WSP00380

• File Number: 8149.100
• Description: Miscellaneous Small Projects-Project Studies - NRCS-Ft Lyon Canal Co-Limestone-Graveyard Creeks
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 9/1/1992
• Author: US Dept of Agricultu
• Title: Lower Arkansas River Basin - Water Quality Study - Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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7

III. PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS

The Arkansas River Basin Water Quality study was designed to
study the reach of the Arkansas River from the outlet of the
Pueblo Reservoir to the Colorado-Kansas state line. Current
and future levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) would be
determined. Effects of irrigation improvement practices on
the levels of total dissolved solids in the river would be
looked at. The study was limited to the areas irrigated
with water diverted from the river.

A. Arkansas River Waters

From 1974 through 1985, the total dissolved solids averaged
185 milligrams per liter at the outlet of the Pueblo
Reservoir. At the Colorado-Kansas state line, the total
dissolved solids averaged 2,509 milligrams per liter for the
same period of record. The following table displays the
mean flow and water quality for six USGS gauge stations in
the Arkansas River.

Table 1

ARKANSAS RIVER WATER QUALITY
1974 THROUGH 1985 WATER YEARS

GAUGE STATION DISCHARGE TDS SALT
lAc-Ft) lmq/l) lTons)
Pueblo Reservoir Outlet 426,511 185 8,969
Catlin Dam 410,030 598 27,865
Las Animas 142,863 1,041 16,895
John Martin Dam 246,040 1,437 40,155
Lamar 123,776 1,694 23,805
State Line 185,914 2,509 52,972

The State of Colorado has not set a water quality standard
for total dissolved solids or salts in the Arkansas River.
Drinking water standards indicate that levels of TDS below
500 is desired, while levels of TDS up to 1,000 are
acceptable.