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0009 COMPILATION OF WATER-QUALITY DATA FOR PUEBLO RESERVOIR AND THE UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER BASIN, COLORADO, 1985-87 By Patrick Edelmann, Julie Altamore Scaplo, Don Anthony Colalancia, and Brian B. Elson ABSTRACT Water-quality data collected from June 1985 through November 1987 as part of a comprehensive water-quality study of Pueblo Reservoir are presented in this report. The report is part of a comprehensive effort to evaluate vertical, areal, and seasonal water-quality variations that occur in the reservoir, and to develop methods that predict the response of the reservoir to various contaminants. During 1985-87, frequent onsite measurements of light transparency were made at 26 sites in Pueblo Reservoir, and onsite measurements of water temper- ature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance were made from numerous depths at 26 sites in Pueblo Reservoir. Chemical and biological data were collected routinely near the reservoir surface and near the reservoir bottom at seven reservoir transects. Water samples were collected for measurements of turbidity and for chemical analyses of major ions, nutrients, trace elements, and total organic carbon. Radiochemical analyses were made period- ically on samples collected from selected sites. In addition, reservoir sediment cores were collected from 23 sites for chemical analyses. Biological data consist of phytoplankton, chlorophyll a, and zooplankton analyses. Chemical data also were collected routinely from the Arkansas River at Portland and above Pueblo. In addition, data were collected in April, June, and October 1987 from numerous stations on the Arkansas River between Malta and Parkdale. INTRODUCTION Pueblo Reservoir is located in Pueblo County about 6 mi upstream from and west of the city of Pueblo, Colorado (plate 1). The reservoir is a multi- purpose reservoir that provides municipal, industrial, irrigation water, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and other beneficial uses to the region. Many of these uses depend on maintaining acceptable water quality. Concerns over taste and odor problems, as well as other potential water-quality problems that may affect Pueblo Reservoir's many uses, resulted in a 5-year comprehensive water-quality study of Pueblo Reservoir. The objectives of the study were to: (1) Determine areal, vertical, and seasonal variations of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Pueblo Reservoir; (2) predict reservoir response to various contaminants entering the reservoir; and (3) evaluate management alternatives to maximize the reservoir's long-term suitability for various uses. The study was begun in the spring of 1985 by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Pueblo Board of Water Works, Fountain Valley Authority, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Pueblo West Metropolitan District, St. Charles Mesa Water District, and the D.S'. Bureau of Reclamation. 1