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2.04.7 <br />RESPONSE continued <br />THE ADJACENT AREA - Water quality data has been collected <br />within the adjacent area and is compiled in Exhibit CC (Exhibits <br />Volume II) as well as Tables 11 through 13. The data is chaz- <br />acterized by variation in all parameters for which more than one <br />value exists. It is quite likely that all parameters aze subject to <br />similar variation, therefore it is impossible to make definite <br />conclusions as to nature of the quality of surface waters within <br />the adjacent azea, however, generalizations aze provided. <br />Water quality constituents may be broadly classified as sus- <br />pended solids and dissolved solids. The amount of suspended <br />solids measured as suspended sediment usually varies directly <br />with streamflow. Increases in flow are usually associated with <br />increases in surface runoff from snowmelt or rainfall, which <br />carry soil and other material into the stream. After spring <br />• runoff (April through June) ground water seepage may prolong <br />or maintain streamflow. This seepage carries little suspended <br />matter, therefore. suspended sediment concentrations aze usually <br />lowest during periods of below-average flow. Fluctuations is <br />dissolved solids concentrations typically correspond inversely to <br />changes in streamflow because concentration levels aze dependent <br />on the volume of flow and the duration of mineral contact with <br />water. Dissolved solids concentration levels peak during low <br />flow periods, when ground water seepage conetitutea a major <br />portion of atreamflow. This is because ground water moves <br />slowly through the soil and rock, allowing bnger contact than <br />with surface water, hence more minerals are dissolved. This <br />variation of water quality in the adjacent azea appears to be <br />similar to that of other low mountain watersheds within Northwest <br />Colorado. <br />During mid May, 1977 the most complete water sampling and <br />. analysis program was conducted at the six surface water obser- <br />vation sites. The samples were analyzed for general chazacter- <br />