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Show Chemical quality All surface water from the Provo River drainage basin that was analyzed was chemically suitable for domestic use, as well as for stock and for irrigation, according to the standards recommended by the U. S. Public Health Service ( 1962). Chemical analyses of nine samples collected prior to this investigation from various surface- water sources in the drainage basin are reported in table 5. The samples were calcium bicarbonate type water and were generally low in dissolved solids. The relatively high dissolved solids reported for Snake Creek, 442 mg/ l ( milligrams per liter), is probably due to the inflow of water from thermal springs ( p. 21); even a small percentage contribution from that source would suffice to raise the concentration of dissolved solids in the creek water to the observed level. The concentration of dissolved solids in Little Hobble Creek ( 346 mg/ l) was higher than that of most surface water in the area. However, the sample was taken during a period of very low flow and may represent primarily ground water concentrated by evapotranspiration during the preceding growing season. Water in Deer Creek Reservoir is a mixture of all the surface water and ground water in the drainage basin. The water in the reservoir is fairly well mixed, as shown by the two samples taken at different depths on the same date ( 9- 7- 56). In recent years, concern has been expressed about pollution of the water in the Provo River below Heber City as a result of that city's sewage- treatment problems. The large pickup of water by the sewage lines during the summer ( p. 12) overburdens the city treatment plant and makes adequate treatment impossible with the existing facility. Hence, during the summer dilute but virtually untreated sewage is discharged into Spring Creek a short distance from the Provo River. The resulting pollution of Spring Creek is reportedly severe, and the water in Deer Creek Reservoir near the point of inflow of the river may be badly polluted at times. Dilution of the polluted water by the large volume of water in Deer Creek Reservoir has apparently prevented serious pollution of the reservoir as a whole; water diverted from the reservoir is used ( after treatment) for municipal supply. Several solutions to the problem have been suggested. Probably the most desirable course of action would be to locate and seal the leaks in the offending sewer lines. If water can enter the sewage system when the water table is high, sewage can also escape from the lines when the water table is low and may pollute the ground- water body. Weber River drainage basin The Weber River, like the Provo River, has its headwaters in the west end of the Uinta Mountains; but the Weber River drains the northern slopes of the range ( fig. 5). The main stem of the river flows roughly westward to Rhodes Valley, turns northward for about 25 miles, and then flows generally northwestward to Great Salt Lake. Tributaries, reservoirs, and diversions The main stem of the Weber River heads in a group of rock- basin lakes, very near the headwaters of the Provo River. Two major tributaries, Smith and Morehouse Creek and South Fork, also drain the northwestern slopes of the Uinta Mountains. A third major tributary from 13 |
