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Dissolved-oxygen regime of the Jordan River, Salt Lake County, Utah

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4056
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844056

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Abstract

Concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the Jordan River in Salt Lake County decrease considerably as the river flows northward. Mean concentrations of dissolved oxygen decreased from 8.1 milligrams per liter at the Jordan Narrows to 4.7 milligrams per liter at 500 North Street during April 1981 to September 1982. Coincident with the decrease, the biochemical-oxygen demand increased from 5 to 7 milligrams per liter. About 50 percent of the dissolved-oxygen concentrations and 90 percent of the 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand measured downstream from 1700 South Street exceeded the State intended-use standards. An estimated 6. million pounds of oxygen-demanding substances as measured by 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand were discharged to the Jordan River during 1981 from point sources downstream from 9000 South Street. Seven wastewater-treatment plants contributed 77 percent of this load, nonstorm base flows contributed 22 percent, and storm flows less than 1 percent. The Surplus Canal diversion at 2100 South Street removed about 70 percent of this load, and travel time of about 1 day also decreased the actual effects of the load on the river. Reaeration rates during September and October were quite high (average K2 at 20 degrees Celsius was about 12 per day) between the Jordan Narrows and 9000 South Street, but they decreased to 2.4 per day in the reach from 1330 South to 1800 North Streets. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Stephens, D.W., 1984, Dissolved-oxygen regime of the Jordan River, Salt Lake County, Utah: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4056, viii, 56 p. :ill. ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844056.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Dissolved-oxygen regime of the Jordan River, Salt Lake County, Utah
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4056
DOI 10.3133/wri844056
Year Published 1984
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description viii, 56 p. :ill. ;28 cm.
Additional publication details