Playa Water Research Articles

Playa Water Quality Changes with Time and Effects on Clarification

An estimated 2 to 5 million acre‐feet of runoff water accumulates annually in playas on the semiarid southern high plains; however, development of this large potential water source has been impeded by lack of water quality data. Most of the water is lost by evaporation, and timely utilization is essential. Therefore, a particular need exists for quality data on freshly impounded water. Water from five playas was sampled and analyzed at intervals for 24 days following runoff from a single storm. Chemical analyses showed playa waters were excellent for irrigation; however, adequate economical clarification is probably needed for such projects as direct aquifer injection. With aging, less synthetic cationic polyelectrolyte and more alum was required for water clarification. Initially low nitrate and chemical oxygen demand values decreased with time.

Quality of Waters From Playas on the Southern High Plains

An estimated 2.5 to 3.0 million acre‐feet of runoff water accumulate annually in playas on the Southern High Plains. This large water resource should be developed for more intensive use; however, past lack of knowledge about its quality has impeded progress. Thirteen playas were sampled over an area extending about 100 miles from northeast to southwest and covering two major soil types. The water from playas contained less salts than ground water and was of excellent quality for irrigation. Nitrate contents were less than 1.0 mg/1 in nearly all playas. Nitrogen fertilizer applied to farmland added little, if any, nitrate to the surface runoff water. Suspended solids contained in playa waters were high and variable but were substantially reduced by settling in deep reservoirs protected from wind and wave action.