How important is Water Quality and what are the effects of recreation on Lake Powell and the Tailwaters?
Once Glen Canyon Dam was built, the Colorado River could no longer flow through the corridor as it previously did. Saline from runoff was passed downstream and flushed through the system, now is collects in Lake Powell. Spring flows bring more water and more runoff. This decreases salinity by diluting the water. The winter flows create a problem. Due to lack of water entering from the Upper Colorado River in the winter there is less circulation in the dam. Saline concentration is high at this time. A high saline concentration decreases the oxygen level in the water creating anaerobic sediment. Scientists are unsure of the amount of toxic sediment on the bottom of Lake Powell because a lack of funds has prohibited them from carrying out any tests. Tests aside, all agree that the bottom sediment is definitely toxic. The toxic sediment at the bottom of Lake Powell is a result of salinity from runoff and heavy metals from water activities. Dave Wegner reports that petroleum spills equaling
