Impact of historic trends in nutrient loading on the trophic status of Meander Creek Reservoir /

Abstract

Trends in nonpoint source pollutant loading to Meander Creek Reservoir were investigated as a possible factor responsible for recent taste and odor problems in the water. Export coefficients for phosphorus, nitrogen, and suspended solids, along with land use estimates for 1965 and 1994 were used to estimate the loadings to the reservoir. After using the Vollenweider model to predict the trophic status of Meander Creek Reservoir, it was concluded that the reservoir is probably naturally mesotrophic. Historic land development trends have increased the level of productivity, although recent changes in land use do not appear to have caused a significant increase in nutrient loading. However, malfunctioning residential septic systems are potentially a major source of nutrients and could be partly responsible for the recent onset of taste and odor problems in Meander Creek Reservoir.