RESPONSE OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS TO ELIMINATING THERMAL STRATIFICATION IN A RESERVOIR1

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effects of maintaining a 19 ha Colorado montane reservoir in a thermally destratified condition for one year were evaluated. Water temperatures were kept nearly vertically agd horizontally isothermal throughout the year. The weighted mean temperature of the lake was 1‐4°C colder in winter and 1‐2°C warmer in summer than normal. Deep water in summer was up to 6°C warmer than typical hypolimnion temperatures, but summer surface temperature was unaltered. Without destratification dissolved oxygen depletion develops in summer and winter, but by eliminating stratification, oxygen was kept near saturation throughout the year. Alkalinity, pH, conductivity, and total residue were not significantly affected. Seston decreased which was probably due to declines in planktonic diatom populations. Increases in iron and manganese did not occur in deep water during destratification. Calcium concentrations increased slightly. Magnesium and most anions (chloride, nitrate‐N, and silica) were not greatly altered, but sulfate concentration was reduced. Artificial destratification, as a reservoir management tool, will be very useful in altering chemical problems; particularly increasing oxygen and decreasing iron and manganese concentrations.