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AWWA SOURCES55753
- Water Resources Conflicts: Development of Alternative Performance Outcomes for Effluent Dependent Waters in the Arid West
- Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 01/01/2002
- Publisher: AWWA
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In 2000, the Arid West Water Quality Research Project (WQRP) funded a habitat study to characterize aquatic and riparian habitats at ten sites located throughout the arid west. For the most part, each of the ten sites represented examples where treated effluent is discharged into a normally dry streambed or a stream that would have minimal flow during only part of the year. The ten sites were selected as a result of the findings from an earlier regional survey, which was designed to identify water quality issues of concern to western dischargers. Historical physical, chemical and biological data were compiled and additional information was gathered from wastewater facilities and site visits. Results from this study showed that macroinvertebrate and fish communities associated with effluent dependent waters are limited when compared to naturally flowing streams. While some of the limitations on aquatic biological communities are imposed by water quality constraints, habitat limitations also affect biological potential, especially in urban environments. In contrast to limitations in the aquatic community, the terrestrial flora and fauna established, supported and dependent on effluent discharges was often found to be significant. The Clean Water Act provides for the protection of aquatic life and wildlife, but the emphasis in standards development and permitting has been almost solely on the protection of aquatic species. Little to no consideration is placed on wildlife protection, especially from the perspective of supporting and potentially enhancing riparian habitat. This may be shortsighted given the significant but unrecognized environmental benefits achieved from effluent-supported terrestrial habitats. Alternative biological performance measures or outcomes could be considered as a means of measuring compliance with the goals of the Clean Water Act. Examples of alternative outcomes could include various measures of habitat improvement or enhancement as well as measures of terrestrial species benefits. Includes 7 references, figures.
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