The Reservoir met the temperature standards established for the Class I Warm Water Aquatic Life classification established by the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) in Regulation No. 31 (Reg 31) of 26.2 ˚C Maximum Weekly Average Temperature (MWAT) and 29.3 ˚C Daily Maximum (DM). The maximum temperature measured during the reservoir monitoring events and the continuous monitoring thermistors was 26.3˚C (79.3 ⁰F) but only for a period of 15 minutes.

Reg31 states that in ”the upper portion of a lake or reservoir, dissolved oxygen shall not be less than 5.0 mg/L. There needs to be adequate refuge for aquatic with DO levels greater than 5.0 mg/L available at other depths or locations in the Reservoir at the same time period.”

During WY 2021, there were events when measured DO concentrations in the Reservoir were below 5.0 mg/L at or near the bottom. However, during the same time periods, the DO concentrations near the surface were greater than 5.0 mg/L, meeting the Reg 31 standard. Periods of low dissolved oxygen indicate high microbial activity or decomposition in the hypolimnion and sediments which reduces DO concentrations.

During WY 2021, the pH ranged between 7.9 and 8.8, which meets the instantaneous minimum and maximum standards of 6.5 and 9.0, respectively. The higher pH values appeared to correlate with higher productivity and elevated chlorophyll α in the reservoir.

Useful Links

• link Monitoring Report: Executive Summary Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen
• link Section 4.4 Temperature; Section 4.5 Dissolved Oxygen