1004

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 1004
• Author: Boyle, J., K. Covay and D. Bauer.
• Title: Quantity and Quality of Streamflow in the White River Basin, Colorado and Utah.
• USFW Year: 1984.
• USFW - Doc Type: Lakewood, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

5.0 RECONNAISSANCE OF SURFACE-WATER QUALITY--Continued
5.2 Water Qualitg
5.2.1 Water Types
5.2.1.1 Analysis

WATER TYPE CHANGES IN THE WHITE RIVER

Water in the upstream reaches of the White River is a calcium
bicarbonate type but changes to a sodium calcium
sulfate bicarbonate type downstream.

Major ions are mineral constituents that are dissolved in water in
relatively large quantities. The major ions in the White River consist of the
cations calcium, magnesium, and sodium; and the anions bicarbonate, chloride,
and sulfate. In naming water types, the names of the single cation and anion
are used if they account for 50 percent or more of the total cations and
anions. An example of this would be a calcium bicarbonate type water. Water
in which no one cation or anion constitutes as much as 50 percent of the total
is a mixed type and is identified by the names of all the important cations
and anions. An example would be a calcium sodium bicarbonate sulfate type
water.

The chemical composition of the White River by percentage of cations and
anions with respect to river miles is shown in figure 5.2.1.1-1. Calcium is
the dominant cation in the river upstream from Meeker from river mile 216 to
river mile 171. The percentages of magnesium and sodium tend to decrease in
this reach of the river. Bicarbonate is the dominant anion between river
miles 216 and 171. In this reach, calcium bicarbonate is the water type. At
river mile 170, the effects of the Meeker Dome, located 3 miles east of
Meeker, Colo., are apparent. Water seeping from the Meeker Dome contributes
large concentrations of dissolved solids to the White Riv€r. The percentage
of sodium and chloride increases and the percentage of calcium, bicarbonate,
and sulfate decreases. At river mile 166, the percentages of chloride and
sulfate are similar to their upstream proportions.

At river mile 140.5, Piceance Creek joins the White River. The percen-
tages of calcium and magnesium decrease, but the percentage of sodium
increases. Bicarbonate and sulfate are codominant anions. The water is a
sodium calcium bicarbonate sulfate type.

26