An analysis of factors influencing water quality of a highly developed recreational lake

Abstract

Factors determining water quality were analyzed and related to recreational influences at Hawley Lake in the White Mountains of Arizona during the 1972 summer use season. It was hypothesized that the impact of heavy recreational use in the form of camping, picnicking, fishing, and summer homes would have a measurable effect on the water quality of the lake. Systematic analyses of water samples were made including determinations of fecal coliforms, temperature, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates, hydrogen sulfide, hardness, and chlorine. Water samples were collected at seven stations, stratified at one meter intervals. Results show some correlations between various water quality factors and the concentrations and type of recreational use. Water samples taken from areas on the lake located near homesite developments showed the greatest user impact, while those areas receiving limited recreational use showed only minimal user influences. Concentrations of fecal coliforms, the primary indicator of human contamination, were moderate throughout the use period for all stations, but marked differences could be noted between quantities found near homesites and those found in lower use areas of the lake. The results of this study indicate positive correlations between intensities of recreational and homesite use and variations of water quality.