• Total Ammonia - Nitrogen (NH3-N)
• Un-ionized Ammonia
• Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
• Nitrate (NO3)
• Total Phosphates (TPO4)
• Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.)
• pH
• Specific Conductance
• Water Temperature

Lost River is a unique bi-state stream flowing along the California-Oregon border (Figure 1). The headwaters of Lost River are tributaries to Clear Lake located mostly in Modoc County, California. The outflow from Clear Lake into Lost River flows north into Oregon and then loops back south into California where it historically ended in a closed sump known as Tule Lake. A large U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) agriculture project known as the Klamath Project has been constructed in this watershed, and has significantly altered the flows and flow direction of Lost River. The Lost River is now cross connected with the Klamath River through a constructed canal and drain system in Oregon. Water in the Lost River flowing south back into California may now be a combination of Lost River and Klamath River water depending on the time of year. Tule Lake is no longer a closed sump. The BOR has constructed pumps to move water from Tule Lake west into Lower Klamath Lake. Lower Klamath Lake then discharges north back into Oregon through the Klamath Straits Drain. This drain then flows northward and is pumped back into the Klamath River in Oregon. The Klamath River then continues in its south-west direction downstream back into California.

As the Lost River makes its journey described above, its natural and altered environmental characteristics change dramatically. It begins as high desert streams tributary to Clear Lake located mostly in Modoc National Forest. Boles Creek and Willow Creek are the principal tributaries. These streams and Clear Lake, as does the rest of the watershed down to Tule Lake, support fisheries. These include two species of federally listed endangered sucker species, the Lost River sucker and the shortnose sucker (Federal Register, 1994). The principal nonpoint source discharge influences in this part of the watershed are from rangeland cattle grazing. This has been recognized in the Modoc National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Modoc National Forest, 1991), and is a focus of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board's Clean Water Act 319(h) nonpoint source control program working with Modoc National Forest, Lava Beds Resource Conservation District (RCD), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Clear Lake is also part of the Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Lost River, a short distance downstream from Clear Lake, enters the State of Oregon where its use as a source of water and also drainage for agriculture begins. Agriculture primarily includes grains, hay and forage, and potatoes. By the time it once again re-enters California just north of the town of Tulelake, it has been influenced by nonpoint source discharges from production agriculture, water imports or exports, and channel modifications. Lost River habitat characteristics become a shallow lake/wetland type of habitat soon after it enters California and flows into Tule Lake. Tule Lake is highly eutrophic (Boyer, 1994). Some natural levels of eutrophic conditions and poor water quality can be expected in this area because of the fact that historic conditions found this area to be a vast sink (lakebed/marshland) of biomass propagated by nutrient-rich "recent " volcanic formations. This reservoir of biomass has become the soil of today's basin. Eutrophic conditions remain the principal water quality concern in this area. The water quality questions are 1) to what extent these eutrophic conditions are natural, 2) to what extent nonpoint source discharges from agricultural activities impact this situation, and 3) what is the water quality significance of these nonpoint source discharges, if any. These eutrophic conditions remain as the water is pumped and flows through Lower Klamath Lake and into Klamath Straits Drain north back into Oregon. Both Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake are part of the National Wildlife Refuge system.

California's water quality concern again starts at the California - Oregon border downstream in the Klamath River. The question here is whether the water quality conditions in the Klamath River at this point can be correlated to water quality in the Lost River watershed, and specifically to nonpoint source discharges into the Lost River system in California. California has no authority to investigate water quality in Oregon, but is working with Federal and State agencies in Oregon to coordinate our monitoring efforts and better delineate sources of concern.

The primary emphasis of this monitoring was oriented towards attempting to gain more knowledge about the role of nonpoint source discharges from agriculture in California on the water quality in the lower Lost River watershed in California. The focus has been on eutrophic conditions. The narration of this report is intended to deal primarily with eutrophic conditions, but other water quality data is also shown in Appendix A, for reader information, as collected during the same time period by Regional Board staff. This additional data will be analyzed in future reports after more data is available. Additionally, we have included in this report limited data collected in the Klamath River at the California - Oregon border to show any general correlation that may exist from this point and the Lost River watershed upstream.

This report is prepared with data collected by Regional Board staff available to us by mid-June, 1995. The amount of data is limited, but is being presented here for use by interested parties. An on-going, more intensive monitoring effort has been implemented for the summer of 1995 with Regional Board student help from the College of the Siskiyous funded through U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Sections 319(h), 604(b), and 104(b) grant funds. There is also increasing coordination and sharing of monitoring efforts among the two States and Federal agencies in 1995.

Figure 1 also shows monitoring station locations and station name acronyms. All data is presented in Appendix A. For ease of reader interpretation, selected data is presented in bar graph format at individual stations and also at stations generally moving down through the watershed areas. Due to the fact that some of the stations around the Tule Lake Sumps are not actually "downstream" of one another because of regulated water movement through the basin, care must be taken when interpreting the graphs to not conclude otherwise.

NH3-NTotal Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH3-N)
Total ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) can be found in the Lost River system likely from several different primary sources. It can be originating from Klamath River water diverted into the Lost River below Upper Klamath Lake during the irrigation season, it can be formed by the chemical and bacterial decomposition or breakdown of animal wastes or natural organic material, from resuspended bottom sediments, or it can be introduced as a crop fertilizer. Without knowledge from a study designed specifically to identify nitrogen sources in a specific area, the shallow eutrophic waters of Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake receiving imported water and agricultural drain water make for an endless scenario of possibilities as to the primary origins of a given NH3-N concentration found at any one particular point in time. This makes data from a set of monitoring stations located throughout the watershed difficult to interpret unless overall consistent seasonal NH3-N concentrations are found at stations or an obvious trend between stations is observed over time.

Figures 2 and 3 display NH3-N concentrations. Lost River at the California-Oregon border (station LRBORD) consistently exhibited the highest NH3-N concentrations. Tulelake Irrigation District pumps 3, 10, 9, and D around Tule Lake exhibited higher concentrations than most other stations (except LRBORD on most sampling dates) on different sampling dates, but show no trend between stations, and no correlation with results from Anderson Rose Dam, the diversion point for Lost River water into the Tulelake area. This suggests the multiple sources of NH3-N as described above. Maximum and minimum NH3-N concentrations at all stations ranged from a high of 2.6 mg/L at station LRBORD to a low of .025 mg/L at station KBORD.

Figures 4 and 5 display un-ionized ammonia concentrations. These un-ionized ammonia concentrations were calculated by formula presented in Emerson, 1975 and shown in Appendix A. The national criterion of .025 mg/L was exceeded on some sampling dates at all sampling locations. The highest concentrations were at the Tulelake stations at Pumps 9, 10, and D. Maximum and minimum un-ionized ammonia concentrations at all stations ranged from a high of .613 mg/L at station Pump D to lows of 0.0 mg/L at numerous stations at one time or another.

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is the total of the organic and ammonia nitrogen. Lost River water high in organic material such as algae for instance can be expected to have high TKN concentrations regardless of ammonia-nitrogen concentrations. TKN and other nitrogen concentrations reported here should strongly reflect that elemental nitrogen resides, in great mass, within the soils of the sedimentary reservoir of the lower Lost River watershed, and is continuously being oxidized and reduced by living organisms.

Figures 6 and 7 display TKN concentrations. Maximum and minimum TKN concentrations at all stations ranged from a high of 7.80 mg/l at station KSD to a low of .25 mg/L at station KBORD. A review of these TKN values show no trend over time at any given station or between stations. A comparison of TKN values with NH3-N values shown above show that the majority of the TKN value is normally from organic nitrogen.

Nitrate (NO3)
Ammonia in surface water will oxidize to nitrite (NO2) and then to nitrate (NO3). NO3 is a plant nutrient and depending on conditions can cause nuisance algal blooms and excessive aquatic vascular plant growth. This in turn can suppress dissolved oxygen levels and increase pH levels to the detriment of fish and other aquatic life. The North Coast Regional Board's Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region (Basin Plan) (1994) sets narrative objectives for biostimulatory substances. The Basin Plan specifies that "Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance ar adversely affect beneficial uses". Numeric objectives for these nutrients have not been established for Lost River.

Figures 8 and 9 display NO3 concentrations. Maximum and minimum NO3 concentrations at all stations ranged from a high of 1.44 mg/L at station KSD to a low of .015 mg/L at numerous stations at one time or another. No obvious trends or correlation over time or between stations can be seen with the data collected. Additionally, there is no obvious consistent correlation between NH3 and NO3 comparing all stations.

Total Phosphates (TPO4)
Phosphorus, as total phosphates (TPO4), can be a nutrient for algae and vascular aquatic plant growth as NO3 above. The inorganic dissolved form of phosphorus is orthophosphate (OPO4). This OPO4 form is the most readily available form of phosphorus for algae to use. For the data collected, both organic and inorganic phosphorus contibuted to the total phosphorus concentrations monitored, with OPO4 generally contributing the major portion.

Figures 10 and 11 display TPO4 concentrations. Maximum and minimum TPO4 concentrations at all stations ranged from a high of 1.2 mg/L at station KSD to a low of .025 mg/L at several stations in October, 1994.

As with the other water quality constituents monitored above, TPO4 showed no obvious trends over time or correlations between stations. This again suggests multiple sources and environmental factors are significantly responsible for nutrient levels in the lower Lost River watershed.

Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.)
Eutrophic water conditions such as those which exist in the lower Lost River system can often result in low dissolved oxygen (D.O.) conditions. The Basin Plan water quality objectives for D.O. specifies a minimum concentration of 5.0 mg/L for the Lost River and 7.0 mg/L for the Klamath River above Iron Gate Dam for the protection of aquatic life.

Figures 12 and 13 display D.O. concentrations. Maximum and minimum D.O. concentrations at all stations ranged from a high of 14.2 mg/L at station LRBORD on May 18, 1995 to a low of 2.2 mg/L on June 29, 1994 at the same station.

The minimum D.O. objective of 5.0 mg/L for the Lost River was not met at one time or more at seven of the ten stations monitored. These readings were all taken during the daytime hours when higher diel D.O. levels are expected to occur. As above with other water quality parameters, the D.O. data collected exhibits sporatic concentrations both over time and between stations. This illustrates that multiple factors among sites are likely responsible for water quality conditions at any one point in time.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has found that the Klamath River in Oregon from Upper Klamath Lake to Keno routinely violates their D.O. standard of 5.0 mg/L (Baumgartner, 1994). The North Coast Regional Board's Basin Plan minimum D.O. objective of 7.0 mg/L for the Klamath River in California above Iron Gate Dam was met for station KBORD for the dates and time collected.

Additionally, BOR Klamath Project staff (Berg, M., personal communication, 1995) has told us that BOR has a significant amount of diel water quality data, including D.O. measurements, from this area. Regional Board staff will be reviewing this with BOR staff in the future to get an idea of algal production and Biochemical Oxygen Demand in the Lost River watershed in California.

pH
pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion activity in water. High photosynthetic activity in eutrophic waters can result in high pH levels. The North Coast Regional Board's Basin Plan specifies water quality objectives for pH in the Lost River to be a minimum of 7.0 units and a maximum of 9.0 units. pH objectives for the Klamath River above Iron Gate Dam are a minimum of 7.0 units and a maximum of 8.5 units.

pH concentrations are displayed in Figures 14 and 15. All Lost River stations except for station JCBORD did not meet Basin Plan minimum and/or maximum pH objectives at one time or another. Maximum and minimum pH levels at all stations ranged from a low of 4.6 at station KSD to a high of 10.2 on two dates at station Pump D. pH levels are consistently high throughout the lower watershed, and are particularly high over time at the Tule Lake station Pump D. In bioassay tests, juvenile sucker mortality has been observed at pH values of 10 or more. pH levels of 10 or more were observed on three sampling dates at station Pump D.

Bureau of Reclamation diel pH data from the Lost River system needs to be reviewed as mentioned above to better understand diel pH fluctuations and how long these higher levels are sustained over a day or other time period.

Specific Conductance
Specific conductance is a measure of the ionized or dissolved minerals in water. Basin Plan water quality objectives for specific conductance for the Lost River Hydrologic Unit are shown in Table 1. The data presented in this report are not enough to meaningfully compute monthly means for a calendar year for these objectives. We can however make general observations regarding specific conductance levels.

It is normally expected that ionized salts as measured by specific conductivity will increase through an agricultural area as soils are leached and water used and evaporated. Any number of other reasons in this area for an increase in ionized salts can include ground water inflow and spring activity, and surface evaporation from the large shallow lakes.

Specific conductance levels are displayed in Figures 16 and 17. As expected, an increase in specific conductivity levels is observed as water flows through the lower Lost River system. Highest levels were found during June, 1994 at station KSD. Maximum and minimum specific conductance levels at all stations ranged from a high of 1,548 micromhos/cm (umhos/cm) at station KSD to a low of 190 umhos/cm at station KBORD.

A review of BOR Klamath Project data for specific conductance levels through the Lost River system will likely give us a better idea about these specific conductance levels regarding any relationships with irrigation practices and movement of water.

Water Temperature
The nutrient cycles and productivity impacts discussed above are accelerated with warmer water temperatures. The slow moving, shallow waters of the lower Lost River system combined with hot summer air temperatures makes for very warm water temperatures.

Water temperatures are displayed in Figures 18 and 19. Water temperatures throughout the lower Lost River system commonly exceeded 20 degrees Centigrade (C) throughout the summer months. Maximum and minimum water temperatures at all stations ranged from a high of 27.5 degrees C at station KSD to a low of 8.0 degrees C at station LRBORD. In the Klamath River at station KBORD, a high of 20.1 degrees C was recorded on June 29, 1994. Water temperatures had dropped substantially in the lower Lost River system by the October 18, 1994 sampling run.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The data presented in this report substantiate previously collected data from other agencies and parties in the Lost River system. The lower Lost River system in California exhibits very high summertime levels of un-ionized ammonia, pH, and water temperatures, and low dissolved oxygen levels. How these conditions are related to nonpoint source discharges in California are complex and remain unclear to Regional Board staff. As the California State agency charged with the control of water pollution, it is becoming clear to us that three very specific water quality studies need to be completed as follows:

1) California at times receives water of poor quality in the Lost River and its distribution system from Oregon. The changes in water quality from this point to the Klamath Straits Drain where California then discharges this water back to Oregon are complex and varied. Regional Board staff, in reviewing the data above and from other sources in the context of controllable waste discharges, recommends a site-specific investigation into the issue of high un-ionized ammonia levels. The contribution of ammonia from site-specific fertilizer and irrigation practices and subsequent nonpoint source discharges need to be documented in the Tule Lake basin. The University of California, Davis and Intermountain Research and Extension Center has begun work on this issue (Kaffka, et al., 1995).

2) A correlation, if any, between water quality discharged from the Klamath Straits Drain and water quality in the Klamath River at the California-Oregon state line needs to be investigated. California obviously contributes to water quality conditions in the Klamth Straits drain. California's contribution to this correlation, if any, needs to be a part of this investigation. The best avenue for proceeding with a complex investigation such as this may be a joint effort on the part of both States and irrigation interests through the Clean Water Act Section 205(j) grant program and/or Total Maximum Daily Load process.

3) Regional Board staff recommends coordination with BOR Klamath Project staff for a review of BOR flow data and Datasonde diel data to look at flow/water quality relationships. This is important since water import/export through the lower Lost River system is likely a significant factor in the variations in data observed above for this report. Once this is better understood over time, it could possibly lead to improved timing of water flow for water quality benefits, i.e. flushing refuge cell areas of poor water quality during the fall and winter of wet years.

For data compilation, organization, and interpretation, the North Coast Regional Board should continue to support the Klamath Restoration Information System (KRIS) funded through the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant program.

Additionally, the North Coast Regional Board should continue to support stream restoration and rangeland grazing nonpoint source control efforts on the part of landowners, Lava Beds RCD, Modoc National Forest, and the USFWS in the upper Lost River-Clear Lake watershed through the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant program.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baumgartner, B. June 6, 1994. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Memorandum.

Berg, Mike. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Klamath Project. Personal communication. 1995.

Boyer, R. and C. E. Grue. 1994. Water Analyses for Agrochemical Input at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. University of Washington. Prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 41 pp.

Emerson, K., R.C. Russo, R.E. Lund, and R.V. Thurston. 1975. Aqueous Ammonia Equilibrium Calculations: Effect of pH and Temperature. J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 32(12): 2379-2383.

Federal Register. December 1, 1994. 50 CFR Part 17. Endangered and Threatened Species: Lost River Sucker, etc.; Proposed Rule. Pages 61744-61759.

Kaffka, S.R., T.X. Lu and H.L. Carlson. 1995. An Assessment of the Effects of Agriculture on Water Quality in the Tulelake Region of California. University of California, Intermountain Research and Extension Center. 85 pp.

MacCoy, D.E. 1994. Physical, Chemical, and Biological Data for Detailed Study of Irrigation Drainage in the Klamath Basin, California and Oregon, 1990-92. 168 pp.

Modoc National Forest. 1991. Land and Resource Management Plan. Pages 3-34 - 35.

North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1994. Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region.

Schwarzbach, Steve. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA. Personal communication. 1994.

Winchester W.D. September 14, 1994. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Memorandum.