7641

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7641
• Author: U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Title: Quality of Water, Colorado River Basin.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Progress Report No. 13,
• Copyright Material: NO

some isolated problems and costs associated with these uses. Potential
industrial and domestic benefits from salinity control are estimated to be $2
million per year. Impairment of wildlife and livestock watering is indicated
in some reaches due to high chloride, sulfate, and TDS concentrations.
Impairment of public water supplies is indicated in several reaches due to
sulfate concentration.

The State of Wyoming is a member of the Colorado River Salinity Control
Forum and is seeking reduced salinity levels through (1) the Big Sandy River
Unit, (2) implementation of Forum policy for control of salinity through a
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, (3)
implementation of nonpoint source controls through the water quality
management planning process, and (4) participation with the Forum in other
measures to control salinity.

other Water Quality Problems.--Although eutrophication of Flaming Gorge
Reservoir and salinity loading are the major problems in the Green River
Basin, there are other isolated impairments of use. Both secondary and
primary contact recreation are impaired as a result of high fecal coliform
concentrations, and the fishery is impacted by un-ionized ammonia, heavy
metals, low temperatures, and turbidity.

B. Utah

Data analyzed from October 1983 through September 1985 generally indicate
that total phosphate levels are moderately exceeding the criteria for assigned
beneficial uses statewide. Concentrations of total phosphates have increased
in most streams as a result of the wetter climate. These increases are due to
the increased amounts of overland flow and inundation of vegetated areas.
Phosphorus is easily leached from soils and decaying organic matter and can be
carried in organic and inorganic colloids. Total phosphates come from
natural, agricultural, constructional, recreational, mining, and municipal
sources. Natural sources of total phosphates are from rock minerals which
contain phosphorus. These minerals, namely calcium orthophosphate, are
widespread and found in igneous rock and in marine sediments. Phosphate
fertilizers contribute total phosphate to stream systems from overland runoff
where these fertilizers have been applied. Phosphorus is also a component of
domestic wastewater and is carried through the treatment process.

Point sources of pollution can present water quality problems anywhere
they are located but are usually more significant in highly populated areas.
Wastewater treatment facilities concentrated in certain drainages because of
increasing populations can seriously impact receiving streams.

Many of the remaining water quality problems result from nonpoint sources
rather than point source discharges. Nonpoint sources of pollutants include
natural geologic formations, failing individual wastewater disposal systems,
urban sources, hydrologic modifications, agriculture, mining, recreation,
construction, and silviculture. Natural sandstone formations in eastern and
southern Utah contribute significant amounts of sediments through erosion.
Natural deposits of salts, phosphates, fluorides, nutrients, and arsenic also
contribute to water quality degradation.

Most of the water allocated in utah is for agricultural use, resulting in
one of the primary sources of man induced nonpoint pollution. Diversion of

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