AWWA WQTC60547

This study reports on a multi-year sampling program that has been established in central Arizona to monitor algae and algal metabolites in surface waters (reservoirs, rivers, and canals) and raw/treated water from surface water treatment plants. 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) is the most prevalent taste & odor (T&O) compound, although geosmin and cyclocitral co-occur. Recent efforts to quantify cyanotoxins indicate their presence and the presence of algae capable of producing these toxins. Changes in water quality due to events within the watershed appear to have impacted algae and the production of algal metabolites within the Salt River reservoirs. Sampling locations and justification for the sampling sites are described in the study. Parameters analyzed at each site varied based upon frequency and analytical significance. Over the first three years of the project intensive algae enumeration and identification took place, but due to the complexity and costs of these efforts, less work was conducted over the past two years. Includes 4 references, tables, figures.