or sediment concentration are encountered at the sampling point, samples were taken regularly at two or more verticals to determine the average concentration across the section. During periods of high flow, samples were taken two or more times throughout the day at many sampling stations, and during periods of rapidly changing flow samples were taken hourly at some stations.

Sediment concentrations were deter mined by filtration or evaporation of the samples as required. At many stations the mean daily concentration for some days was obtained by plotting the instantaneous concentrations on the original or copies of the original gage-height chart. The plotted concentrations adjusted, if necessary, for cross-sectional distribution with respect to that at the daily sampling vertical, were connected or averaged by continuous curves to obtain a concentration graph. This graph represented the estimated concentration at any time and, for most periods, mean daily concentrations were determined from the graph. When the concentration and water discharge were changing rapidly, the day was often subdivided for this computation. For some periods when the day-to-day variation in the concentration was negligible, the data were not plotted, and the average concentration of the samples was used as the mean concentration for the day. For certain stations, when the discharge and sediment concentrations were relatively low and varied only slightly from day to day, the samples for a number of days were compos- ited and the mean daily concentrations and mean daily loads are shown.

For some periods when no samples we re collected, daily sediment loads were estimated on the basis of water discharge, sediment concentrations observed immediately preceding and following the periods, and sediment loads for other periods of similar discharge. The estimates were further guided by weather conditions and sediment discharge for other stations.

In many instances where there were no observations for several days, the sediment loads for individual days are not estimated, as numerous factors influencing the quantities of transported sediment made it very difficult to make accurate estimates of sediment loads for individual days. However, estimated sedi-

COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF SAMPLES 5

ment loads for missing days in an otherwise continuous period of sampling have been included in monthly and annual totals for most streams to provide a complete record.

In addition to the records of total quantities of sediment, records of the particle sizes of sediment are included also. The particle sizes of the suspended sediments were determined periodically for many of the stations. As much of the material carried in suspension can pass through the finest sieves, the bottom- withdrawal tube method (U. S. Inter-agency, 1943, p. 82-90) was used in most of the analyses. Generally, sieves were used in the determination of particle sizes for sediments which were predominantly coarser than 0. 062 mm. Size distribution for some sediments was determined by a combination of sieves and pipette methods in which the size fraction 0. 062 mm and larger was analyzed by sieves and that smaller than 0. 062 mm was analyzed by the pipette method (Kilmer and Alexander, 1949). Native or distilled water, as noted in the tables of analyses, was used as the settling medium. In some instances, chemical dispersing agents were added to the settling medium. As settling diameters of the clay and colloidal fractions are often affected by the chemical character of the settling medium, analyses made using native water may more nearly simulate particle sizes existing in the stream. Results of analyses using distilled water or using a settling medium containing dispersing agents approximate ultimate particle sizes of the finer fractions. The concentration of sediment suspension for analysis was reduced to less than 5,000 parts per million, where necessary, by means of a sample split- ter, in order to stay within limits recommended for the bottom- withdrawal tube or pipette method. The concentration of suspended sediment used in the bottom -withdrawal tube or pipette cyl- inder was often different from the concentration in the original suspension. The concentration at which analyses were made is indicated in the appropriate tables.

TEMPERATURE

For most of the stations, daily water temperatures were obtained at the time that the chemical quality or sediment samples were collected. So far as practicable the water temperatures were observed at about the same time each day for an individual river station in order that the data would be relatively unaffect- ed by diurnal variations in temperature. For most large, swift- ly flowing streams the diurnal variation in water temperature is probably small, but for sluggish or shallow streams the daily range in temperature may amount to several degrees and may follow closely changes in air temperature. The thermometers used for determination of water temperature were accurate to plus or minus about 0. 5°F.

Records of thermograph observations consist of maximum and minimum temperatures for each day, and the monthly averages of the maximum daily and minimum daily temperatures.


EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

The dissolved mineral constituents are reported in parts per million. A part per million is a unit weight of a constituent in a million unit weights of water. Equivalents per million are not given in this report although the expression of analyses in equivalents per million is sometimes preferred. An equivalent per million is a unit chemical combining weight of a constituent in a million unit weights of water and is calculated by dividing the concentration in parts per million by the chemical combining weight of the constituent. For convenience in making this conversion the reciprocals of chemical combining weights of the most commonly reported constituents (ions) are given in the following table:

Constituent Factor Constituent Factor

Iron (Fe++) .......... 0. 0358 Carbonate (CO3 '-) .. 0. 0333Iron (Fe+++) ......... . 0537 Bicarbonate (HCO3 -) . 0164Calcium (Ca++) ...... . 0499 Sulfate (SO4 ~~)...... . 0208Magnesium (Mg++) .... 0822 Chloride (Cl~)...... . 0282Sodium (Na+) ........ . 0435 Fluoride-(F') ...... . 0526Potassium (K+) ...... .0256 Nitrate (NO3~)...... .0161

Results given in parts per million can be converted to grains per United States gallon by dividing by 17.12. A calculated quantity of sodium and potassium is given in some analyses and is the quantity of sodium needed in addition to the calcium and magnesium to balance the acid constituents.

The total hardness, as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), is calculated from the equivalents of calcium and magnesium except for a few .samples for which the reported values also include equivalents of free mineral acid, aluminum, iron, and manganese when present in significant quantities. The hardness caused by calcium and magnesium (and other ions if significant) equivalent to the carbonate and bicarbonate is called carbonate hardness; the hardness in excess of this quantity is called noncarbonate hardness.

In the analyses of most waters used for irrigation, the quantity of dissolved solids is given in tons per acre-foot as well as in parts per million. Percent sodium has been computed for those analyses where sodium and potassium are reported separately by dividing the equivalents per million of sodium by the sum of the equivalents per million of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium and multiplying the quotient by 100. In analyses where sodium and potassium were calculated and reported as a com- bined value, the value reported for percent sodium will include the equivalent quantity of potassium. In most waters of moder-

COMPOSITION OF SURFACE WATERS 7

ate to high concentration, the proportion of potassium is much smaller than that of sodium.

Specific conductance values are expressed in reciprocal ohms (micromhos at 25°C). The discharge of the streams is reported in second-feet (See Stream Flow, p. 18 ) and the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Color is expressed in units of the platinum- cobalt scale proposed by Hazen (1892, p. 427-428). Hydrogen- ion concentration (pH) is given as the negative logarithm of the number of moles of ionized hydrogen per liter of water.

An average of analyses (arithmetical or weighted) for the water year is given for most daily sampling stations. An arithmetical average represents the composition of water that would be contained in a vessel or reservoir that had received equal quantities of water from the river each day for the water year. A weighted average represents approximately the composition of water that would be found in a reservoir containing all of the water passing a given station during the year after thorough mixing in the reservoir. The weighted average Of the analyses is computed by multiplying the discharge for the sampling period by the quantities of the individual constituents for the corre- sponding period and dividing the sum of the products by the sum of the discharges. Water as represented by the weighted average is less concentrated than that represented by the average of the individual analyses for most streams because at times of high discharge the rivers generally have lower concentrations of dissolved solids.

Mean daily sediment concentrations are expressed in parts per million by weight. A part per million of sediment is computed as 1,000,000 timesthe ratio of the weight of sediment to the weight of water-sediment mixture. Daily sediment loads are expressed in tons per day, and except for subdivided days are usually obtained by multiplying daily mean sediment concentration in parts per million by the daily mean discharge, and the appropriate conversion factor, normally 0. 0027.

Particle-size analyses are expressed in percentages finer than indicated size sin millimeters. The size classification used in this report is that recommended by the American Geophysical Union Subcommittee on sediment terminology (Lane, et al; 1947, p. 937). Other data included as pertinent to the size analyses for many streams are the date of collection, the stream discharge and sediment concentration when sample was collected, the concentration of the suspension during analysis, and the method of analysis.

COMPOSITION OF SURFACE WATERS

All natural waters contain dissolved mineral matter. Water in contact with soils or rock, even for only a few hours, will dissolve some rock materials. The quantity of dissolved mineral matter in a natural water depends primarily on the type of rocks or soils through which the water has passed and the length

8 QUALITY OF SURFACE WATERS, 1951

of time it has been in contact with the rocks or soils. Some streams are fed by both surface runoff and underground water from springs or seeps. Such streams reflect the chemical character of their concentrated underground sources during dry periods and are more dilute during periods of heavy rainfall. Under- ground water is usually more highly concentrated than surface runoff as it remains in contact with the rocks and soils for much longer periods. The concentration of dissolved solids in a river water is frequently increased by drainage from mines or oil fields, by the addition of industrial or municipal wastes, or in irrigated regions by return drain waters.

The mineral constituents and physical properties of natural waters reported in the tables of analyses include those that have a practical bearing on the value of the waters for most purposes. The analyses generally include results for silica, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium (or sodium and potassium together as sodium), bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, boron, and dissolved solids. Aluminum, manganese, col- or, pH, acidity, oxygen consumed, and other dissolved constituents and physical properties are reported for certain streams. The source and significance of the different constituents and properties of natural waters are discussed in the following paragraphs.

MINERAL CONSTITUENTS IN SOLUTION

Silica (Si02)

Silica is dissolved from practically all rocks. Some natural surface waters contain less than 5 parts per million of silica and few contain more than 50 parts, but the more common range is from 10 to 30 parts per million. Silica affects the usefulness of a water because it contributes to the formation of boiler scale; it usually is removed from feed water for high-pressure boilers. Silica also forms troublesome deposits on the blades of steam turbines.

Aluminum (Al)

Aluminum is usually present only in negligible quantities in natural waters except in areas where the waters have been in contact with the more soluble rocks of high aluminum content such as bauxite and certain shales. Acid waters often contain large amounts of aluminum. It may be troublesome in feed waters where it tends to be deposited as a scale on boiler tubes.

COMPOSITION OF SURFACE WATERS

Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is dissolved in appreciable quantities from rocks in some sections of the country. Waters impounded in large res- ervoirs may contain manganese that has been dissolved from the mud on the bottom of the reservoir by action of carbon dioxide produced by anaerobic fermentation of organic matter. Manga- nese is not regularly determined in areas where it is not present in the waters in appreciable amounts. It is especially objectionable in water used in laundry work and in textile processing. Concentrations as low as 0. 2 part per million may cause a dark- brown or black stain on fabrics and porcelain fixtures. Appre- ciable quantities of manganese are often found in waters containing objectionable quantities of iron.

Iron (Fe)

Iron is dissolved from many rocks and soils. On exposure to the air, normal basic waters that contain more than 1 part per million of iron soon be come turbid with the insoluble reddish fer- ric oxide produced by oxidation. Surface waters, therefore, sel- dom contain as much as 1 part per million of dissolved iron, although some acid waters carry large quantities of iron in solution. Iron causes reddish-brown stains on white porcelain or enameled ware and fixtures and on fabrics washed in the water.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is dissolved from practically all rocks and soils, but the highest concentrations are usually found in waters that have been in contact with limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. Cal- cium and magnesium make water hard and are largely responsible for the formation of boiler scale. Most waters associated with granite or silicious sands contain less than 10 parts per million of calcium; waters in areas where rocks are composed of dolomite and limestone contain from 30 to 100 parts per million; and waters that have come in contact with deposits of gypsum may contain several hundred parts per million.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is dissolved from many rocks, particularly from dolomitic rocks. Its effect in water is similar to that of calcium. The magnesium in soft waters may amount to only 1 or 2 parts per million, but water in areas that contain large quantities of dolomite or other magnesium-bearing rocks may contain from 20 to 100 parts per million or more of magnesium.


Sodium and potassium (Na and K)

Sodium and potassium are dissolved from practically all rocks. Sodium is the predominant cation in some of the more highly mineralized waters found in the western Untied States. Natural waters that contain only 3 or 4 parts per million of the two together are likely to carry almost as much potassium as sodium. As the total quantity of these constituents increases, the proportion of sodium becomes much greater. Moderate quantities of sodium and potassium have little effect on the usefulness of the water for most purposes, but waters that carry more than 50 or 100 parts per million of the two may require careful operation of steam boilers to prevent foaming. More highly mineralized waters that contain a large proportion of sodium salts may be unsatisfactory for irrigation.

Carbonate and bicarbonate (C03 and HCOS)

Bicarbonate occurs in waters largely through the action of carbon dioxide, which enables the water to dissolve carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Carbonate as such is not usually present in appreciable quantities in natural waters. The bicarbonate in waters that come from relatively insoluble rocks may amount to less than 50 parts per million; many waters from limestone contain from 200 to 400 parts per million. Bicarbonate in moderate concentrations in water has no effect on its value for most uses. Bicarbonate or carbonate is an aid in coagulation for the removal of suspended matter from water.

Sulfate (S04)

Sulfate is dissolved from many rocks and soils--in especially large quantities from gypsum and from beds of shale. It is form- ed also by the oxidation of sulfides of iron and is therefore present in considerable quantities in waters from mines. Sulfate in waters that contain much calcium and magnesium causes the formation of hard scale in steam boilers and may increase the cost of softening the water.

Chloride (Cl)

Chloride is dissolved from rock materials in all parts of the country. Surface waters in the humid regions are usually low in chloride, whereas streams in arid or semiarid regions may contain several hundred parts per million of chloride leached from soils and rocks, especially where the streams receive return drainage from irrigated lands or are affected by ground-water inflow carrying appreciable quantities of chloride. Large quantities of chloride may affect the industrial use of water by in-


creasing the corrosiveness of waters that contain large quantities of calcium and magnesium.

Fluoride (F)

Fluoride has been reported as being present in some rocks to about the same extent as chloride. However, the quantity of fluoride in natural surface waters is ordinarily very small com- pared to that of chloride. Recent investigations indicate that the incidence of dental caries is less when there are small amounts of fluoride present in the water supply than when there is none. However, excess fluoride in water is associated with the dental defect known as mottled enamel if the water is used for drinking by young children during calcification or formation of the teeth (Dean, 1936, p. 1269-1272). This defect becomes increasingly noticeable as the quantity of fluoride in water increases above 1.5 to 2.0 parts per million.

Nitrate (NO,)

Nitrate in water is considered a final oxidation product of ni- trogenous material and in some instances may indicate previous contamination by sewage or other organic matter. The quantities of nitrate present in surface waters usually amount to less than 5 parts per million (as NO3) and have no effect on the value of the water for ordinary uses.

It has been reported that as much as 2 parts per million of nitrate in boiler water tends to decrease inter crystalline crack- ing of boiler steel. Studies made in Illinois indicate that nitrates in excess of 70 parts per million (as NO3) may contribute to methemoglobinemia ("blue babies") (Faucett and Miller, 1946, p. 593), and more recent investigations conducted in Ohio show that drinking water containing nitrates in the range of 44 to 88 parts per million or more (as NO3) may be the cause of methemoglobinemia in infants (Waring, 1949). In a report published by the National Research Council, Maxcy (1950, p. 271) concludes that a nitrate content in excess of 44 parts per million (as NO3) should be regarded as unsafe for infant feeding.

Boron (B)

Boron in small quantities has been found essential for plant growth, but irrigation water containing more than 1 part per million boron is detrimental to citrus and other boron-sensitive crops. Boron is reported in Survey analyses of surface waters in arid and semiarid regions of the Southwest and West where irrigation is practiced or contemplated, but few of the surface waters analyzed have harmful concentrations of boron.


Dissolved solids

The reported quantity of dissolved solids--the residue on evaporation consists mainly of the dissolved mineral constituents in the water. It may also contain some organic matter and water of crystallization. Waters with less than 500 parts per million of dissolved solids are usually satisfactory for domestic and some industrial uses. Waters containing several thousand parts per million of dissolved solids are sometimes successfully used for irrigation where practices permit the removal of soluble salts through the application of large volumes of water on well-drained lands.

PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Oxygen consumed

The value for oxygen consumed furnishes an approximation of the oxidizable matter in the unfiltered and filtered samples and gives a partial measure of polluting materials such as sewage and oxidizable industrial wastes. Naturally highly colored waters may have relatively high oxygen consumed, although waters that are not noticeably colored may contain oxidizable material.

Color

In water analysis the term "color" refers to the appearance of water that is free from suspended solids. Many turbid waters that appear yellow, red, or brown when viewed in the stream show very little color after the suspended matter has been removed. The ye How-to-brown color of some waters is usually caused by organic matter extracted from leaves, roots, and other organic substances in the ground. In some areas objectionable color in water results from industrial wastes and sewage. Clear deep water may appear blue as the result of a scattering of sun- light by the water molecules. Water for domestic use and some industrial uses should be free from any perceptible color. A color less than 10 usually passes unnoticed. Some swamp waters have natural color of 200 to 300 or more.

Hydrogen-ion concentration (pH)

The degree of acidity or alkalinity of water, as indicated by the hydrogen-ion concentration, expressed as pH, is related to the corrosive properties of water, and is useful in determining the proper treatment for coagulation that may be necessary at water-treatment plants. A pH value of 7. 0 indicates that the water is neither acid nor alkaline. Waters having pH values progressively lower than 7. 0 denote increasing acidity, whereas values progressively higher than 7.0 denote increasing alkalinity.


(See p. 7 ). The pH of most natural surface waters ranges between 6 and 8. Some alkaline surface waters have pH values greater than 8. 0, and waters containing free mineral acid usually have pH values less than 4. 5.

Specific conductance (micromhos at 25 C)

The specific conductance of a water is a measure of its ca- pacity to conduct a current of electricity. The conductance varies with the concentration and degree of ionization of the different minerals in solution and with the temperature of the water. When considered in conjunction with results of determinations for other constituents, specific conductance is a useful determination and plays an important part in indicating changes in concentration of the total quantity of dissolved minerals in surface waters. (See p. 7 .)

Hardness

Hardness is the characteristic of water that receives the most attention in industrial and domestic use. It is usually recognized by the increased quantity of soap required to produce lather. The use of hard water is also objectionable because it contributes to the formation of scale in boilers, water heaters, radiators, and pipes, with the resultant decrease in rate of heat transfer, pos- sibility of boiler failure, and loss of flow.

Hardness is caused almost entirely by compounds of calcium and magnesium. Other constituents such as iron, manganese, aluminum, barium, strontium, and free acid also cause hardness, although they usually are not present in quantities large enough to have any appreciable effect. Water that has less than 60 parts per million of hardness is usually rated as soft and suit- able for many purposes without further softening. Waters with hardness ranging from 61 to 120 parts per million may be considered moderately hard, but this degree of hardness does not seriously interfere with the use of water for many purposes except for use in high-pressure steam boilers and in some industrial processes. Waters with hardness ranging from 121 to 200 parts per million are considered hard, and laundries and indus- tries may profitably soften such supplies. Water with hardness above 200 parts per million usually requires some softening before being used for most purposes.

Total acidity

The total acidity of a natural water represents the content of free carbon dioxide, mineral acids, and salts especially sul- fates of iron and aluminum--that hydrolyze to give hydrogen ions. Acid waters are very corrosive and generally contain excessive amounts of objectionable constituents, such as iron, aluminum, and manganese.


Corrosiveness

The corrosiveness of a water is that property which makes the water aggressive to metal surfaces and frequently results in the appearance of the "red water" caused by solution of iron. The disadvantages of iron in water have been discussed previ- ously. Additionally, corrosion causes the deterioration of water pipes, steam boilers, and water-heating equipment. Many waters that do not appreciably corrode cold-water lines will aggressive- ly attack hot-water lines. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, free acid, and acid-gene rating salts are the principal constituents in water that cause corrosion. In a general way, very soft waters of low mineral content tend to be more corrosive than hard waters containing appreciable quantities of carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium.

Percent sodium

Percent sodium is reported in most of the analyses of waters collected from streams in the western part of the country where irrigation is practiced extensively. The proportion of sodium to all the basic constituents in the water has a bearing on the suitability of a water for irrigation. (See p. 6 .) Waters in which the percent sodium is more than 60 may be injurious when ap- plied to certain types of soils, particularly when adequate drainage is not provided (Magistad and Christiansen, 1944, p. 8-9; Wilcox, 1948, p. 6).

SEDIMENT

Fluvial sediment is generally regarded as that sediment which is transported by, suspended in, or deposited by water. Sus- pended sediment is that sediment which remains in suspension in water owing to the upward components of turbulent currents or by colloidal suspension. Most fluvial sediment results from the normal process of erosion, which in turn is part of the geo- logic cycle of rock transformation. In some instances, this normal process may have been accelerated by agricultural practices. Sediment also results from a number of industrial activ- ities. In certain sections, waste materials from mining, logging, oil-field, and other industrial operations introduce large quantities of suspended as well as dissolved material.

The quantity of sediment, transported or available for trans- portation, is affected by climatic conditions, form or nature of precipitation, vegetal cover, topography, and land use. An important property of fluvial sediment is the fall velocity of the particles in transport. Particle sizes, as determined by various

PUBLICATIONS 15

methods, represent mechanical diameters, which are related to sedimentation diameters indirectly. Sediment particles in the sand-size (larger than 0.062 mm) range do not appear to be affected by flocculation or dispersion resulting from the mineral constituents in solution. The sedimentation diameter of clay and silt particles in suspension may vary considerably from point to point in a streamer reservoir, depending on the mineral matter in solution and in suspension and the degree of turbulence present. The size of sediment par tides in transport at any point depends on the type of credible and soluble material in the drainage area, the degree of flocculation present, time in transport, and characteristics of the transporting flow. The flow characteristics include velocity of water, turbulence, and the depth, width, and roughness of the channel. As a result of these variable characteristics, the size of particles transported, as well as the total sediment load, is in constant adjustment with the characteristics and physical features of the stream and drainage area.

PUBLICATIONSReports giving chemical analyses, suspended-sediment loads,

and water temperatures of samples of surface water made by the Geological Survey have been published yearly since 1941. Records for the years ended September 30, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1950, for many of the stations listed in this report are given in Water-Supply Papers 942, 950, 970, 1022. 1030, 1050, 1102, 1133, 1163, and 1189.

Geological Survey reports containing analyses of surface- water samples collected prior to 194JL are listed below. Publi- cations dealing largely with the quality of ground-water supplies and only incidentally covering the chemical composition of surface- waters are not included. Publications that are out of print are preceded by an asterisk.

PROFESSIONAL PAPER

*135. Composition of river and lake waters of the United States, 1924.

BULLETINS

*479. The geochemical interpretation of water analyses, 1911. 770. The data of geochemistry, 1924.

WATER-SUPPLY PAPERS

*108. Quality of water in the Susquehanna River drainage basin, with an introductory chapter on physiographic features, 1904.


*161. Quality of water in the upper Ohio River basin and at Erie, Pa., 1906.

*193. The quality of surface waters in Minnesota, 1907.*236. The quality of surface waters in the United States, Part

1, Analyses of waters east of the one hundredth merid- ian, 1909.

*237. The quality of the surface waters of California, 1910.*239. The quality of the surface waters of Illinois, 1910.*273. Quality of the water supplies of Kansas, with a prelimi-

nary report on stream pollution by mine waters in south- eastern Kansas, 1911.

*274. Some stream waters of the western United States, with chapters on sediment carried by the Rio Grande and the industrial application of water analyses, 1911.

*339. Quality of the surface waters of Washington, 1914.*363. Quality of the surface waters of Oregon, 1914.*418. Mineral springs of Alaska, with a chapter on the chemical

character of some surface waters of Alaska, 1917.*596-B. Quality of water of Colorado River in 1925-26, 1928.*596-D. Quality of water of Pecos River in Texas, 1928.*596-E. Quality of the surface waters of New Jersey, 1928.*636-A. Quality of water of the Colorado River in 1926-28, 1930.*636-B. Suspended matter in the Colorado River in 1925-28,

1930.*638-D. Quality of water of the Colorado River in 1928-30, 1932.*839. Quality of water of the Rio Grande basin above Fort Quit-

man, Tex., 1938.*889-E. Chemical character of surface water of Georgia, 1944.*998. Suspended sediment in the Colorado River, 1925-41, 1947.

1048. Discharge and sediment loads in the Boise River drainagebasin, Idaho, 1939-40, 1948.

1110-C. Quality of water of Conchas Reservoir, New Mexico, 1939-49, 1952.

Many of the reports listed are available for consultation in the larger public and institutional libraries. Copies of Geological Survey publications still in print may be purchased at a nominal cost from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C., who will, upon request, furnish lists giving prices.

COOPERATION

Financial assistance was furnished by the Bureau of Reclama- tion of the United States Department of the Interior, inthe operation of some stations in Arizona, and New Mexico. Investigation of chemical quality inthe Great Basin and Pacific Slope basins in California were initiated in 1951 in cooperation with the State of California.

Assistance in collecting records was given by many municipal, State, and Federal agencies.

DIVISION OF WORK 17

In addition to the cooperative program, many of the stations were operated from funds appropriated directly to the Geological Survey for quality-of-water investigations. Investigation of the chemical quality and suspended-sediment loads in the Colorado River Basin in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah have been carried on as a continuing Federal project since 1925.

DIVISION OF WORK

The quality-of-water program was conducted by the water resources division of the Geological Survey, Carl G. Paulsen, chief hydraulic engineer, and S. K. Love, chief of the quality of water branch. The records were collected and prepared for publication under supervision of district or regional chemists as follows: In New Mexico--!. D. Hem; in Colorado (except that part in Mis- souri River basin), Nevada, Utah, California, Washington, and Idaho--C. S. Howard. Subsequent to the collection of the data in this report, one new district office was established in the area covered by this report. Any additional analytical data on file for the sampling stations can be obtained by writing or visiting the responsible Survey quality of water district off ice as listed in the following table.

District office

University Station, Box 293 Albuquerque, N. Mex..

Post Office Box 2657 Fort Douglas Salt Lake City, Utah

2520 Marconi Avenue Sacramento, Calif.

Post Office Box 3418 Portland 8, Oreg.

Drainage basin

Colorado River basin (Arizona, New Mexico).

Colorado River basin (Colorado, Utah, and Nevada).

The Great Basin (Utah, Nevada).

The Great Basin (California), Pacific Slope basins in

California.

Pacific Slope basins in Washington and upper Columbia River basin.

Snake River basin.Pacific Slope basins in Ore-

gon and lower Columbia River basin.


STREAM FLOW

Most of the records of stream discharge, used in conjunction with the chemical analyses and in the computation of sediment loads in this volume, are published in Geological Survey reports on the surface-water supply of the United States. The discharge reported for a composite sample is usually the average of the mean daily discharges for the normal composite period. For a- nalyses in which the composite periods differ from the normal 10-or 11-day period, the discharges reported are the averages of the mean daily discharges for the days indicated. The discharges reported in the tables of single analyses either are daily mean discharges or are discharges for the time at which samples were collected, computed from a stage-discharge relation or from a discharge measurement.

LITERATURE CITEDAmerican Public Health Association, 1946, Standard methods for

the examination of water and sewage, 9th ed, p. 1-112.Collins, W. D., 1928, Notes on practical water analysis: U.S.

Geol. Survey Water-Supply Paper 596-H.Dean, H. T., 1936, Chronic endemic dental fluorosis: Am. Med.

Assoc. Jour., v. 107, p. 1269-1272. .Faucett, R. L., and Miller, H. C., 1946, Methemoglobinemia

occurring in infants fed milk diluted with well waters of high nitrate content: Jour. Pediatrics, v. 29, p. 593.

Hazen, Alien, 1892, A new color standard for natural waters: Am. Chem. Jour., v. 12, p. 427-428.

Kilmer, V. J. and Alexander, L. T., 1949, Methods of making mechanical analyses of soils: Soil Sci. v. 68, p. 15-24.

Lane, E. W., et al, 1949, Report of the Subcommittee on Ter- minology: Am. Geophys. Union Trans., v. 28, p. 937.

Magistad, O. C., and Christiansen, J. E., 1944, Saline soils, their nature and management: U. S. Dept. Agriculture Circ. 707, p. 8-9.

Maxcy, Kenneth F., 1950, Report on the relation of nitrate concentrations in well waters to the occurrence of methemoglobinemia: Natl. Research Council, Bull., Sanitary En- gineer, p. 265, App. D.

U. S. Inter-agency Report 7, 1943, A study of methods used in measurement and analysis of sediment loads in streams, a study of new methods for size analysis of suspended sediment samples, p. 82-90; U. S. Engineer Office, St. Paul, Minn.

LITERATURE CITED 19

U. S. Inter-agency Report 8, 1948, A study of methods used in measurement and analysis of sediment loads of streams, measurement of the sediment discharge of streams, p. 70-76; U. S. Engineer Office, St. Paul, Minn.

Waring, F. Holman, 1949, Significance of nitrates in water supplies: Jour. Am. Water Works Assoc., v. 72, no. 2.

Wilcox, L. V., 1948, Explanation and interpretation of analyses of irrigation waters: U. S. Dept. Agriculture Circ. 784, p. 6.

CHEMICAL ANALYSES, WATER TEMPERATURES, AND SUSPENDED SEDIMENT

PART

9.

COLO

RADO

RIV

ER B

ASIN

COLORADO RIV

ER MAIN STEM

COLO

RADO

RIV

ER A

T HOT

SULP

HUR

SPRI

NGS,

CO

LO.

LOCATION. At bridge in Ho

t Su

lphu

r Sp

ring

s, Grand

County,

1 mile do

wnst

ream

from gaging st

atio

n wh

ich

is 3

miles

upstream from Bea

ver

Cree

k.

DRAINA

GE AREA. 782 square mi

les

(above gaging st

atio

n).

RECORDS AV

AILA

BLE.

Che

mica

l an

alys

es:

Apri

l 19

47 to September

1951

. Water

temperatures:

April

1949 to

September

1951.

159

micromhos

Aug.

5; mi

nimu

m da

ily,

65

.7 micromhos

June

28.

5, 12;

mini

mum,

freezing po

int

on many da

ys during November to Ma

rch.

10

9 ppm

Aug.

11-20, 19

50;

mini

mum.

38

ppm June 21-30. 19

47.

minimum, 20

ppm J

une

21-3

0, 19

47.

Specific co

nduc

tanc

e:

Maximum

dail

y, 18

6 micromhos

Mar.

30

, 1949;

mini

mum

dail

y, 47

.6 micromhos

June

27,

1947.

Wate

r te

mper

atur

es:

Maxi

mum,

65°F on

se

vera

l da

ys in July an

d August 19

50;

mini

mum,

freezing point

on m

any

days

during w

inte

r mo

nths

.REMARKS. Values

reported for

dissolved

solids ar

e re

sidu

e on

evaporation.

Reco

rds

of specific co

nduc

tanc

e of

- daily

samp

les

available

in district office

at Sa

lt La

ke Ci

ty,

Utah

. Records

of discharge

for

wate

r ye

ar Oc

tobe

r 1950 to

Se

ptem

ber

1951

gi

ven

in Wa

ter-

Supp

ly Paper

1213

.

Che

mic

al a

naly

ses,

in

par

ts p

er m

illi

on,

wat

er y

ear

Oct

ober

195

0 to

Sep

tem

ber

1951

EXTREM

ES,

1950

-51.

Spe

cifi

c conductance:

Maxi

mum

daily,

Wate

r te

mper

atur

es:

Maxi

mum,

61°F J

uly

26,

31,

Aug.

1,

EXTREM

ES,

1947

-51.

Dis

solv

ed solids:

(1947-50)

Maximum,

Hardness:

(1947-50)

Maxi

mum,

71

pp

m Au

g. 11-20, 19

50;

Dat

e of

col

lect

ion

Oct

1-

10,

1950

...

Dec

. 11

-20

....

...

Jan.

1-

10,

1951

..

.

Feb.

20

-28

....

...

Mar

. 11

-20

....

...

Mar

. 21

-31

....

..

Mea

n di

scha

rge

(cfs

) 97.8

89

.4

83.9

95

.9

113

122

101

101 76

.3

75.6

73

.4

70.5

86.0

89

.2

92.6

92

.8

95.6

10

7

Tem

- per

a-

ture

Sil

ica 13 13

14 13

14

12 13 12

13

Iron

(F

e)

Cal

- ci

um

(Ca) 1

6 16

15 15

14

15 14 14

14

Mag

- ne

- si

um

(Mg) 3.1

3.1

3.8

3.6

3.

7 3

.5

2.9

3.1

2.4

Sodi

um

*£*

- (N

,\

slum

(N

a)

(R)

7.5

6.9

4.5 4.9

5.

3 4.6 5.9

4.4

8.1

Bic

ar-

bona

te

(HC

O,)

73 71

66 66

65

65 62 60

65

Sul

fate

(S

04)

6.7

7.0

6.

5

6.6

6.

3 6.

3

5.8

6.1

6.6

Chl

o-

ride

(Cl) 1.4

1.3

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.4 .9

1.3

Flu

o-

ride

(F

)

Ni-

tr

ate

(NO

,)

0.3 .4

.6 .8

.6

.7 1.0 .7

.5

Bo-

ro

n (B

)

Dis

solv

ed s

oli

ds

(res

idue

at

180°

C)

Par

ts

per

mil

- li

on 83 84

82

84

83

83 82

77

81

74

76

74 72

74

73

a78

Ton

s pe

r ac

re-

foot

0.11

.1

1 .1

1 .1

1 .1

1 .1

1

.11

.10

.11

.10

.10

.10

.10

.10

.1

0

.11

Ton

s pe

r da

y 22 20

19

22

25

27 22

21 17

15

15

14 17

18

18 20

Har

dnes

s as

CaC

O,

Cal

cium

, m

ag-

nesi

um 53 53

53 52

50

52 47

48 45

Non

- ca

rbon

- at

e

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Per

- ce

nt

so-

dium 2

4 22

16 17

19

16 21

16 28

Spe

cifi

c co

nduc

t-

ance

(m

icro

- m

hos

at

25°C

)

125

128

122

125

123

124

121

116

118

117

113

112

111

111

114

123

118

11B

PH 7.3 7.3 7.5

7.5

7.5

7.

5

7.3

a Su

m o

f de

term

ined

con

stit

uent

s.

Sept

. 21

-30

........

183

260

512

576

954

1,59

5

1,10

4 1,

126

1,57

0 72

3 38

1 31

2

256

160

178

109 97

.6

99.1

11

13 12

13 13 14

14

11 10

15 18 17

18

3.1

2.4

3.1

3.5

2.8

3.

1

4.2 5.2

4.7 7.9

8.6

8.

3

72 48

64 82 79

82

9.1

5.5

4.9

4.9 5.4

5.2

5.8

2.0

.5 .8

1.8

2.2

1.6

1.5

.5

.4 .5

.5 .5 .4

.3

90 --

a 59 58

72

85 10

6 94

90

90

a 88

a9

1

.12 -- .08

.08

.10

.12

.14

.13

.12

.12

. 12

.12

63 " 179

113 74

72 73

41

43

26

23

24

" 40 35 50 59 54

58

" 4 0 0 0 0 0

" 19 24 17 22 26

24

129

129

135

119 95

.1

78

4

86.9

91.4

11

6 13

4

154

143

143

138

138

141

mi

7.0

'

7.3

7.3

7.2

7.5

7.8

7.

1

a Su

m o

f de

term

ined

con

stit

uent

s.b

Rep

rese

nts

mor

e th

an 9

9 per

cen

t of

run

off

for

wat

er y

ear

Oct

ober

195

0 to

Sep

tem

ber

1951

.

COLORADO RIVER BASIN

COLORADO RIVER MAIN STEM--Continued

COLORADO RIVER AT HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS, COLO.--Continued

Temperature (°F) of water, water year October 1950 to September 1951

Day

12345

6789

10

1112131415

1617181920

2122232425

262728293031

Aver-age

Oct.

4948474649

4944434442

4849505048

4949504847

4849464545

464645454441

47

Nov.

4037383837

3938333433

3234333334

3334333434

3433343234

3333323332--

34

Dec.

3233323232

3332333232

3332323233

3233323232

3232323233

323232323232

32

Jan.

3332323333

3233323233

3333323333

3333323232

3332333332

323232333232

32

Feb.

3232333433

3434333434

3233323332

3333333433

3332333434

343234____--

33

Mar.

3833323434

3535343535

3434353536

3637363636

3736353737

353636373536

35

Apr.

3737363636

3736373736

3637363737

3838373737

3838393837

3838404242--

38

May

4343444448

4648494748

4748484948

5051505050

5152525152

5253535C5151

49

June

5150485152

5152525051

5052525153

52 525152

5348495052

5150515253--

51

July

5152515052

535251 .5352

5352535352

5353545554

5558606059

616060586061

55

Aug.

6160605961

6058595958

6061585957

5858585859

5758586054

525150505250

57

Sept.

4858595859

5452504946

4846454754

5545464747

4846464645

4647454647--

49

EAGLE

RIVE

R BA

SIN

EAGL

E RI

VER

BELO

W GY

PSUM

, CO

LO.

LOCATION. At br

idge

on

State

Highway

301

at Gy

psum

, Ea

gle

Coun

ty,

just

above

Gyps

um Cr

eek,

ab

out

150

feet

upstream from gaging st

atio

n wh

ich

is be

low

Gyps

um Cr

eek.

DRAINAGE AREA. 894 square mi

les

(app

roxi

mate

ly).

RE

CORD

S AV

AILA

BLE.

Che

mica

l analyses:

April

1947

to September

1951

.Water

temp

erat

ures

: April

1949 to September

1951

. EX

TREM

ES,

1950-51. Dissolved so

lids

: Ma

ximu

m, 1,100

ppm

Sept

. 21-30; minimum, 12

6 ppm

June 21

-30.

Specific conductance:

Maximum

dail

y, 1,590

micromhos

Sept

. 26;

minimum

dail

y, 182

micromhos

June

27.

Water

temp

erat

ures

: Maximum, 68°F A

ug.

3; minimum, fr

eezi

ng point

on se

vera

l da

ys in

Ja

nuar

y an

d Fe

brua

ry.

EXTR

EMES

, 19

47-5

1.--

Diss

olve

d solids:

Maxi

mum,

1,100

ppm

Sept

. 21

-30,

19

51;

minimum, 108 pp

m May

21-3

1, 19

48.

Hardness (1947-50):

Maximum, 51

1 pp

m Se

pt.

21-3

0, 19

48;

minimum, 78

ppm

June

1-

10,

1948.

Specific co

nduc

tanc

e:

Maximum

dail

y, 1,

850

micromhos

Aug.

6,

19

49;

minimum, 156

micromhos

June

4, 19

48.

Water

temp

erat

ures

(1

949-

51):

Ma

ximu

m, 76°F A

ug.

24,

1949

; minimum, fr

eezi

ng point

on m

any

days du

ring

win

ter

mont

hs.

REMARKS. Values reported fo

r dissolved

solids ar

e residue

on evaporation.

Reco

rds

of specific conductance

of daily

samples

available

in district of

fice

at

Sa

lt Lake Ci

ty,

Utah

. Re

cord

s of discharge

for

water

year

October

1950 to

September

1951 gi

ven

in W

ater

-Sup

ply

Paper

1213

.

Chemical analyses, in par

ts per

million,

water ye

ar Oct

ober

1950

to September 195

1

Dat

e of

col

lect

ion

Oct

. 5,

7-

9,

19

50

...

Oct

. 11

, 14

-17

.....

Jan.

1-

10,

1951

..

.

Aor

. 21

-30

........

Mea

n di

scha

rge

(cfs

)

254

223

196

217

234

233

217

214

188

180

189

186

172

177

178

189

182

186

201

228

450

Tem

- per

a-

ture

(°

F)

Sil

ica

(Si0

2)

16

13 10

11

11 12 10 9.5

8.9

Iron

(F

e)

Cal

- ci

um

(Ca) 18

8

161

122

116

122

120

108

112 80

Mag

- ne

- si

um

(Mg) 40

35 28

27

28 28 26

24 11

Sodi

um

(Na)

Pota

s-

sium

(K

)

78

65 67

63

73 72 68

86 66

Bic

ar-

bona

te

(HC

03)

221

177

172

172

176

175

161

168

140

Sul

fate

(S

O,)

373

385

446

365

374

365

251

251

265

260

238

249

165

Chl

o-

rid

e (C

l)

99

117

109

106

107

106

114 95

11

1

110

102

119 71

Fluo

* ri

de

(F)

Ni-

tr

ate

(NO

,)

4.0

2.4 2.0

1.5

1.

6

1.8 1.5

1.5

1.3

Bo-

ro

n (B

)

Dis

solv

ed s

olid

s (r

esid

ue a

t 18

0°C

)

Par

ts

per

mil

- li

on 918

97

3 1,

040

912

904

912

734

678

734

701

716

666

670

652

715

715

695

655

614

488

284

Ton

s p

er

acre

- fo

ot

1.25

1.

32

1.41

1.

24

1.23

1.

24

1.00

.9

2 1.

00

.95

.97

.91

.91

.89

.97

.97

.95

.89

.84

.66

.39

Ton

s pe

r da

y 630

58

6 55

0 53

4 57

1 57

4

430

392

373

341

365

334

311

312

344

365

342

329

333

300

345

Har

dnes

s as

CaC

O,

Cal

cium

, m

ag-

nesi

um 634

546

420

400

420

414

376

378

244

Non

- ca

rbon

- at

e 452

400

278

260

276

271

244

240

130

Per

- ce

nt

so-

dium 2

1 21 26 25

27 27 28

33 37

Spe

cifi

c co

nduc

t-

ance

(m

icro

- m

hos

at

25°C

)

1,26

0 1,

340

1,40

0 1,

260

1,26

0 1,

260

1,09

0 1,

010

1,10

0 1,

070

1,07

0 1,

040

997

997

1,10

0 1,

100

1,07

0 1,

000

935

763

460

pH 7.8

7.8 7.8

7.9

7.

9

7.8

7.4

EAGLE

RIVE

R BASIN Continued

EAGL

E RI

VER BELOW

GYPSUM,

COLO. Continued

Che

mic

al a

naly

ses,

In

par

ts p

er m

illi

on,

wat

er y

ear

Oct

ober

195

0 to

Sep

tem

ber

19

51

Co

nti

nu

ed

Dat

e of

col

lect

ion

May

1-3

, 19

51 ..

..

Wei

ghte

d av

erag

e.

Mea

n di

scha

rge

(cfs

) 412

72

8 1,

143

2,24

5

1,79

3 2,

582

3,21

3 2,

250

1,43

2 1,

006

812

378

326

268

220

210

a 65

4

Tem

- per

a-

ture

(°

F)

Sil

ica

(Si0

2) 8.3

6.1

6. 2

9.3

10

16

--

Iron

(F

e)

Cal

- ci

um

(Ca) 3

1 26

37 88 123

220 --

Mag

- ne

- si

um

(Mg) 9

.4 5.7

8.4

17 24

40

--

Sodi

um

(Na)

Pota

s-

sium

(K

)

30 7.8

16 50 104 52

--

Bic

ar-

bona

te

(HC

03)

86 72

80 151

199

233 --

Sul

fate

(S

04)

33

64 163

274

517 -

Chl

o-

ride

(Cl)

11 8.1

21 74 130 68 --

Flu

o^

ride

(F)

Ni-

tr

ate

(NO

,)

1.3 .7

.6 .9 1.1

2.6 --

Bo-

ro

n (B

)

Dis

solv

ed s

olid

s (r

esid

ue a

t 18

0°C

)

Par

ts

per

mil

- lio

n 328

188

161

143

142

131

126

153

207

288

336

494

650

678

780

1,10

0

298

Ton

s p

er

acre

- fo

ot

0.45

.2

6 .2

2 .1

9

.19

.18

.17

.21

.28

.39

.46

.67

.88

.92

1.06

1.

50

0.41

Ton

s p

er

day 3

65

370

497

867

687

913

1,09

0 92

9 80

0 78

2

737

504

572

491

463

624

526

Har

dnes

s as

CaC

O,

Cal

cium

, m

ag-

nesi

um 116 88

127

290

406

714 -

Non

- ca

rbon

- at

e 46 30 62 166

242

522 -

Per

- ce

nt

so-

dium

5 16

22 27 36

14 -

Spe

cifi

c co

nduc

t-

ance

(m

icro

- m

hos

at

25°C

) 507

298

252

218

238

212

203

239

321

465

545

762

938

1,02

0 1,

180

1,40

0

453

pH 7.6 7.5

7.6

7.8 8.0

7.8 -

a R

epre

sent

s 99

per

cent

of

the

runo

ff f

or t

he w

ater

yea

r O

ctob

er 1

950

to S

epte

mbe

r 19

51.

EAGLE RIVER BASIN

EAGLE RIVER BASIN--Continued

EAGLE RIVER BELOW GYPSUM, COLO. Continned

Temperature (°F) of water, water year October 1950 to September 1951

Day

12345

6789

10

1112131415

1617181920

2122232425

262728293031

Aver-age

Oct:.. ._ 54

__. _--

54 5656

5555

..545454--

5050 494847

Nov.

.. _3636

3635353536

3635343335

3334343435

3434343535

3434353535

35

Dec.

3535343634

3434353738

3738393836

3635363536

3534333434

353334343333

35

Jan.

34 _

_32333232

3533333333

3434343535

3634343536

363838343232

34

Feb.

3132333334

3538383634

3535353637

3738383940

3738373738

373838

36

Mar.

3839383738

3939383939

3934343839

3948414041

3539404243

414434344345

39

Apr.

4547504850

4949494850

5049505049

5050514748

4945475048

4948484747

49

May

4648515151

5053494849

4951494949

5049515049

5045485050

515149515151

50

June

4847495051

5147504951

5352505151

5351535253

5253535352

5353535454--

51

July

5654555555

5553545151

5258505859

6164646564

6060656264

616065646567

59

Aug.

6665686065

6565676460

5962646565

6564656665

6364656456

656465636564

64

Sept.

5464656060

6454546362

6261606160

5352525152

5959576261

6261"59

5760--

59

COLORADO RIVER MAIN STEM Continued

COLORADO RIVER NEAR GLENWOOD SP

RING

S, CO

LO.

LOCATION. At

Sh

osho

ne power

plan

t, 6

miles

upstream fr

om gaging station, wh

ich

is at po

wer

plan

t at

Gl

enwo

od Sp

ring

s, Garfield County

and

a ha

lf a

mile

upstream fr

om Roaring Fo

rk.

DRAI

NAGE

AREA. 4,560 s

quar

e mi

les

(above gaging st

atio

n).

RECO

RDS AVAILABLE. Chemical

anal

yses

: Oc

tobe

r 1941 to

September

1951

.Wa

ter

temp

erat

ures

: Ma

y 19

49 to

September

1951

. EXTR

EMES

, j.950-51. Dissolved solids:

Maxi

mum,

60

6 pp

m Oct. 11-31; minimum, 14

2 ppm

June

21-30.

Hard

ness

: Ma

ximu

m, 29

2 ppm

Oct.

11

-20;

minimum, 90

ppm

June

21

-30,

July 11-20.

Spec

ific

conductance:

Maxi

mum

daily, 1,110

micromhos

Oct. 18

, No

v. 3; mi

nimu

m daily, 199

micromhos

June

l.

Wate

r temperatures:

Maximum, 69"F July 31;

mini

mum,

fr

eezi

ng p

oint Fe

b. 1-2.

EXTR

EMES

, 1941-51. Dissolved so

lids

: Ma

ximu

m, 2,

030

ppm

Aug.

10

, 1947;

minimum, 10

5 ppm

June 1-10,

1942

.Ha

rdne

ss:

Maxi

mum,

1,480

ppm

Aug.

10,

1947

; mi

nimu

m, 72

pp

m Ju

ne 1-

20,

1942

.Sp

ecif

ic conductance:

Maximu

m da

ily,

1,

370

micromhos

Jan.

20,

1943

; mi

nimu

m daily, 153

micromhos

May

24,

1948.

Wate

r te

mper

atur

es

(1949-51):

Maxi

mum,

69°F Ju

ly 31,

1951;

mini

mum,

freezing point

Feb. 1-2, 19

51.

REMARKS.--Values reported fo

r dissolved

soli

ds ar

e re

sidu

e on

evaporation.

Reco

rds

of specific co

nduc

tanc

e of

da

ily

samples

available

in district office

at Sa

lt Lake Ci

ty,

Utah

. Discharge

reco

rds

for

gaging station

at Glenwood Sp

ring

s, fo

r wa

ter

year Oc

tobe

r 19

50 to

September

1951

given

in W

ater-Supply

Pape

r 12

13.

No ap

prec

iabl

e inflow b

etwe

en sa

mpli

ng po

int

and

gagi

ng st

atio

n except du

ring

periods of

he

avy

local

rains.

Che

mic

al a

naly

ses,

in

par

ts p

er m

illi

on,

wat

er y

ear

Oct

ober

195

0 to

Sep

tem

ber

1951

Dat

e of

col

lect

ion

Oct

. 1-

10,

1950

. .

.

Dec

. 11

-13,

18

....

Dec

. 14

-17,

19-2

0..

Jan.

1-

10,

1951

..

.

Jan.

21

, 24

-29,

31

.

Jan.

22

-23,

30

b. .

. .

Feb

. 21

-28.

........

Mea

n di

scha

rge

(cfs

)

900

748

731

810

899

965

795

861

1,12

7 89

6 76

4 1,

016

1,20

0 84

6

1,13

5 1,

039

842

990

Tem

- per

a-

ture

(°

F)

Sil

ica

(Si0

2)

12

12

13

12

12

13 13

13

13

13

13

12

11

13 11

12 13

Iron

(F

e)

0.02

Cal

- ci

um

(Ca) 8

0 84

83

79

72

66 74

67

51

62

63

56

48 50

54 51

Mag

- ne

- si

um

(Mg) 19

20

20

19

17

15 16

15

11

14

15

12

10 12

13 13

Sodi

um

(Na)

83

90

93

81

74

64 89

84

45

71

87

67

47 57

60 52

Pota

s-

sium

(K

)

Bic

ar-

bona

te

(HC

O,)

152

160

162

158

150

142

154

141

121

137

140

125

114

129

116

120

133

116

Sul

fate

(S

04)

150

163

164

151

135

125

135

121 88

11

1 11

1 94

78

102 84

93

11

1 85

Chl

o-

ride

(C

l) 132

132

132

115

112 96 132

126 65

10

6 13

2 10

1 70

128 85

87

13

0 75

Flu

oi

ride

(F

) 0.2

Ni-

tr

ate

(N03

)

0.8

1.

2 1.

2 1.

2 1

.2

.6 .5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.6

.6

.7 .8

.7 .7

Bo-

ro

n (B

)

Dis

solv

ed s

olid

s (r

esid

ue a

t 18

0°C

)

Par

ts

per

m

il-

lion 56

0 60

6 60

6 55

4 50

4 47

2

548

a496

34

2 46

0 50

0 41

2 32

8

367

391

356

Ton

s p

er

acre

- fo

ot

0

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