TC 
 824 
 C2 
 A2 
 no. Ill 
 
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 ^^mTHE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 p a r t m c n t of Wa ter Resources 
 
 BULLETII^Nvii? 
 
 "^^SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 / 
 
 .JK.' 
 
 -'j('-\ 
 
 — Jl 
 
 EDMUND G. BROWN 
 
 Governor 
 
 State of California 
 
 ;RSI-TY OF CALIFORNI, 
 
 DAVIS 
 
 FEB 2 5 1S63 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 WILLIAM E. WARNE 
 
 Admmstraior 
 
 The Resources Agency of California 
 
 ond Direcfor 
 
 Department of Water Resources 
 
 *^l<*^* 
 
state of California 
 THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 Department of Wa ter Resources 
 
 BULLETIN No. Ill 
 
 SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 AUGUST 1962 
 
 EDMUND G. BROWN 
 
 Governor 
 
 State of California 
 
 U-i^TlI^ITY OF CALIFOJJNM 
 DAVIS 
 
 WILLIAM E. WARNE 
 
 Adminisfrator 
 
 The Resources Agency of California 
 
 and Direrfor 
 
 Department of Water Resources 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL viii 
 
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT' ix 
 
 ORGANIZATION, DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES x 
 
 ORGANIZATION, CALIFORNIA WATER COMMISSION xi 
 
 AUTHORIZATION :-:ii 
 
 CHAPTER I. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1 
 
 Findings 1 
 
 Recommendations k 
 
 CHAPTER II. INTRODUOl'ION 7 
 
 Objectives and Scope of Investigation 7 
 
 Area of Investigation 8 
 
 Physiography 9 
 
 Geology 9 
 
 Soils 9 
 
 Climate 10 
 
 Data Collection Programs 11 
 
 Scope of Report 12 
 
 Related Investigations and Report 13 
 
 CHAPTER III. HYDROLOGY 17 
 
 Minimum Flows 17 
 
 -111- 
 
Page 
 
 CHAPTER IV. WATER UTILIZATION 21 
 
 Domestic Water Systems 21 
 
 Irrigation Supply 22 
 
 Recreation 2k 
 
 Fish and Wildlife 27 
 
 Navigation 28 
 
 Waste Disposal 29 
 
 Domestic and Municipal Wastes 29 
 
 Present Discharges to Sacramento River 29 
 
 Present Discharges to Tributary Streams 31 
 
 Future Discharges 31 
 
 Industrial Wastes 33 
 
 Diamond National Corporation 33 
 
 American Crystal Sugar Company 33 
 
 Agricultural Drainage 3^ 
 
 Ssilinity Repulsion 35 
 
 CHAPTER V. WATER QUALITY 37 
 
 Water Quality Criteria 38 
 
 General Criteria 38 
 
 Domestic and Municipal Water Supply 38 
 
 Criteria for Irrigation Water hi 
 
 Industrial Water Supply h2 
 
 Preservation and Protection of Fish and Wildlife .... U2 
 
 Specific Criteria Mj- 
 
 Policy of the Central Valley Regional 
 
 Water Pollution Control Board (No. 5) hk 
 
 Recommendations of Board of Consiiltants ^5 
 
 -IV- 
 
Page 
 
 Contract Between the State of California 
 
 and the Metropolitan Water District k6 
 
 Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Sacramento River Viater . . ^7 
 
 Temperature 14-7 
 
 pH UQ 
 
 Suspended Solids, Turbidity, and Color kQ 
 
 Total Dissolved Solids U8 
 
 Hardness 50 
 
 Corrosion PotentieJ. 53 
 
 Major Constituents 5^ 
 
 Minor Constituents 55 
 
 Radioactivity 59 
 
 Bacteriological Quality 59 
 
 Stream Biology 68 
 
 Plankton 69 
 
 Benthos 71 
 
 Oxygen Relationships 75 
 
 SoxATces of Pollution 75 
 
 Dissolved Oxygen 75 
 
 Diurnal Variations 77 
 
 Characterization of Oxygen Relationships 78 
 
 Oxygen Sag Analysis 78 
 
 Multiple Linear Correlation Analysis 79 
 
 Diurnal Curve Analysis 79 
 
 Future Work 82 
 
 CHAPTER VI. WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT 83 
 
 Conservative Constituents in the Sacramento River 83 
 
 Nonconservative Constituents and Biological Characteristics .... 87 
 
 SpecieQ. Investigations 88 
 
 -V- 
 
TABLES 
 Table No . Pa^e 
 
 1 Hydrology: Minimum Flows - Sacramento l-tiver 19 
 
 2 Present and Future Land and Water Use 
 
 in Sacramento Valley 21 
 
 3 Domestic Use of Sacramento River Water, I96O 22 
 
 h Major Irrigation Diversions from the 
 
 Sacramento River, i960 23 
 
 5 Boating from Anderson to Butte City, I956-I96O 27 
 
 6 Sewage Treatment Plajit Discharges to 
 
 Sacramento River, I96O 30 
 
 7 Discharges from Irrigation Drains to the 
 
 Sacramento River, 1950-59 3^ 
 
 8 Limiting Concentrations of Chemical Constituents 
 
 for Drinking Water 39 
 
 9 Upper Limits of Total Solids and Selected Minerals in 
 
 Drinking Water as Delivered to the Consumer kO 
 
 10 Hardness Classification of Waters Ul 
 
 11 Qualitative Classification of Irrigation Waters 42 
 
 12 Water Q\iality Limits for Vjater for Export at Points of Diversion 
 
 at Southern Boundary of Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta . . . U6 
 
 13 Water Quality Objectives for the Metropolitan Water 
 
 District of Southern California 1+7 
 
 ill- Hardness in Sacramento River and Tributaries, I96O-6I .... 53 
 
 15 Langelier Saturation Index of Sacramento River Water .... 5^+ 
 
 16 Heavy Metals in the Upper Sacramento River and 
 
 in Spring Creek 56 
 
 17 Concentrations of ABS in Waste Discharges to 
 
 Sacramento River, I96O-6I 57 
 
 18 Radiological Assays of Sacramento River Water, 1952-60 ... 59 
 
 19 Recommended Water Quality Monitoring Program 
 
 for the Sacramento River 86 
 
 -vx- 
 
FIGURES 
 Figure Ko. Page 
 
 1 liecreational Use of Sacramento River, Hamilton City 
 
 to Rio Vista 26 
 
 2 Suspended Solids - Sacramento River, I96O-I96I 49 
 
 3 Total Dissolved Solids - Sacramento River, 196O-I96I 51 
 
 4 Specific Conductance - Sacramento River, 1960-1961 52 
 
 5 Bacteria in Sacramento River - Upper Reach ,» 6I 
 
 6 Bacteria in Sacramento River - Middle Reach o 62 
 
 7 Bacteria in Sacramento River - Lower Reach: Coliform Bacteria . . 63 
 
 8 Bacteria. in Sacramento River - Lower Reach: Fecal Coliform 
 
 Bacteria , o 64 
 
 9 Sacramento River Plankton, Total Plankton per ML by Month and 
 
 Station 70 
 
 10 Numbers, Diversity, and Volumes of Aquatic Organisms o ... ,0 72 
 
 11 Average Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen in Sacramento River, 
 
 Late spring to Fall . „ » . . 76 
 
 12 Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Ket Diffusion in the 
 
 Sacramento River below Sacramento o . 81 
 
 SUPPLEMENT 
 Water i^uality and the Public Health 0..9I 
 
 LIST OF PLATES 
 Plate No. (Plates are bound at end of report) 
 
 1 Area of Investigation and Sampling Program 
 
 2 Tributary Basins of the Sacramento River 
 
 APPEIJDIXES 
 (Bound separately) 
 
 A Hydrography, Hydrology, and V.'ater Utilization 
 
 B Water Quality 
 
 C Public Health Aspects 
 
 D Benthic Biology 
 
 -vii- 
 
WILLIAM E. WARNE 
 
 Director of 
 
 Water Resources 
 
 B. ABBOn GOLDBERG 
 Chief Deputy Director 
 
 REGINALD C. PRICE 
 Deputy Director Policy 
 
 NEELY GARDNER 
 Deputy Director 
 Administration 
 
 ALFRED R. GOLZE 
 Chief Engineer 
 
 EDMUND G. BROWN 
 
 GOVERNOR OF 
 
 CALIFORNIA 
 
 WILLIAM E. WARNE 
 
 ADMINISTRATOR 
 RESOURCES AGENCY 
 
 ADDRESS REPLY 
 P. O. Box 388 
 Sacramento 2, Co 
 
 THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
 
 1120 N STREET, SACRAMENTO 
 
 August 8, 1962 
 
 Honorable Edmund G. Brown, Governor, sind 
 Members of the Legislature of the 
 State of California 
 
 Gentlemen: 
 
 I have the honor to transmit herewith Bulletin No. HI, enti- 
 tled, "Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey." The investigation 
 described in the report was authorized by Chapter 1909, Statutes of 
 1959 and by subsequent actions providing for appropriations from the 
 general fvmd. 
 
 This report concludes that water quality of the Sacramento 
 River is eminently satisfactory for present beneficial uses. The in- 
 creases in dissolved mineral concentrations that do occur are related 
 to irrigation practices. Below Sacramento, dissolved oxygen levels are 
 approaching the minimum values set for fish. 
 
 The future increased utilization of Sacramento River waters 
 requires an adequate program of water quality management. To this end, 
 specific recommendations for water quality monitoring and for special 
 investigations are presented. 
 
 Sincerely yours. 
 
 ^X 
 
 Director 
 
ACKI<;OV;LEDGi'ZI^T 
 
 The Sacramento River Later Pollution Survey was greatly implemented 
 by the valuable assistance and cooperation of several agencies of the Federal 
 Government and of the State of Californjaj Cities, Counties, and private com- 
 panies and individuals. 
 
 The participation, cooperation, and assistance of the following organ- 
 izations is particularly acknov/ledged: 
 
 Advisory Committee composed of: 
 
 Central Valley Regional V.'ater 
 Pollution Control Board (Ko. 5) 
 
 California Department of Fish and Game 
 California Department of Public Health 
 
 Col. J. S. Gorlinski 
 
 Charles T. Carnahan 
 
 David C. Joseph 
 
 Paul C. Ward 
 
 Arnold E. Greenberg 
 
 U. S. Public Health Service 
 
 F. V/. Kittrell 
 
 William M. Ingram 
 
 H. P. Kramer 
 
 H. V/. Jackson 
 
 U. S. Navy, 12th Naval District 
 
 Commander C. \\. Heck 
 Warrant Officer Sullivan 
 
 U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 
 
 U. S. Geological Survey 
 
 Tennessee Valley Authority 
 
 California Department of Fish and Game 
 California Department of Natural Resources 
 Division of Small Craft Harbors 
 
 M. A. Churchill 
 Ellis Berry 
 
 City of Red Bluff 
 
 City of Rio Vista 
 
 City of Isleton 
 
 City of Sacramento, Department of V/ater and 
 
 City of Redding 
 
 Sacramento County Sheriff's Office 
 
 'West Sacramento Sanitary District 
 
 American River Junior College 
 
 Miller Park Boat Harbor 
 
 American Crystal Sugar Company, Clarksburg 
 
 Diamond National Corporation at Red Bluff 
 
 H. A. Eaton 
 
 Raymond Barth 
 
 Joseph Barbutt 
 
 Sewers Raymond Jones 
 
 Harold Jeffery 
 
 Hal E. Marron 
 
 Robert Gullixson 
 
 Lt. Parker Smith 
 
 V/alter Moniz 
 
 Kenneth D. Boettcher 
 
 Bud Silva 
 
 C. 
 
 W. Hogge 
 
 Ernest Develter 
 
 Special mention is made of the following individuals who loaned boats 
 and equipment to the investigation: Neal Butler, W. D. Cofer, V.'alter DoI^^^aldt, 
 C. D. Hayes, Noel Helphenstine, Earl Van Hoorbeke, William J. Hunter, VJalter Johnson, 
 Raymond Kapusta, Clay Keyer, V/. Q. Miller, Grover E. Oaks, S. V. Scott, Harry V/ebb, 
 Jack V.'oods, and Sebastian Yturralde. 
 
 -IX- 
 
STATE OF CALIFORNIA 
 THE RESOURCES AGEI«ICY OF CALIFORNIA 
 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
 
 EIMUND G. BROWN, Governor 
 
 WILLIAM E. WARNE, Administrator, The Resources Agency of California 
 
 and Director, Department of Water Resources 
 
 ALFRED R. GOLZE, Chief Engineer 
 
 DIVISION OF RESOURCES PLANNING 
 
 William L. Berry Division Engineer 
 
 Wesley E. Steiner Chief, Planning Management Branch 
 
 DELTA BRANCH 
 
 Carl A. Werner Branch Chief 
 
 Willard R. Slater Chief, Special Investigations Section 
 
 The various phases of this investigation 
 were conducted under the supervision of 
 
 Planning Arthur J. Inerfield, Senior Engineer 
 
 Field Operations Edward E. Whisman, Senior Engineer 
 
 Report Charles G. Gvinnerson, Senior Engineer 
 
 ELSSisted by 
 
 Thomas E. Bailey Assistant Civil Engineer 
 
 Richard M. Daum Engineering Associate 
 
 William Durbrow Senior Engineer 
 
 Leonard 0. Fisk Fisheries Biologist IV 
 
 Jack F. Hannaford Associate Engineer 
 
 William F. Jopling Engineering Associate 
 
 Richard W. Kretsinger Associate Engineer 
 
 Robert F. Middleton Associate Engineer 
 
 William B. Mitchell Associate Engineer 
 
 John M. Richardson Assistant Civil Engineer 
 
 Harley R. Woodworth Associate Engineer 
 
 Robert G. Wright Assistant Civil Engineer 
 
 -X- 
 
CALIFORNIA WATER COMMISSION 
 
 PIALPH M. BRODY, Chairman, Fresno 
 VJILLIAM H. JhMJINGS, Vice Chairman, La Mesa 
 
 JOHN W, BRYANT, Riverside JOHN P. BUNKER, Gustine 
 
 IRA J. CHRISMAN, Visalia GEORGE FLEHARTY, Fresno 
 
 JOHN J. KING, Petal uma NORRIS POULSON, Los Angeles 
 
 MARION R. WALKER, Ventura 
 
 
 WILLIAM M. CARAH 
 Executive Secretary 
 
 GEORGE B. GLEASON 
 Principal Engineer 
 
 -XI- 
 
AUTHORIZATION 
 
 The Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey was authorized by 
 the California State Legislature in Chapter I909, Statutes of 19^+9. This, 
 and subsequent legislative section, provided for appropriations from the 
 general fund for the conduct of the investigation. Statutory authority 
 for pollution investigations derives from Section 229 of the Water Code. 
 
 -Xll- 
 
CHAPTER I. SUMMARY AIJD RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 The Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey was authorized by 
 the California Legislature in 1959 to provide guides for maintaining ade- 
 quate levels of water quality in the river. Specific objectives included: 
 
 1. Determine present (base-line) quality conditions in the 
 river from Shasta Dam to Mayberry Sloijgh. 
 
 2. Determine soxirces and effects of present degradation of 
 water quality. 
 
 3. Establish a continuing water quality monitoring program. 
 
 k. Recommend future studies and water quality management prac- 
 tices for the Sacramento River. 
 Intensive studies of the river and influent flows were made 
 from April i960 through J\me I961. More than 8,000 samples of water were 
 aned-yzed for oxygen content, temperature, and bacteria. Concentrations 
 of dissolved minerals were determined for over 3^000 samples. Evaluation 
 of these and related data met the four objectives; the first two are dis- 
 cussed in the findings and the last two are presented as recommendations. 
 
 Findings 
 Water quality of the Sacramento River during I96O-61 was emi- 
 nently satisfactory for present beneficial uses. However, a few danger 
 signals axe beginning to appear. If the greater quantities of wastes 
 which will be discharged in the future are handled by present methods 
 serious water quality problems can be expected. Specific findings axe 
 summarized below: 
 
 -1- 
 
(1) Between i960 and 1990 > Sacramento Valley populations are 
 expected to increase from 1,114-2,1+20 to 3,092,1+00, irrigated lands from 
 1,900,000 to 2,714-7,000 acres, and total water demand from 7,1+68,000 to 
 10,688,000 acre -feet per year. 
 
 (2) During I960, five domestic water systems supplied an aver- 
 age total of 53 million gall ons per day of river water to about 272,000 
 people . 
 
 (3) Present diversions of river water for agriciilture amount 
 to some three million acre-feet per year, divided almost equally between 
 the Sacramento Valley and, by means of the Delta-Mendota CaLnal, the San 
 Joaquin Valley. 
 
 (1+) Recreational use of the river involves many thousands of 
 people during holidays aiid the expenditure of millions of dollars annually. 
 Water contact sports are concentrated near population centers where sewage 
 discharges causes significant bacterial populations in the water. Since 
 sport fishing, commercial fishing, and wildlife habitats are dependent 
 upon the river, minimum reservoir releases are specified for fish 
 protection. 
 
 (5) The river channel is maintained at a minimum depth of ten 
 feet below Sacramento and six feet upstream to Colusa by a minimum flow 
 of 5,000 cubic feet per second near Wilkins Slough. Commercial shipping 
 amounted to about 5,500,000 tons in I96O. This is expected to triple 
 
 by 1990. 
 
 (6) Sewage treatment plant effluents are discharged directly 
 
 to the river by the Cities of Redding, Red Bluff, Coming, West Sacramento, 
 Sacramento, Isleton, and Rio Vista. All plants provide only primary treat- 
 ment. About 90 percent of the total 55*3 million gallons per day of sew- 
 age flow is through the Sacramento main plant. Within the near future, 
 
 -2- 
 
additional plants in the Sacramento area, with an aggregate design capa- 
 city of 21.5 mill ion gallons per day, will be discharging secondary efflu- 
 ent to the river ajid its tributaries. 
 
 (7) Most industries discheirge to municipal sewerage systems. 
 The two major direct discharges to the river sure from a wood products 
 plant near Red Bluff and a sugar beet processing plant near Clarksburg. 
 The former causes no measureable effect in the river and the loading from 
 the latter is superimposed upon the effects of discharges from the 
 Sacramento 8u:ea. 
 
 (8) Irrigation return fljows of about 900,000 acre-feet per 
 year are largely discharged to the 20-mile reach above the Feather River. 
 
 (9) Releases from Shasta Dam repel sea water in the Delta so 
 that salt water incursions into the river have been restricted to the 
 lowest seven miles since 19^9* 
 
 (10) The present mineral quality of the Sacramento River is 
 excellent with total dissolved solids rsmging generally between 75 a n d 
 100 parts per million in the upper reach ajid between 100 emd I50 parts 
 
 at Sacramento; the increases are primarily due to irrigation return flows. 
 
 (11) The bacteriological quality of the river reflects the dis- 
 charge of sewage treatment plant effluents to which vao^ring amoiints of 
 chlorine have been added. River water used for domestic purposes accord- 
 ingly requires treatment for removal of bacteria as well as occasional 
 turbidity, tastes, and odors. 
 
 (12) Algae populations in the river vary sestsonally and typi- 
 cally increase with distemce from Shasta Dam as winter ten^jcrature rise 
 and as nutrients from tributeuries eind waste discharges are added. 
 
 (13) The occurrence of bottom organisms in the river is con- 
 trolled by natxiral conditions unrelated to waste discharges. 
 
 -3- 
 
{ik) Dissolved oxygen levels in the river axe adequate for the 
 multiple uses to which river water is put. The most critical oxygen con- 
 ditions in the river sure, sjid will continue to be, found below Sacramento; 
 the minimum observed concentration of 5-2 parts per million shows that 
 the minimum of five parts established for fish is in jeopardy. Additional 
 data are required to adequately determine the waste assimilative capacity 
 of the river. 
 
 (15) The present water quality monitoring program shows condi- 
 tions in the river; it does not permit sufficiently precise determination 
 of the present causes of water quality changes or of probable future water 
 quality conditions. These aspects of water quality management can be 
 provided by monitoring the tributaries and computing quality in the river. 
 Although the initial effort will be an expansion of the program, ultimate 
 annua.1 expenditures will be reduced. 
 
 (16) Investigations similar in scope to the Sacramento River 
 Water Pollution Survey require about two man-days on data eveiluation for 
 each man-day in the field, concurrent with the data collection phase. 
 During the final data evaluation and report writing phase, an additional 
 two man-days in the office are needed for each m£ui-day in the field. 
 These ratios do not include laboratory requirements. 
 
 Recommendat ions 
 In order to minimize future degradation of water quality in 
 the Sacramento River due to increased utilization of the water, it is 
 recommended that: 
 
 (1) The present depsurtmental surface water quality monitoring 
 program for mineral constituents in the river be chamged to provide data 
 on tributaries and waste discharges and that mineral quality of the river 
 be computed. 
 
 -1^- 
 
(2) Departmental requirements for information on bacteriologi- 
 cal and biological conditions, organic materials, euid dissolved oxygen 
 
 be met by conducting intensive short-term surveys, and by installing con- 
 tinuous dissolved oxygen analyzers at Sacramento and Walnut Grove. 
 
 (3) In addition to the basic program outlined above, additional 
 special studies be made as follows: 
 
 (a) Analyze continuous conductivity recorder data 
 obtained during the present investigation to characterize 
 vertical ajid longitudinal mixing. Evaluate the use of conduc- 
 tivity recforders to investigate travel times, flow distribution, 
 and mixing in waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaq.uin Delta. 
 
 (b) Conduct a special study of water ten5)eratures 
 and heat balances throughout the Sacramento River systems, 
 including the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, to provide criteria 
 for reservoir operations, to estimate the capacity of the river 
 to assimilate thermal pollution, and to provide data on mixing. 
 
 (c) Conduct a special two-year investigation of oxy- 
 gen relationships in the river between Sacramento and Rio Vista 
 consisting of two-day intensive surveys at monthly intervals; 
 this will provide correlation factors for predicting future 
 dissolved oxygen levels. 
 
 (d) After the revised monitoring program for mineral 
 constituents has been in operation for one year, predict future 
 mineral quality conditions in the Sacramento River. Make sub- 
 sequent predictions at about two-yeeur intervals which include 
 consideration of a Sacramento Valley master drainage system. 
 
 -5- 
 
CHAPTER II. INTRODUCTION 
 
 Objectives aiid Scope of Investigation 
 
 The principal objective of the Sacramento River Water Pollution 
 Survey was to satisfy the requirements of various agencies responsible 
 for or interested in the field of water quality by establishing a compre- 
 hensive knowledge of the many interrelated variables which influence water 
 quality in the Sacramento River. The survey was planned to provide the 
 information necessary to establish suitable guides for use in maintaining 
 adequate levels of water quality in the Sacramento River. 
 
 To implement the general objectives stated above, the investi- 
 gation provided for determination of: 
 
 1. Present (base-line) quality conditions in the 
 Sacramento River from Shasta Dam to Mayberry Slough. 
 
 2. Detailed information on present sources of degrada- 
 tion smd their influence on water quality 
 
 3. A continxiing water qusility monitoring program. 
 
 k. Recommendations for fut\ire studies and for quality 
 management practices which would maintain optimum water quality 
 in the Sacramento River. 
 
 These objectives cross the traditional boundaries of several 
 agencies. Accordingly, full-time professional services by personnel of 
 the California Department of Public Health and the California Department 
 of Fish and Game were obtained by inter-agency agreements. In addition, 
 the Central Valley Regionsil Water Pollution Control Board (No. 5) and 
 personnel of the United States Public Health Service, Robert A. TsLft 
 Sanitary Engineering Center served in advisory capacities. 
 
 -7- 
 
Area of Investigation 
 
 The Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey was conducted over 
 the 300-iaile reach between Keswick Reservoir, which provides afterbay 
 reg\ilation of releases from Shasta Dam, and the confluence of the Sacramento 
 and Saji Joaquin Rivers at Mayberry Slough (Plate l) . 
 
 The river may be divided into three major reaches. In the upper 
 reach between Keswick (mile 300) and Hamilton City (mile 200) , the river 
 flows throxigh rolling to mountainous country in a steep, well-defined 
 channel with many rapids. Inflows from permanent eaid intermittent streams 
 and from rising gixDund water occur in this reach. 
 
 Throughout the middle reach, between Hamilton City and Sacramento 
 (mile 60) , the river follows a meandering course through a deep and wide 
 allizvial fill and is controlled by extensive levee systems and flood-control 
 bypasses. Most of the side streams in the upper portion of this reach 
 are diverted throiogh Col\isa Basin to the west and through Butte Slough 
 suad Sutter Beisin to the east. There are a number of irrigation diversions 
 and retxoms. The two major tributaries, the Feather and American Rivers, 
 enter at miles 80 and 6I, respectively. 
 
 The lower reach, between Sacramento and Mayberry Slough, is 
 characterized by distributary flows through various waterways in the 
 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The major diversion from the river through 
 the Delta Cross Channel (mile 27.'+) provides water to the San Joaquin 
 Valley through the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation's Delta-Mendota Canal. 
 Tidal action causes flow reversals as far upstream as Clsirksburg (mile U3) 
 and affects water levels and velocities eis far upstream es Verona (mile 80) . 
 The maximum flow reversals occxir in the vicinity of Isleton (mile I9) • 
 
 -8- 
 
Physiography . The Sacramento River drains an area of over 
 26,000 square miles eis shown on Plate 2. The river is fed by 39 streams 
 originating in the Coast Raiiges to the west, the Klamath Mountains to 
 the northwest, the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau to the northeast, and 
 the Sierra Nevada to the ea^t. Elevations range from below sea level 
 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to lk,l6l feet at Mount Shasta. 
 
 Geology . The major inflow to Shasta Dam comes from the Modoc 
 Plateau which is underlain by thick accumulations of lava with many small 
 volcauiic cones and from the Cascsuie Range which consists primarily of 
 a chain of volcanic cones. 
 
 Shasta Lake is located in the extremely rugged Klamath Mountains 
 which eure comprised of a wide variety of deeply weathered marine sediments, 
 some of which have been metamorphosed, and granitic rocks. 
 
 The Coast Ranges are a system of essentially parallel ranges 
 consisting primarily of old marine sediments. 
 
 The Sierra Nevada is a tilted block with a gentle westerly slope. 
 In the foothills, the rocks are mostly metamorphic while massive granites 
 axe found in the high Sierra. 
 
 The Sacramento Valley occupies the northern portion of the 
 Central Valley sind is underlain by a thick series of water-bearing sedi- 
 ments. These sediments are over 2,000 feet thick near the Sacramento 
 River and thin laterally towards the sides of the valley. 
 
 Soils . The soils of the Sacramento Valley vary in their physi- 
 cal smd chemical characteristics according to their sources, ages, and 
 degree of development. These soils can be divided into four broad groups: 
 (1) old valley fillings, (2) basin soils, (3) recent alluvium, «md 
 {k) organic soils. 
 
 -9- 
 
(1) Soils derived from old valley fillings smd remanents of 
 former alluvieil fans are foiind along both sides of the veilley floor. 
 Leaching and other soil forming processes have brought about soils vary- 
 ing from those with dense claypan or cemented haxdpan subsoils, to those 
 with moderately compact subsoils. These soils are generally suitable 
 for shallow to medium-deep rooted crops. 
 
 (2) Basin soils have developed from the sediments deposited 
 by overflow water in low-lying basin areas between the all\ivial fans and 
 the major river flood plains. These soils axe normally fine textured 
 and, due to limited or restricted drainage, accumulation of soluble salts 
 and exchangeable sodium is often present. The basin soils are suitable 
 for many climatically adapted medivim and shallow rooted crops. 
 
 (3) Recent alluvial soils occupy alluvial fans and flood plains 
 adjacent to major and minor stream channels. In general, these soils 
 
 are deep, friable, and medium textured and have undergone little or no 
 change in their profile characteristics since deposition. Where adeq.uately 
 drained, these soils have wide crop adaptability and are highly valued 
 as agricultviral lands. 
 
 (U) Organic soils resulting from decomposition of tules and 
 other axiiiatic plants are found in the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta. These 
 soils have a high agricultural value for specific crops when properly 
 drained and managed. 
 
 Climate . The climate of the Sacramento Valley is characterized 
 by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The rainy season extends from 
 November through April. Mean annual rainfall varies from about 15 inches 
 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to 22 inches at Red Bluff and 3k inches 
 at Shasta Dam. Mean monthly temperatures in the basin vary from about 
 
 -10- 
 
39 "F in the winter to 73 "F in the sximmer with a mean annual temperature 
 of about 55**^. The average annual evaporation in the vailley varies from 
 about 50 to 75 inches. The valley is normally free from frost for a period 
 of seven to eight months each year. For the most part, the summer and 
 fall seasons exhibit aji almost continuous succession of sunny days. 
 
 In the mountainous areas, the major portion of precipitation 
 consists of heavy snowfall in the winter months. During late spring and 
 early summer, snowmelt supplies the streams tributary to the Sacramento 
 River. Near Donner Pass, in the Yuba River watershed, records indicate 
 snow depths as great as 375 inches in l880. The depth during l88l was 
 UO inches, the minimum for the period of record. 
 
 Data Collection Programs 
 
 Field programs were conducted during the period April i960 
 throiigh June I96I to provide data on hydrology; physical, chemical, and 
 bacteriological quality of the water; oxygen relationships; stream biology; 
 and the effects of tributaries and waste discharges on these character- 
 istics . Plate 1 shows the locations of saarpling stations . 
 
 Monthly determinations of physical and chemical characteristics, 
 algae and other plankton, and bottom life were made throughout the river. 
 Waste discharges and tributary flows were analyzed monthly for mineral 
 and organic constituents. Continuous records of, or daily sampling for, 
 mineral constituents were made at key locations . 
 
 Intensive sampling surveys were conducted in the upper reach 
 (mile 297.3-131^.5) in June and October I96O, in the middle reach (mile 
 I8I1.5-62.6) in September I96O and May I96I, and in the lower reach (mile 
 62.6-4.0) in June, late August, and October I96O. During the May and 
 June periods, runoff from snowmelt was essentially complete, and irrigation 
 
 -11- 
 
returns were negligible. In late Axjgust, irrigation returns were nominal 
 and sestsoneil waste discharges from food processing plants were at a peak. 
 Maximum irrigation returns from rice fields occurred in September. In 
 October, reservoir releases and irrigation diversions were at a minimum 
 and highly mineralized irrigation waters were returned to the river. 
 Each of the intensive surveys was conducted over a four-day period when 
 8aa5)les were taken at three-hour intervals from closely spaced river sta- 
 tions and waste discharges. Samples were analyzed for bacteriological 
 quality, dissolved oxygen, and organic content as indicated by the bio- 
 chemical oxygen demand. 
 
 Analyses were made in accordance with the 11th edition of 
 "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water" (2) . 
 Temperature, dissolved oxygen, acidity or alkalinity as meas\ired by pH, 
 and toteil dissolved minerals as measured by electrical conductivity, were 
 determined in the field. Chemical analyses were performed at the depart- 
 ment's laboratory at Bryte, near Sacramento. Bacteriological aiialyses 
 and eLLgae identification- sjid enumeration were performed by the State 
 Department of Public Health using a mobile laboratory and at the Berkeley 
 laboratories, respectively. Bottom organisms were identified by a State 
 Department of Fish and Game specialist at the Bryte laboratory of the 
 Department of Water Resoiorces. 
 
 Scope of Report 
 
 This report summarizes the findings of the Sacramento River 
 Water Pollution Survey and presents recommendations for future water 
 quality monitoring and additional studies necessary for water quality 
 management in the Sacramento River. Detailed technical discussions sind 
 basic data are presented in separately bound appendices as follows: 
 
 -12- 
 
Appendix A. "Hydrography, Hydrology, and Water Utilization," 
 by the Department of Water Resources 
 
 Appendix B. "Water Quality," by the Depaxtment of Water 
 Resources 
 
 Appendix C. "Public Health Aspects," by the Department of 
 Public Health 
 
 Appendix D. "Benthic Biology," by the Dei>artment of Fish and 
 Game. 
 
 Related Investigations and Reports 
 A large number of reports containing information and data per- 
 tinent to evaluation of water quality of the Sacramento River were utilized 
 during the current investigation. Complete lists and references axe in- 
 cluded in appendices to this bulletin. The following partial listing 
 includes the reports of major importance and those which are cited in 
 this bulletin. Reference is marie to these reports in the text by means 
 of niimbers in specific parentheses; e.g., (l). 
 
 (1) Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, DepsLrtment 
 
 of Limnology. "Sacramento River, Keswick Reservoir 
 and Vicinity." July 1956. 
 
 (2) American Public Hesilth Association. "Standard Methods for 
 
 the Examination of Water and Wastewater." 11th Edition. 
 i960. 
 
 (3) California State Department of Public Health, Bureau of 
 
 Semitaiy Engineering. Report No. 2i<-2. "To the 
 California State Board of Health on Quality of 
 Sacramento River Water at Sacramento." July 28, I920. 
 
 (If) . Report No. 2kh. "To the California State Board of 
 
 Heeilth on Quality of Sacramento River Water at Sacramento." 
 A\igust h, 1920. 
 
 (5) . Office Report, "A Study of the Sacramento River as 
 
 Influenced by Waste Discharges from the American Crystal 
 Sugar Corporation, Clarksburg, California." 1950. 
 
 (6) . Office Report, "Enterprise Public Utility District 
 
 Semitaxy Survey." December 9, 1953* 
 
 (7) — — . Office Report, "Redding Sanitary Survey." January 10, 
 
 1955. 
 
 -13- 
 
(8) — — . Office Report, "Sacramento River Survey - October 
 
 1956." October I956. 
 
 (9) ..... Office Report, "Recommendations for Operating the 
 
 Red Bluff Sewage Treatment Plant." September 10, 1959. 
 
 (10) — — . Memorandum, "Sewage and Sewage Treatment of the 
 
 City of Rio Vista." May I6, i960. 
 
 (11) — — . Memorandum, "Sacramento River Survey - September, 
 
 i960." September 6, i960. 
 
 (12) -.— . Monthly Notes, "Report of Plant Inspections at Coming." 
 
 July 29, 1959; November 5, 1959; June 1, I96O; February 6, 
 1961. 
 
 (13) . Office Report, "Report on the City of Redding Sewage 
 
 Discharge Effects on Sacramento River Water and Down- 
 stream Water Uses." May I961. 
 
 (IJ4.) — ... Office Report, "City of Sacramento Municipal Water 
 System." June I961. 
 
 (15) -.— . Office Report, "Progress Report on the Qixality of 
 
 the Lower Sacramento River Water said Domestic Sewage 
 Effluent Discharges." April 1957 • 
 
 (16) ~.— . Memorandum, "Bacteriological Quality of the Lower 
 
 Sacramento River." May 3, 1957. 
 
 (17) ~ — . Memorsuidum, "West Sacramento Sanitary District - 
 
 Sewage Disposal Expansion Project." November h, 1957. 
 
 (18) Memorandum, "Appraisal of Red Bliaff Sewage Treat- 
 ment Plant Operations." August 20, 1958. 
 
 (19) . . Monthly Notes, "Reports of Plant Inspections at 
 
 Isleton." April 9, 1958; September 30, 1958. 
 
 (20) Office Report, "A Study of the Effectiveness of 
 
 Al\im Coagxilation sind Chlorination in the Redding Water 
 Supply." June 1959* 
 
 (21) Office Report, "City of Vallejo Water Siq)ply System, 
 
 Report of the Semitary Engineering Survey." September 
 1959. 
 
 (22) California State Department of Public Works, Division of 
 
 Water Resources. Twenty-Six Reports of Sacramento -San 
 Joaquin Water Supervision Covering the Period I92U to 
 195^+. 
 
 (23) "Sacramento River Basin." Bulletin No. 26. I93I. 
 
 -lU- 
 
(2U) -— . 'Variation and Control of SeuLinity in Sacramento- 
 San Joaquin Delta and Upper San Francisco Bay." 
 Bulletin No. 27. I931. 
 
 (25) Ceilifomia State Department of Water Resources, Division 
 
 of Resources Planning. "Quality of Surface Waters in 
 California, 1951-5'+." Water Quality Investigation 
 Report No. 15 • November I956. 
 
 (26) "The California Water Plan." Bulletin No. 3« May 
 
 1957. 
 
 (27) "Quality of Surface Waters in California, 1955-1956." 
 
 Bulletin No. 65. December 1957. 
 
 (28) "Quality of Surface Waters in California - 1957." 
 
 Bulletin No. 65-57- December i960. 
 
 (29) . "Quality of Surface Waters in California - I958." 
 
 Bulletin No. 65-58. December I960. 
 
 (30) "Surface Water Flow for 1959." Bulletin No. 23-59. 
 
 May 1961. 
 
 (31) "Quality of Surface Waters in California - 1959." 
 
 Bulletin No. 65-59. July 196I. 
 
 (32) "Surface Water Flow for i960." Bulletin No. 23-60. 
 
 September I96I. 
 
 (33) California State Water Pollution Control Board. "Water 
 
 Quality Criteria." State Water Pollution Contixjl 
 Board Publication No. 3. 1952. 
 
 (3^) California State Water Resources Board. "Water Resources 
 in California." Bulletin No. 1. I95I. 
 
 (35) Central Valley Regional Water Pollution Control Board. 
 
 "Water Pollution Study - Sacramento River Watershed." 
 1955. 
 
 (36) Chiurchill, M. A. and Buckingham, R. A. "Statistical Method 
 
 for Analysis of Stream Purification Capacity." Sewage 
 and Industrial Wastes, 28, k, 517. April 1956. 
 
 (37) Churchill, M. A., Elmore, H. L., and Buckingham, R. A. 
 
 "The Prediction of Stream Reaeration Rates." Division 
 of Health aj3d Safety, Tennessee Valley Authority Pre- 
 sented at Nationel Convention of ASCE. October 16 - 
 20, 1961. New York. 
 
 (38) Odum, H. T. "Primary Production in Flowing Waters." Lim- 
 
 nology £ind Oceanography. Vol\mie 1, No. 2. pp. 102-117. 
 April 1956. 
 
 -15- 
 
(39) Odum, H. T. and Hoskin, C. M. "Comparative Studies on the 
 Metabolism of Marine Waters." Publications, Institute 
 of Marine Science. Volume 5» December 1958. 
 
 (Uo) O'Connor, D. J. and Dobbins, W. E. "Mechanism of Reaera- 
 tion of Natixral Streams." Transactions, ASCE. 
 Volume 123. p. 6i+l. 1958. 
 
 (Ul) Streeter, H. W. and Phelps, E. B. "A Study of the Pollu- 
 tion and Natural Purification of the Ohio River. III. 
 Factors Concerned in the Phenomena of Oxidation and 
 Reaeration." Public Health Bulletin No. II+6. U. S. 
 Public Health Service. I925. 
 
 (42) Streeter, H. W. "Measures of Natural Oxidation in Polluted 
 
 Streams. II. The Reaeration Factor and Oxygen Balance." 
 Sti^am Pollution. Sewage Works Journal. Volume "J, 
 No. 3- p. 534. May 1935- 
 
 (iv3) Tsivoglou, E. C. "Discussion of Stream Data Applied to 
 
 Waste Treatment Plant Design." Technical Report W-58-2. 
 U. S. Public Health Service, Robert A. Taft Sanitary 
 Engineering Center, Cincinnati. 1958. 
 
 (kk) U. S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. 
 
 "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States, 1955." 
 Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 1403. 1959 • 
 
 (45) — -. "Study and Interpretation of the Chemical Character- 
 
 istics of Natural Water. " Geological Survey Water 
 Supply Paper 1473. 1959 • 
 
 (46) U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfso-e, Public 
 
 Health Service. "Drinking Water Standard, 1946." 
 
 Public Health Report 6I :37a- 384. 1946. Reprint No. 2697 
 
 (47) Welch, P. S. "Limnology." McGraw-Hill Book Conipany, Inc. 
 
 New York. 1952. 
 
 (48) — -. "Limnology Methods . " Blakiston Publishing Company, 
 
 Philadelphia. 1948. 
 
 -16- 
 
CHAPTER in. HYDROLOGY 
 
 The hydrograpMc and hydrologic features of the Sacramento River 
 vere determined from previously existing data and from measurements taken 
 during the course of the present investigation. The minimum flows expected 
 tinder present and future conditions govern the amounts of dilution avail- 
 able for various discharges. 
 
 Minimum Flovrs 
 
 Minimum flows in the Sacramento River under present conditions 
 of development were determined on the basis of the 1921-i4-l base period, 
 using diversions for the 1953-5'<- vater year. Present conditions include 
 projects operating or under construction in 196I except for the Sacramento 
 Municipal Utility District's Upper American River Development and the 
 Bureau of Reclamation's Coming CaneG.. 
 
 Futvure conditions of development incliode all of those projects 
 and demands as outlined in "Agreement Between the United States of America 
 and the Department of Water Resources of the State of California for the 
 Coordinated Operation of the Federal Central Valley Project and the State 
 Feather River and Delta Diversion Projects," May I6, i960. Development 
 includes the Trinity River Diversion, Whiskeytown Reservoir Project (Clear 
 Creek) , Coming Canal, Tehama-Colusa Canal, Black Butte Reservoir Project 
 (stony Creek), Oroville Reservoir (Feather River), and the Folsom South 
 Canal in addition to all presently operating development. It is expected 
 that these developments will be in operation by the year 1990* 
 
 Diversions used in the future conditions study were cofflpiled 
 from existing water rights on the Sacramento River. These water rights 
 quantities were employed in the department's Sacramento River Trial 
 
 -17- 
 
Distribution Studies and have been published in a joint report entitled 
 "Report on 1956 Cooperative Study Program~Water Use and Water Rights 
 Along S€U5ramento River and in Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta, " March 1957, 
 and in sirpplements on hydrology emd water rights by the U. S. Bureau of 
 Reclamation, the State Depaxtment of Water Resources and the Sacramento 
 River ajid Delta Water Association. 
 
 Irrigation return flows for both present and futxire conditions 
 were estimated as a percentage of the diversions for each separate river 
 reach. Percentages were assumed to be the same for both present and 
 futxare conditions. Return flows from diversions were considered to be 
 negligible from November 1 to March 31» 
 
 The mininium navigation requirement for the vicinity of Wilkins 
 Slxjugh (about mile ll8) employed in the futvire conditions study was 14-, 000 
 cfs, with a 1,000 cfs deficiency allowable under certain conditions of 
 project inflow, project and nonproject demands, and combined storage in 
 project reservoirs. 
 
 The resvilts of the minirmim flow stiodies are shown in Table 1. 
 Minimvim flow rates in cubic feet per second are tabulated for each nonth 
 of the yeaj: under both present and future conditions of development. 
 Flows represent the minimum conditions to be expected for that month of 
 the year. Deiily flows could drop below the specified amoimts while con- 
 trol measures are being taken at any of the various projects. 
 
 The results listed in Table 1 are presented only as a guide for 
 water quality management plauining. They axe valid for the particvilar 
 operating conditions and as8\in?)tions outlined previoiisly. It is expected 
 that the operations plan will be i-evised from time to time so that better 
 estimates of iti-iniimTiii flows, partic\ilarly downstream from the Feather River, 
 will be available, 
 
 -18- 
 
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 -19- 
 
CHAPTER IV. WATER OTILIZATION 
 
 The major soxirces of California's waters axe located in the 
 northern peurt of the State where the waters are leirgely wfiisted to the 
 ocean. Central and southern regions, with the bulk of the population 
 and rich in productive land areas, lack sufficient water supplies. Over 
 70 percent of the stream flow in California occurs north of a line drawn 
 throvigh Sacramento. The streams of the Sacramento basin carry about 32 
 percent of the total for the State. On the other hand, 77 percent of 
 the present consiomptive water requirement and 80 percent of the futvire 
 ultimate requirement is south of Sacramento. 
 
 The Sacramento Valley covers an area of about 5*000 square miles 
 and averages about 30 miles in width. Table 2 svmraiarizes the present 
 6U3d predicted future land amd water use patterns: 
 
 Table 2 
 PRESENT AND FUTURE lAND AND WATER USE IN SACRAMETPTO VALLEY 
 
 .* i960 ; 1990 
 
 Population 1,142,1^0 3,092,1400 
 
 Urban area, acres ll»-3,000 336,000 
 
 Urban water demand, acre-feet per year 225,000 71+5,000 
 
 Irrigated land, acres 1,900,000 2,714^7,000 
 
 Irrigation water demand, acre-feet per year 7,214-3,000 9,914^3,000 
 
 Domestic Water Systems 
 Five domestic water systems presently derive all or most of 
 their water from the Sacramento River. In the Redding area, the City 
 of Redding and the Rockaway Water Company pump their total supplies from 
 the river intakes and Enterprise Public Utility District supplies come 
 
 -21- 
 
from an infiltration gallery along the river and from two veils. The 
 City of Sacramento derives 80 to 85 percent of its supply from the river. 
 The Vallejo water system serves water from Cache Sloiigh to that city and 
 nearby military installations. Table 3 lists the I96O use of river water 
 in millions of gallons per day (MjD) : 
 
 Table 3 
 DOMESTIC USE OF SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER, I96O 
 
 : :Rockaway:Enterprise; 
 .City of. Water : Public ; 
 . Redding. gonjpaoy . utility ; 
 
 City of 
 Sacramento, 
 
 City of 
 Vallejo 
 
 Estimated population 
 
 12,500 
 
 8k 
 
 U,700 
 
 Average MGD 
 
 3.7^^ 
 
 0.008 
 
 — 
 
 Maximum M3D 
 
 9.27 
 
 0.015 
 
 — 
 
 Average summer M3D 
 
 — _ 
 
 — 
 
 0.25 
 
 Average winter MaD 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 0.038 
 
 Average gallons/capita/day 
 
 299 
 
 90 
 
 — . 
 
 139, Uoo 115,000 
 37.7 11.9 
 
 71.0 17.3 
 
 259 
 
 103 
 
 The major additional development of domestic supplies will occur 
 at Sacramento late in I962 when a Ik MJD Ranney collector is schedviled 
 to be placed in service. 
 
 Irrigation Supply 
 In i960, almost three million acre-feet of Sacramento River 
 water were diverted for agricviltiiral use. Fifty- two percent of the total 
 was vised in the Sacramento Valley and the balance wsis delivered through 
 the Bureau of Reclamation's Delta-Mendota Canal to the San Joaquin Valley 
 as shown in Table ki 
 
 -22- 
 
Table k 
 MAJOR IRRIGATION DIVERSIONS FROM THE SACRAMENTO RIVER, I96O 
 
 River 
 Mile 
 
 Total 
 Diversion, 
 acre-feet 
 
 : Maximum 
 : Monthly 
 :Diversion, 
 : cfs 
 
 297 -TR Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District 
 
 205. IR Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District 
 
 205 -OR Jacinto Irrigation District 
 
 IjU.lR Princeton-Codora-Glenn Irridation District 
 
 118. 9L Sutter Mutual Water Company 
 
 118. 3R Reclamation District No. I08 
 
 99. OR Reclamation District No. 20i+7 
 
 71. 2R Woodland Fanas, Incorporated 
 
 27. 3L Delta-Mendota Canal 
 
 17^^,700 
 
 395 
 
 768,100 
 
 2,320 
 
 85,600 
 
 175 
 
 65,600 
 
 150 
 
 213,100 
 
 760 
 
 95,100 
 
 350 
 
 61+,lt00 
 
 220 
 
 65,200 
 
 260 
 
 1,389,200* 3,925* 
 
 * Including minor amount from San Joaquin River. 
 
 The 1.5 million acre-feet diverted in the Sacramento Valley 
 constitute about 20 percent of the requirements shown on Table 2; the 
 beuLance is provided by other streams and locad. groiond waters and by re- 
 use of some of the drainage water. 
 
 Drainage waters generally have specific conductance values be- 
 tween 300 and 600 micromhos dviring the irrigation season and from 600 
 to 1200 during the winter, depending upon the particular area. Siipply 
 waters have conductances generally ranging from about 100 to 200 for sur- 
 face waters and 200 to 500 for grovuid waters. The increases of conduct- 
 ance and, accordingly, of dissolved solids, during irrigation are caused 
 by loss of water throiigh evaporation from water surfaces and transpira- 
 tion through plants suid by addition of minersLLs leached from the soil. 
 
 -23- 
 
A special stxidy was made to determine the effects of applica- 
 tion of a weedicide on a rice field. Twelve ounces per acre of MCPA 
 (2-methyl, l4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) were applied to the field which 
 W8U3 flooded to a depth of about four inches; this is equivalent to a con- 
 centration of one part per million. Water which drained from the field 
 between two and ten days after the application had an average concentra- 
 tion of one part per bill ion. Although the initial concentration of the 
 weedicide was undoubtedly higher, small and apparently healthy fish were 
 observed in the drain throughout the period. This indicates that the 
 MCPA had no significant effect upon the aquatic life in the ditch. 
 
 Recreation 
 
 The Sacramento River is ideally suited for pleasure boating 
 and boat fishing. A channel is maintained upstream to Colusa which will 
 accommodate large boats and gmaii boats can navigate thro\ighout the river. 
 Fishing boats cem be rented or launched in almost every section of the 
 river. There are approximately 68 public landings, parks, resorts and 
 harbors that provide boating and fishing facilities and many offer over- 
 night accommodations. There are long stretches where the tree-lined river 
 passes through primitive areas adding to the esthetic enjoyment of boat- 
 ing. Other recreational activities such as swimming, wading, and water- 
 skiing eire collectively considered as water-contact sports. The public 
 health signlficsuice of water-contact sports is discussed in the next 
 chapter. 
 
 Downstream from Sacramento, floating resta\iraiits with docking 
 facilities are available for public use. At Walnut Grove, new docking 
 facilities are being constructed to serve the boating public at a recently 
 renovated hotel and restaxirant. Large marinas at Rio Vista and near 
 
 -2lt- 
 
Isleton have recently expanded their facilities, and a new, large park 
 and marina is planned north of Colusa. 
 
 A sxirvey of recreational activities on the river between Hamilton 
 City and Rio Vista, including Steamboat Slough between Courtland and Rio 
 Vista, was made by boat on Labor Day weekend, September 3-5* 19^0 . 
 The results of this survey axe summarized on Figure 1, A. total of 2,338 
 people were observed. This integrates individual observations along the 
 river, and may be eissumed to reflect instantaneous daytime recreational 
 activity. The actual number of people who used the river was imdoubtedly 
 several times greater as indicated by the ratio of total boats (2,584) 
 to boats in use (628) . It is not possible to estimate the additional 
 number of boats which were launched from trailers during the weekend but 
 which were not observed. A total of ^4-3 resorts, public landings, camp- 
 ing areas axid paarks were observed. There were 90 private docks, fishing 
 floats and boat sheds. 
 
 Information on boating activities from Anderson to Butte City 
 was obtained from s\irveys made by the State Department of Public Health 
 in 1956 and I96O. In these surveys, information on the uses of the irLver 
 was obtained from resort owners along the river. The findings of these 
 surveys are sunmarized in Table 5 which lists the maximum number of per- 
 sons and boats for a single day during the recreational season. It can 
 be seen that the number of privately owned boats berthed at the resorts 
 or lAxmched from trailers almost doubled during the four-year period. 
 The number of persons boating auad fishing from boats increased proportionally. 
 
 -25- 
 
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 -26- 
 
Table 5 
 BOATING FROM ANDERSON TO BUTTE CITY, I956-I96O 
 
 October 1956 
 
 September I960 
 
 Nxnaber of Resorts 
 
 Rental Boats 
 
 Private Boats (oDored) 
 
 Private Boats (launched) 
 
 Persons Fishing From Boats) 
 
 22 + 1 coimty park 21 + 1+ county parks 
 
 1»^5 91 
 
 1^85 16k 
 
 150 
 
 Persons Pleasure Boating 
 
 r- 
 
 075 
 
 38U 
 
 1,U92 
 
 U07 
 
 Fish and Wildlife 
 
 Sacramento River water provides for large mmbers of migratory 
 and resident fish and vildlife. The anadromous fish of the river and 
 the migratory vaterfowl of the Pacific Flyvay are of major economic ingoor- 
 tance to all the states of the Pax:ific Coast. These renewable resources 
 are dependent upon both the quantity and qusLLlty of river water. Protec- 
 tion of these resoiirces is euLso dependent upon appropriate control of 
 waste discharges into the river. 
 
 An iDQKtrtant commercial fishery depends on the king salmon of 
 the Sacramento River. This is an anadromous species which is hatched 
 in vrpstream reaches, begins its journey to the ocean after a month or 
 two of stream life, attains adulthood in about foxir years in the ocean, 
 and returns to the river to spawn ajad die. The estimated contribution 
 of the Sacramento emd San Joaquin Seisins to the CeiLifomia king salmon 
 fishery from 191+8 to 1959 was 5,800,000 povmds retailing at approximately 
 $3,600,000 nnmifliiy. Morever, king salmon fix)m these basins contribute 
 
 -27- 
 
fiui appreciable but unknown amount to the Oregon and Washington conmercieQ. 
 fisheries. 
 
 An indication of the economic value of California's anadromous 
 sport fisheries is seen in gross emnual expenditxires of anglers. The 
 California Department of Fish aiid Game estimated that anglers spent about 
 $26,000,000 in 1953 fishing for king salmon, steelhead, and striped bass 
 in the Sacramento and San Joeiquin Basins. Undetermined expend! tvires vere 
 made in connection with fishing for Americ8Ui shad, white catfish, channel 
 catfish, black bass, and panfish. C\irrent expenditures are not known, 
 but they axe certainly greater than the 1953 amounts. 
 
 Many thousands of acres in the Sacramento Valley provide habitat 
 for wildlife. For example, Colusa, Sutter, and Butte Basins provide 
 wintering areas for five to eight million waterfowl that frequent the 
 Pacific Flyway, a migration path which extends along the western part 
 of North America and funnels through the Central Valley of California. 
 These leuids also provide considerable habitat for pheasants. 
 
 Sacramento River water is essentisQ. to the maintenance of the 
 above fish and wildlife populations, and reservoir releases have been estab- 
 lished for this puipose. Minimum fish releases from Shasta Dam provide 
 from 2,300 to 3,900 cfs, depending on the season, during normal years 
 and from 2,000 to 2,800 cfs during critical years. Minimum releases from 
 Folsom Dam assure 500 cfs in the American River during the spawning sea- 
 son and 250 cfs throughout the rest of the year. Other diversions of 
 Sacramento River water through the Delta^endota Canal are made in the 
 fall for wild-fowl habitat in the San Joaquin Valley grasslands. 
 
 Navigation 
 The Sacramento River channel is maintained at minimum depths 
 of 10 feet from the Delta to the City of Sacramento- and six feet between 
 
 -28- 
 
Sacramento and Colusa. These depths are provided by maintaining a mini- 
 mimi stream flow of 5^000 cfs at the navigation control point near Wilkins 
 Sloiogh. 
 
 An estimated 5^550,000 tons of commercial products, consisting 
 primarily of petroleum products with a lesser, though significant, quan- 
 tity of fann produce, were shipped through the Sacramento River's navi- 
 gation system in i960. There is also a large amount of military shipping. 
 
 Under future conditions, the mininnnn flow at the navigation 
 control point will be 1^,000 cfs with an allowable depletion of 1,000 cfs 
 downstream from the control point during the irrigation season. 
 
 5y 1990* commercial shipping in the Sacramento River area is 
 expected to be about 15,000,000 tons. Military shipments are not included. 
 Petroleum will remain the principal commodity to be shipped. 
 
 Waste Disposal 
 The history and public health benefits of water-borne waste 
 collection and treatment systems are weU known. Local physiographic, 
 land-use and economic considerations have often resulted in ultimate dis- 
 posal of these wastes to watercourses. Accordingly, a major use of the 
 Sacramento River is for the disposal of wastes. The effects of waste 
 disposeuL on the Sacramento River are discussed in Chapter V. Pertinent 
 data on individual waste collection, treatment, and disposal works are 
 presented on the following pages. 
 
 Domestic and Mxmicipal Wastes 
 
 Present Discharges to Sacramento River . Quantities of sewage 
 treatment plant effluents discharged directly to the river in I96O axe 
 listed in Table 6 and locations of the discharges etre shown on Plate 1. 
 
 -29. 
 
Discharges from other sewage treatment plants in the Sacramento eirea reach 
 the river through drains and tributaxies . 
 
 Table 6 
 SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAMT DISCHARGES TO SACRAMENTO RIVER, I960 
 
 
 : Treatment Facilities ! 
 
 Design: 
 Flow : 
 
 Average 
 Flow 
 (hCD) 
 
 : Ave rage 
 
 Communities 
 
 : Date of 
 : Construction 
 
 : Type of : 
 :Treatment: 
 
 Post- 
 chlorination; 
 
 : BOD 
 
 : (ppm) 
 
 Redding 
 
 I9k8 
 
 Primary 
 
 None 
 
 3.75 
 
 2.1 
 
 139 
 
 Red Bluff 
 
 1952 
 
 Pri raary 
 
 None 
 
 0.9 
 
 1.1 
 
 130 
 
 Coming 
 
 191+9 
 
 -it- 
 Primary 
 
 10 ppm 
 
 0.1^ 
 
 0.2 
 
 
 
 West Sewraaento 
 
 195^ 
 
 Primary 
 
 0.5 ppm 
 residual 
 
 5.0 
 
 2.0 
 
 ll»8 
 
 Sacramento 
 (main plant) 
 
 195'+ 
 
 Primary 
 
 Subresidual 
 
 5i+ 
 
 1*9.1+ 
 
 151 
 
 Sacramento 
 (Meadowview plant) 
 
 1958 
 
 Primary 
 
 None 
 
 2.75 
 
 0.2 
 
 ll;0 
 
 Isleton 
 
 1956 
 
 Primary 
 
 0.5 ppm 
 
 residual 
 
 0.65 
 
 0.1 
 
 70 
 
 Rio Vista 
 
 1951+ 
 
 Primary 
 
 None 
 
 0.72 
 
 0.2 
 
 80 
 
 * Land disposed, in summer. 
 
 The bacteriological qtiality of the effluents depends upon the 
 degree of postchlorlnation, while bacterial populations in the river depend 
 upon the chlorination, the dilution afforded by the river, and time of 
 travel. Coliform bacteria concentrations in the discharges vary from 
 a few hundred per 100 ml in highly chlorinated effluents to several tens 
 of millions per 100 ml for xmchlorinated effluents. The organic loadings 
 on the river are measxured by the amount of oxygen utilized, in five days 
 or the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) . BOD concentrations of the dis- 
 charges vary throughout the day at the various plants. Seasonal discharges 
 
 -30- 
 
of industrial weistes from food processing plants axe also reflected in 
 the BOD's. 
 
 Present Discharges to Tributary Strefuns . Although there are 
 a number of sewage treatment plants which discharge to various tributary- 
 streams, the locations ajid flows of only those pleints serving communities 
 and industries north and east of Sacramento are of significance to the 
 Sacramento River. These discharges eventually reach the Sacramento River 
 by either the Natomas East Main Drain or the American River. Both enter 
 the east side of the Sacramento River at river mile 60.U within a few 
 hundred yards of each other, immediately upstream from the City of 
 Sacramento water intake. 
 
 Future Discharges . The Redding Sewage Treatment Plant has suf- 
 ficient capacity to treat the expected increase inflows from the city 
 for the near future. When present facilities become inadequate, it is 
 proposed in the City of Redding 's master plan that new facilities will 
 be constructed south of town. 
 
 The sewage treatment plant at Red Bluff is overloaded by 15 
 to 20 percent during much of the yeeu:. The city is presently investigat- 
 ing the possibility of obtaining another site for sewage treatment facili- 
 ties and may revert to land disposeO. of the effluent from the new treatment 
 plsint . 
 
 The Sacramento area is undergoing a rapid population expemsion 
 and a number of changes and additions to the present sewage treatment 
 facilities are proposed. A new secondary sewage treatment plant has been 
 proposed to serve the area north of Sacramento on the east side of the 
 Sacramento River known as the Natomas Sewer Maintenance District. The 
 plant will have a design capacity of h,^ MSD and will eventually discharge 
 
 -31- 
 
into the East Drainage Canal of the Natomas Main Drain and reach the 
 Sacramento River at river mile 6I.5. 
 
 A new sewage treatment plant under covinty supervision and opera- 
 tion is under construction to serve the area northeast of Sacramento along 
 the Americsutt River. The initial design capacity of the Becondairy treat- 
 ment plant will be 9 MGD. The effluent from the plant will enter the 
 Americem River approximately 12 miles above its confluence with the 
 Sacramento River. 
 
 The Southeast Sanitation District plant is presently under con- 
 struction southeast of the City of Sacramento which will treat the sewage 
 from new subdivisions in county areas. The plant will provide secondary 
 treaianent with an initial design capacity of 8 MID and an ultimate capa- 
 city of kS hCD. The effluent will enter the Seuiramento River at mile 
 k6 which is approximately ik miles below Sacramento. 
 
 No plans have been made as yet by the City of Sacramento for 
 ejcpansion or modification of the Sacramento main plant. The Meadowview 
 Sewage Treatment Plant is presently operating far below its design capacity. 
 
 The sewage treatment plant for West Sacramento has undergone 
 additions and modifications which will enable it to handle sewage from 
 the West Sacramento area without fxirther expansion for a number of yeeirs. 
 
 The present sewage treatment pleints at Isleton, and Rio Vista 
 have sufficient capacity to treat any exi)ected increase in wastes from 
 the communities in the forseeable future. Installation of disinfection 
 facilities at the City of Rio Vista Sewage Treatment Plant has been recom- 
 mended by the State Department of Public Health. 
 
 -32- 
 
Industrial Wastes 
 
 The tvo significant industrial waste discharges to the Sacramento 
 River are from a wood products plant near Red Bluff and a sugar beet pro- 
 cessing plsuit at Clarksburg. Minor discharges include several log pond 
 overflows in the Redding - Red Blviff area (one sizeable flow, 1 MGD, reaches 
 the Sacramento River via Anderson CreekJ , an intermittent discharge of 
 diluted battery acid near Sacramento, cooling water from a food storage 
 plant at Hood, and wastes from a mushroom plant near Locke. In the past, 
 sesLsonal occurrences of tastes and odors in the Sacramento water supply 
 are believed to be associated with an industrial discharge from a mili- 
 tary instsQlation which eventually reaches the Sacramento River a short 
 distance upstream from the water intake. 
 
 Diamond National Corporation . The Diamond National Corporation 
 plant located two miles south of Red Bluff produces molded paper products 
 such as plates and trays. About 0.5 MjD of waste is produced which con- 
 tains sxilfur conipounds, silica, and wood pvilp. Another 1.5 MSD of waste 
 consists of supernatant containing wood fiber from molded pulp process- 
 ing operations. Wastes from both processes are settled with alum and 
 treated with lime to control the pH and discharged to settling and leach- 
 ing ponds located beside Redbank Creek. Redbank Creek also receives 1.5 
 JCD from a log pond. BOD's in the creek vary from 2 to 90 ppm. 
 
 American Crystal Sugar Company . This company processes sugsu: 
 beets at a plant in Clarksburg. In I96O, the operation ran from August 9 
 to December 1. Flows generally vary from 3 to ^i ICD and BOD's range from 
 21*0 to 550 ppm. 
 
 -33- 
 
AgriculturaJ. Drainage 
 
 Most of the agricultiiral retvim water is discharged to the river 
 in the 20-mlle reach above the Feather River (mile 79.9) • Table 7 lists 
 major annual discharges from 1950 to 1959* 
 
 Table 7 
 DISCHABGES FROM IRRIGATION DRAINS TO THE SACRAMENTO RIVER, 1950-59 
 
 ~f \ ' Discharge (1000 acre-feet) 
 
 Drain (river mile) .^^^q .j^^^j^ .j^g^g ;1953:195'^ :1955 :1956 ;1957:195Bn^59 
 
 Butte Sloiogh 
 (138.9) 228 168 lOl^ 181 205 180 lUl 122 83 128 
 
 Reclamation District 
 70 {12k. 2) 16 18 33 31 36 2k 3k 15 36 21 
 
 Reclamation District 
 108 (100.1) 121 159 172 ll+l 167 126 132 93 151 111 
 
 Reclamation District 
 787 (93.6) 6 9 19 22 19 11 27 13 22 16 
 
 Colusa Basin Drain 
 (90.2) 261 310 225 305 271 355 326 353 236 356 
 
 Sacramento Slough 
 (80.8) 338 335 200 180 3^5 ^5 276 2U6 370 232 
 
 Natomas Cross Canal 
 (79.1) 171 ♦ 21U 81 83 107 152 1+8 12 1+ 
 
 Reclamation District 
 1000 (61.5 - 75.5) k3 38 77 k^ k6 51 65 17 82 9 
 
 TOTAL 1,18^ 1.037 1,01+3 987 1,172 1,298 1,152 907 992 877 
 
 * No record. 
 
 Table 7 indicates that the total irrigation wBste discharged 
 from the eight drains is over 3I+ percent of the total amount of vater 
 diverted for irrigation between Sacramento and Redding. Since the over- 
 all Sacramento Valley irrigation water service area efficiency is 
 
 -3it- 
 
approximately 6o percent, practically all of the unused applied irriga^ 
 tion >ra,ter returns to the river by the drains listed in the table. 
 
 Salinity Repulsion 
 
 The lower reach of the Sacramento River is subject to salinity 
 intrusion from the ocesui. The extent of this incursion is governed by 
 the height of the tidal rise axid the flov in the river. 
 
 Natural fresh water outflow from the' Central Valley is inade- 
 quate to repel salinity during summer months. The maximum recorded extent 
 of salinity incxirsion occurred in September 1931> when ocean ssiLts reached 
 35 miles upstream in the Sacramento River. 
 
 The control of sea-water invasion is presently effected by re- 
 pelling the saline water with fresh water released from upstream reservoirs. 
 Since operations of the Central Valley Project began in 19^9^ intrusion 
 of sea water into S€icramento River has extended only to mile 7»0. Without 
 such operational releeises, in 1955 saline water would have intruded about 
 90 percent of the Delta channels. 
 
 Reservoir releases for salinity control are coordinated with 
 releases for navigation, hydroelectric power generation, and other bene- 
 ficial uses of the water* 
 
 -35- 
 
CHAPTER V. WATER QUALITY 
 
 Tlie Sacramento River responds to heat and cold, light and dark, 
 geographiceO. and geological featiires, and activities of man in much the 
 same manner as a domestic animal. Like a domestic animal, it provides 
 man with both practical and intangible benefits, and it can be abused. 
 
 The behavior of the river is determined by its memy physical, 
 chemical, and biological cheuraxiteri sties. Some of the constituents axe 
 conservative; that is, once they are added, they stay. Ctonsnon salt, for 
 exaniple, added by leaching of irrigated fields or by municipal xise of the 
 water remains in the water thereafter. Concentrations are increased by 
 evaporation from water svirface or throxigh plants. With respect to dis- 
 solved conservative constituents, the river is the sim of its parts. 
 
 Nonconservative constituents in a stream are those which axe 
 subject to change by biological processes. Photosynthesis by floating 
 and attaxihed plants adds food aM oxygen to the water. This food, together 
 with that introduced by tributary flows and wsiste discharges, is used 
 by animEils and bacteria. Wherever there is food, there is feasting azid 
 with this feasting, there is consumption of oxygen \jy respiration. The 
 amoxmt of oxygen dissolved in the water decreases accordingly. Under 
 extreme conditions, the dissolved oxygen is utilized more rapidly than 
 it can be supplied by the atmosphere and by photosynthesis combined, and 
 the stream becomes septic. In suidition to oxygen, nonconservative con- 
 stituents include carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, and, to lesser extent, 
 silica and trace constituents, aU. of which are constantly shifting between 
 organic and inorganic forms. 
 
 The various beneficial uses discussed in the preceding chapter, 
 some of which are competing, have different water quality reqtilrements . 
 
 -37- 
 
These requirements and. the effect of these uses on the river are presented 
 in the following pages. 
 
 Water Quality Criteria 
 Criteria utilized in evsuLuation of the quality of water of the 
 Sacramento River are presented in two categories: (l) general criteria 
 which are applicable to broad classifications of \ises end not associated 
 with any particular source of water supply, and (2) specific criteria 
 related directly to the water of the Sacramento River. 
 
 General Criteria 
 
 These criteria were used as guides in detennining the sxiitability 
 of a water supply with respect to the following broad categories of uses: 
 domestic and municipal water supply, industrial water supply, irrigation 
 water supply, and preservation of fish and wildlife. 
 
 Domestic and Municipal Water Supply . Chapter 7 of the California 
 Health and Seifety Code contains laws and standards relating to domestic 
 water supply. Section ^4010.5 of this code refers to the drinking water 
 standards promulgated by the United States Public Health Service for water 
 used on interstate carriers. These criteria have been adopted by the 
 State of California. They are set forth in detail in United States Public 
 Health Report, Volume 6l, No. 11, March 15, 19*^6, reissued in March 1956. 
 
 According to Section 4.2 of the above-named report, chemical 
 substances in drinking water sxrpplies, either natural or treated, should 
 conform to the limitations presented in Table 8. 
 
 -38- 
 
Table 8 
 LIMITIJNG CONCENTRATIONS OF CHEMICAL 
 
 coNarrruENTS for drinking water 
 
 United States Public Health Service 
 Drinking Water Standards, 19k6 
 
 
 : Parts Per 
 
 Constituents 
 
 : Million 
 
 Mandatory 
 
 
 Fluoride (F) 
 
 1.5 
 
 Lead (Pb) 
 
 0.1 
 
 Selenium (Se) 
 
 Hexavalent chromium (Cr"*^) 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.05 
 
 Arsenic (As) 
 
 0.05 
 
 Nonmandatory but Recommended Values 
 
 
 Iron (Fe) suid manganese (Mn) together 
 
 0.3 
 
 Magnesium (Mg) 
 
 125 
 
 Chloride (Cl) 
 
 250 
 
 Sulfate (SOi^) 
 
 250 
 
 Copper (Cu) 
 
 3.0 
 
 Zinc (Zn) 
 
 15 
 
 Phenolic compounds in terms of phenol 
 
 0.001 
 
 Total solids - desirable 
 
 500 
 
 - permitted 
 
 1,000 
 
 The 19^ standards also states that txurbi 
 
 dity shall not ex( 
 
 10 ppm (silica scale), that color shall not exceed 20 (platinvmi-cobalt 
 scale) , and that the water shall have no objectionable taste or odor. 
 
 In 1962, the Public Health Service adopted a revised set of 
 drinking water standards. These have not yet been adopted by the State 
 of CeLLifomia. They eire presented in Chapter IV, Appendix C. 
 
 Interim stsindards for certain mineral constituents have recently 
 been adopted by the California State Board of Public Health. Based on 
 these stsmdaxds, temporary permits may be issued for drinking water sup- 
 lies failing to meet the United States Public Heeilth Service Drinking 
 
 -39- 
 
Water Standards, provided the mineral constituents in Table 9 sxe not 
 exceeded. 
 
 Table 9 
 
 UPPER LIMITS OF TOTAL SOLIDS AND SELECTED MINERALS IN 
 DRINKING WATER AS DELIVERED TO THE CONSUMER 
 
 California State Board of Public Health 
 
 ! Permit* . Temporary Permit 
 
 Total solids 500 flOOO) 1,500 ppm 
 
 Sulfates (SO4) 250 (500 J 600 ppm 
 
 Chlorides (Cl) 250 J500) 6OO ppm 
 
 Magnesium (Mg) 125 (125) 150 ppm 
 
 * NuBibers in parentheses are maximum permissible, to be 
 used only where no other more suitable waters are avail- 
 able in sufficient quantity for use in the systems. 
 
 The California State Boatrd of Health has defined the maximum 
 
 safe amounts of fluoride ion in drinking water in relation to mean annual 
 
 temperature . 
 
 Mean annual Mean monthly maximum 
 temperature fluoride ion concentration 
 in **? in ppm 
 
 50 1.5 
 
 60 1.0 
 
 70 - above O.7 
 
 The relationship of infant methemoglobinemia (a reduction of 
 oxygen content in the blood, constituting a form of asphyxia) to nitrates 
 in the water supply has led to limitation of nitrates in drinking water. 
 The California State Department of Public Health has recommended a tenta- 
 tive limit of 10 ppm nitrogen {hh ppm nitrates) for domestic waters. 
 Water containing higher concentrations of nitrates may be considered to 
 be of questionable quality for domestic axid municipal use. 
 
 -I4O- 
 
Limits may be established for other organic or mlnersLL substance 
 if, in the judgment of state or locsQ. health authorities, their presence 
 in water renders it hazardous. 
 
 An additional factor with which water users are concerned is 
 hardness. Hardness is due principally to calcium and magnesixim salts 
 ftnH is generally evidenced by inability to develop suds when using soap. 
 The United States Geological Svirvey considers the four classes of hard- 
 ness listed in Table 10 (kh) . 
 
 Table 10 
 
 HARDNESS CLASSIFICATION OF WATERS 
 U. S. Geological Survey 
 
 Range of : Relative 
 hardness in ppm i classification 
 
 0-60 Soft 
 
 61 - 120 Moderately hard 
 
 121 - 200 Hard 
 
 Above 200 Usually requires softening 
 
 Criteria for Irrigation Water . Criteria for mineral quality 
 of water have been developed by the Regional Salinity Laboratories of 
 the United States Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the 
 University of Celifomia. 
 
 Because of the diverse climatologicsLL conditions, crops, soils, 
 and irrigation practices in California, criteria which may be set up to 
 evaluate the suitability of water for irrigation vise must necessarily 
 be of general nat\ire, and judgement must be used in their application 
 to individual cases. Suggested limiting values for total dissolved solids, 
 chloride concentration, percent sodium and boron concentration for three 
 general classes of irrigation waters are shown in Table 11. 
 
 * A detailed discussion of water qixality and the public health is 
 presented in the addend\jm to this bvOletin on page 90. 
 
 -41- 
 
Table 11 
 QUALITATIVE CLASSIFICATION OF IRRIGATION WATERS 
 
 Chemical pixDperties 
 
 Class 1 
 
 Class 2 
 
 Excellent 
 to good 
 
 (Suitable for ', 
 most plants i 
 \inder any con-! 
 tioQS of soil ', 
 and climate) 
 
 Good to 
 injurious 
 (Possibly 
 harmful for 
 some crops 
 under cer- 
 tain soil 
 conditions) 
 
 Class 3 
 
 Injurious to 
 uns at i s f ac tory 
 
 (Harmful to 
 most crops axd. 
 unsatisfactory 
 for all but the 
 
 most tolerant) 
 
 Total dissolved solids: 
 
 In ppm 
 
 In conductance 
 micromhos at 25*C 
 
 Chloride ion concentration: 
 
 In millieqLuivalents 
 
 per liter 
 In ppm 
 
 Sodium in percent of 
 base constituents 
 
 Boron in ppm 
 
 Less than 700 700 - 2,000 More than 2,000 
 Less than 1,000 1,000 - 3,000 More than 3,000 
 
 Less than 5 
 Less than 175 
 
 Less than 60 
 Less than 0.5 
 
 5-10 More than 10 
 175 - 350 More than 350 
 
 60-75 More than 75 
 0.5 - 2.0 More than 2.0 
 
 Industrial Water Supply . Water quality criteria for industrial 
 waters are as varied auid diversified as industry itself. Food process- 
 ing, beverage production, pulp and paper manufacturing, and textile indus- 
 tries have exacting reqxiirements, while poor queility waters can be used 
 for some cooling or metal 1 Tirgiceil operations. In general, where a water 
 supply meets drinking water standsurds, it is satisfactory for industrial 
 use, either directly or following a limited amount of polishing treatment 
 or softening by the indxistry. 
 
 Preservation and Protection of Fish and Wildlife . A healthy 
 and diversified aquatic population is indicative of good water quality 
 
 .J+2- 
 
conditions which in turn permit optimum beneficial uses of the water. 
 For such a population to exist, the environment must be suitable for both 
 the fish and the food-chain organisms. 
 
 Msmy mineral and orgsuiic substances, even in low concentrations, 
 axe harmful to fish and aquatic life. Insecticides, herbicides, ether- 
 soluble materials, euid salts of heavy metals are of particular concern. 
 It may be noted that although the drinking water standards presented in 
 Table 8 permit as much as 3*0 and 15 ppm of copper and zinc, respectively, 
 such levels are highly toxic to fish. 
 
 Tolerance to tenperatiure extremes varies widely between fish 
 species. In general, cold water fish are found in waters of from 32* 
 to 65 *F; warm water fish require temperatures between k^" and 85 °F. The 
 maxijnum tenrperature for successful salmon spawning is 58 *F. Rapid changes 
 in water temperature may result in fish kills. 
 
 The miniimnn requirements for dissolved oxygen concentrations 
 vary with the location and season. In general, 5 PPm is satisfactory 
 for migrating fish. However, anadromous fish require at leaist 7 ppm dis- 
 solved oxygen in spawning axeas and, under some conditions, 9 PP™ is needed. 
 
 It has been found that fish can thrive between pH limits of 
 6.5 and 8.5. 
 
 The combined effect of many chemical or physical characteris- 
 tics are not the siii5)le sum of the specific effects. For exaxaple, while 
 the hardness of the water does not of itself affect fish, some insecti- 
 cides are more toxic in soft water and others are more toxic in haz*d water 
 (chapter II, Appendix C). These problems of synergistic and antagonistic 
 effects extend through a wide range of materials and conditions. Frequently, 
 predictions of the effects of a paxticular waste discharge are made from 
 biological studies in similar waters receiving similar wastes. In many 
 
 -U3- 
 
cases, these requirements for similarity may not be met and laboratory 
 bioassays are necessary. 
 
 Specific Criteria 
 
 Specific criteria which are relLated to water quality of the 
 Sacramento River are included in (l) a policy statement adopted by the 
 Central Valley Regional Water Pollution Control Board, (2) recommendations 
 by a board of consultants on water quality, and (3) a contract between 
 the CeuLifomia State Department of Water Resources and the Metropolitan 
 Water District of Southern California. 
 
 Policy of the Central Valley Regional Water Pollution Control 
 Board (No. ^) . In September 195^+, the boaxd adopted Resolution No. 5^-35 
 to provide guidance in preparing quality requirements for wastes to be 
 discharged into the Sacramento River. Relevant sections of this resolu- 
 tion are quoted as follows: 
 
 "RESOLVED, that as an initial policy the waters of the 
 Sacramento River at the Division of Water Resources sampling 
 station (Station No. 15) at M Street Bridge near the City of 
 Sacramento : 
 
 1. Shall not have a sulphate concentration in excess of 
 h ppm over the sulphate concentration present in the 
 river at the saine sampling station. Maximum observed 
 to date itO ppm. 
 
 2. Shall not have a chloride concentration in excess of 
 k ppm over the present chloride concentration at the 
 same sanipling station. Maximum observed to date 20 
 ppm. 
 
 3. Shall not have a sodium concentration in excess of k 
 ppm over the present sodium concentration at the same 
 sampling station. Maximum observed to date 25 ppm. 
 
 k. Shall not have a hardness concentration in excess of 
 k ppm over the present. Maximum observed to date 92 
 ppm. 
 
 -hk. 
 
5- Shall not have a total solids concentration in excess 
 of 25 ppm over present. Maximum observed to date I76 
 ppm; and be it 
 
 RESOLVED further. That 
 
 6. The Sacramento River at no point shall have a dissolved 
 oxygen concentration of less than 85 percent saturation. 
 
 7. The waters of the Sacramento River at all points shall 
 be bacteriological 1 y safe for its present use. 
 
 8. The waters of the Sacramento River shall be free of 
 grease slicks and floating solids of sewage or waste 
 origin. 
 
 9. The Sacramento River shall have no substances discharged 
 to it of such character or quantity as to be injurious 
 to humans, plant, animal, fish or aquatic life. 
 
 10. The Sacramento River shall have no substances discharged 
 to it of such character or quantity as to be injiorious 
 for irrigation use. 
 
 U. The Sacramento River shall not have sludge of sewage 
 
 or waste origin deposited either on its bottom or banks. 
 
 12. The Sacramento River shall receive no waste discharges 
 which will cause objectionable discoloration. 
 
 13. Waste discharges to the river shall not raise the 
 temperature of the Sacramento River more than 0.5"*F 
 at aiiy point. 
 
 lif-. Waste discharges shall not cause the pH of the river 
 
 to fall below 6.5 nor rise above 8.5 at any point except 
 that no more than 10 percent of the samples shall be 
 less than 7*0 ajid no more than 10 percent of the sam- 
 ples shall be more than 8.0. 
 
 15. The Sacramento River shall have no substances in it 
 
 of such character or quantity as to be capable of caus- 
 ing detectable tastes or odors in a domestic water 
 supply after conventionsuL and practical treatment." 
 
 Recommendations of Board of ConsvuLtants . A board of consultants 
 was retained by the Department of Water Resources to recommend water quality 
 criteria for water for export at points of diversion at the southern bound- 
 ary of the Sacramento-San Joaq\iin Delta under the ultimate pattern of 
 water transfer and use proposed in Tbe Ceilifomia Water Plan ^^"^ . The 
 
1955 reconmendations of this boaxd listed in Table 12 were adopted by 
 the Department of Water Resoxirces as the quality objectives to be met 
 at points of diversion from the Delta for water to be exported to the 
 major areeis of deficiency. 
 
 Table 12 
 
 WATER QUALITY LIMITS FOR WATER FOR EXPORT AT 
 POINTS OF DIVERSION AT SOITTHERN BOUNDARY 
 OF SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN DELTA 
 
 Recommended by Board of Consultants on Water QueLLity 
 
 Jxine 1955 
 
 Item . Limit 
 
 • 
 
 Total Dissolved Solids - itOO ppm 
 
 Electrical Conductance (EC x 10° at 25 "C) 600 
 
 Hardness as CaC03 l60 ppm 
 
 Sodium Percentage 50 
 
 Sulfate 100 ppm 
 
 Chloride 100 ppm 
 
 Fluoride 1.0 ppm 
 
 Boron 0.5 ppm 
 
 pH 7-0 - 8.5 
 
 Color 10 ppm 
 
 Other constituents as to which the U. S. Public 
 Health Service has or may establish mandatory 
 or recommended stsmdsa^s for drinking water USPHS Limits 
 
 Contract Between the State of California and the Metropolitan 
 Water District . In November i960, the Department of Water Resources 
 entered Into a contract with the Metropolitan Water District for trans- 
 port of surface waters to southern California for use by the district. 
 The contract sets forth quality objectives to be met by the State at 
 points of delivery to the district. These objectives are listed in 
 Table 13 as a guide for evsuLtiatlon of the quality of the Sacramento 
 River. 
 
 -1*6- 
 
"It shall be the objective of the State and the State 
 shall take all reasonable measures to make available, at »n 
 delivery stixictures for delivery of project vater to the 
 District, project water of such quality that the following 
 constituents do not exceed the concentrations stated as 
 follows : 
 
 Table 13 
 
 WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR 
 THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOITTHERN CALIFORNIA 
 
 
 • 
 
 rMonthly: Average for 
 
 any: 
 
 
 Constituent 
 
 . Unit 
 
 :Average 
 
 :10. 
 
 -Year Period : 
 
 Maximum 
 
 Total Dissolved Solids 
 
 ppm. 
 
 khO 
 
 
 220 
 
 
 
 Total Haxdness 
 
 ppni« 
 
 180 
 
 
 no 
 
 
 . 
 
 Chlorides 
 
 ppm. 
 
 no 
 
 
 55 
 
 
 • 
 
 Sulfates 
 
 ppm. 
 
 no 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 . 
 
 Sodium Percentage 
 
 i> 
 
 50 
 
 
 ko 
 
 
 - 
 
 Fluoride 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1.5 
 
 Lead 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 0.1 
 
 Selenium 
 
 ppm. 
 
 m 
 
 
 > 
 
 
 0.05 
 
 Hexavalent Chromium 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 .- 
 
 
 0.05 
 
 Arsenic 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 mm 
 
 
 0.05 
 
 Iron and Manganese together 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 -' 
 
 
 0.3 
 
 Magnesixan 
 
 ppn. 
 
 - 
 
 
 itf 
 
 
 325. 
 
 Copper 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 3.0 
 
 Zinc 
 
 ppm. 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15. 
 
 Phenol 
 
 ppm. 
 
 ~ 
 
 
 " 
 
 
 0.001 
 
 Subsequent contracts between the Department of Water Resoiarces 
 and local agencies have Included water quality objectives consistent with 
 those in Table 13 . 
 
 Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Sacramento River Water 
 
 Temperature 
 
 Water temperat\ires at Keswick generally vsury between 50 and 
 55°F« During winter months, ten5)eratures decrease 8is the water moves 
 downstream. For the rest of the year, temperatures rise to between about 
 
 6o°F and 75°F above Sacramento. After being cooled a few degrees by inflows 
 
 -1*7- 
 
from the Americsm River, temperatures remain essentially constant except 
 
 for a local seasonal increase below Weilnut Grove where current reversals < 
 
 due to tides are important. 
 
 The Sacramento River is slightly alkaline with a mediaji pH of 
 7-3 from Keswick to Rio Vista. Tributary streams have similar pH values 
 while irrigation returns are somewhat more alkaline. Spring Creek is 
 strongly acid becaxxse of mine wastes; however, this discharge is quickly 
 neutralized so that no effect on the river was observed. 
 
 i< 
 
 
 Suspended Solids, Turbidity, and Color 
 
 Concentrations of suspended solids, turbidity, and color increase 
 with disteuace from Keswick. Seasonal increeises are due to unregulated 
 tributary flows, to irrigation returns, and to algae ajid other plankton. 
 
 Figure 2 shows suspended solids concentrations observed in I96O-6I.J1 
 Uniniblished records of the U. S. GeologicsLL Survey revesl approximately 
 the same concentrations as those shown in the figxire during low flow periods; 
 however, dxiring winter storms, much higher average values are reported. 
 
 The I9U6 Public Health Service drinking water standards set 
 a limit of 10 ppm on turbidity and 20 color \mits. Although turbidities 
 and color are usually within these limits, provision for their removal 
 should be made in domestic water systems. 
 
 Tot el Dissolved Solids 
 
 Concentrations of total dissolved solids may be determined by 
 weighing the residue of evaporation or by summation of the concentrations 
 of individual constituents. The electrical conductivity of water is 
 directly proportional to the amount of dissolved minersuLs and csm be meas- 
 ured continuously; this is reported as specific conductance in micromhos. 
 
 
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 RIVER MILES 
 
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 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 Figure2. SUSPENDED SOLIDS — SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 
 1960-1961 
 
 -49- 
 
Figures 3 and k show how total dissolved solids and specific ; 
 conductance, respectively, varied throughout the river during the period ' 
 of investigation. Generally, the concentration of total dissolved solids ' 
 in ppm is about six-tenths of the specific conductance in mlcromhos. 
 The figures show that during months of spring snowmelt, solids concentra- 
 tions in the river tend to be reduced by tributary flows. IXiring the 
 rest of the year, concentrations increased due to Irrigation return flows, j 
 The maxtm\im increase occvirred in September when concentrations approxi- j 
 mately doubled between Keswick and Bryte. Solids concentrations were ' 
 reduced by Feather and American River flows and were sharply increased 
 in the lowest reaches by tidal waters. 
 
 Continuous conductivity recorders Installed at locations shown 
 on Plate 1 showed that intermittent discharges of irrigation return waters, 
 particularly from the pumping plant of Reclamation District No. 108 (mile , 
 100. l), could be traced down the river. The record clearly showed that j 
 monthly and daily sampling downstream had historically missed R. D. 108 j 
 discharges. These discharges were made at night in order to take advan- j 
 tage of off-peak power rates and coiild be traced downstream to Isleton I 
 (mile l8.8), the most distant recorder. I 
 
 J! 
 I 
 
 Hardness 
 
 Water in the Sacramento River is very soft in the upper reach. 
 
 Hardness is added by i"rrigatlon returns, but the river is still generally 
 
 i 
 soft at Sacramento. Table Ik siammarizes observations of hardness in the ; 
 
 river and tributaries during the survey period. ^ 
 
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 RIVER MILES 
 
 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 Figures. TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLI DS — SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 
 1960-1961 
 
 -51- 
 
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 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 Figure 4. SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE - SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 
 1960-196! 
 
 -52- 
 
 1 
 
Table Ik 
 HARDNESS IN SACRAMENTO RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES, I96O-6I 
 
 Station 
 
 • 
 • 
 
 • 
 • 
 
 Maximum : 
 ppm : 
 
 Miniraum 1 
 ppm ! 
 
 ! Median 
 ! ppm 
 
 Sacramento River 
 
 
 
 Redding (297.7) 
 Hamilton City (199-6) 
 Snodgrass Slough (37-2) 
 
 
 58 
 67 
 
 k2 
 kS 
 kk 
 
 59 
 
 1 
 
 Tributaries 
 
 
 
 Butte Slough 
 Colusa Basin Drain 
 Sacramento Slough 
 Feather River 
 American River 
 
 
 163 
 
 296 
 
 281 
 
 61 
 
 30 
 
 86 
 100 
 132 
 
 31 
 18 
 
 128 
 
 136 
 174 
 
 49 
 21^ 
 
 Corrosion Potential 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Langelier index of a water supply is determined from the 
 pH, alkalinity, and calciian in the water. A negative index indicates 
 that the water is under saturated with calciiim carbonate and may corrode 
 iron pipes. A positive index indicates an excess of calcium carbonate 
 which is likely to form scale on pipes and fixtures. Table 15 lists 
 typical values of the Langelier index for Sacramento River water. 
 
 -53- 
 
Table 15 
 LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX OF SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER 
 
 Location 
 
 ! Mile ; 
 
 ■ 4 
 
 Index 
 
 Redding 
 
 293.7 
 
 -1.9 
 
 Red Bluff 
 
 2hh.l 
 
 -1.8 
 
 Hamilton City 
 
 199.6 
 
 -1.6 
 
 Butte City- 
 
 168.2 
 
 -1.5 
 
 Knights Leuading 
 
 90.5 
 
 -l.k 
 
 Bryte 
 
 62.6 
 
 -1.6 
 
 Freeport 
 
 h6.h 
 
 -1.8 
 
 Rio Vista 
 
 12.8 
 
 -1.7 
 
 Maybe rry Slough 
 
 k.o 
 
 -1.6 
 
 Corrosion problems may be expected in cold or hot waters with 
 indices more negative than -O.5 ajid 0.0, respectively, and the corrosion 
 tendency of Sacramento River water is appeirent from Table 15. The great- 
 est corrosion potentials occiir just below Shasta Dam and below the mouths 
 of the Feather and Americeua Rivers. 
 
 Major Constituents 
 
 Concentrations of major constituents in the Sewramento River 
 during I96O-6I varied in the same degree and from the same causes as total 
 solids . 
 
 During the months of August throxjgh October I960, when irriga- 
 tion return flows were most significant, average concentrations at Freeport 
 (mile k6.k) were: calcium - 1^4-. 2 ppm, magnesium - 8.1 ppm, sodium - 1^.5 
 ppm, potassium - 1.3 Ppm, bicarbonate - 90*^ PPm* s\ilfate - 10.1 ppm, 
 and chloride - 10.0 ppm. Percent sodium was about 30. These concentra- 
 tions are well within the limits for beneficieuL uses stated previoxxsly. 
 
 -54- 
 
Minor Ctonstitttents 
 
 Within the river, concentrations of minor constituents were 
 less than various limiting cjriteria except for occasional slight excesses 
 of iron and manganese in the Redding area diiring storm periods. Fluoride 
 concentrations veuried randomly between 0.0 and 0.3 ppm. Average concen- 
 trations of silica decreased from about 2k ppm above Redding (mile 297«T) 
 to 20 ppm at Snodgrass Slough (mile 37 '2) . Boron averaged about 0.1 ppm 
 throughout the river. 
 
 Phosphate was generally 0.1 ppm above Sacramento and from 0.2 
 to O.U ppm below Sacramento, reflecting the use of detergents. 
 
 Total nitrogen in the river was generally between 0.1 and O.U 
 ppm above Sacramento and 0.35 "to 0.55 PPm below Sacramento. Inorganic 
 nitrogen as axmnonium, nitrite, and nitrate was relatively constemt while 
 orgsjiic nitrogen approximately followed plankton concentrations. 
 
 Heavy metals in the river were found only in very low concen- 
 trations. In the upper reach, where acid mine wastes from Spring Creek 
 have long been suspected of contributing to fish kills, somewhat higher 
 concentrations were observed as summarized in Table I6. 
 
 -55- 
 
Table l6 
 
 HEAVY METALS DI THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER AND IN SPRING CREEK 
 
 (in ppm) 
 
 
 : Sacramento River'^ 
 
 : Spring 
 
 Creek 
 
 Constituent 
 
 : Maximum 
 
 ; Maximum 
 
 : Median 
 
 : Maximum : 
 
 Median 
 
 
 : (1952-60) : (1960-61) : (1960-61) : (1960-61) : (1960-61) 
 
 Iron (Total) 
 Iron (Dissolved) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i+38 
 
 ... 
 
 0.3^ 
 
 0.80 
 
 0.05 
 
 308 
 
 rL6 
 
 Aluminiim 
 
 0.31 
 
 o.ii9 
 
 0.0 
 
 133 
 
 33 
 
 Arsenic 
 
 0.01 
 
 o.oi^ 
 
 0.00 
 
 0.32 
 
 0.00 
 
 Chromivan (Hexavalent) 
 
 0.1 
 
 0.1 
 
 0.00 
 
 0.00 
 
 -_. 
 
 Chromium (Total) 
 
 -.— 
 
 .— _ 
 
 .... 
 
 O.Oi; 
 
 
 Copper 
 
 0.07 
 
 0.13 
 
 0.00 
 
 15 
 
 3.1+ 
 
 Lead 
 
 0.09 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.00 
 
 0.66 
 
 0.03 
 
 Manganese 
 
 0.01 
 
 0.29 
 
 0.00 
 
 2.6 
 
 0.79 
 
 Zinc 
 
 0.09 
 
 0.10 
 
 0.2 
 
 136 
 
 26 
 
 * Redding (mile 293.7) to Bend (mile 256.3) 
 
 Concentrations of heavy metals in the river are primarily con- 
 trolled by the quality of influents to Shasta Reservoir. The effects of 
 Spring Creek, although they sure small, extend for at lea^t k6 miles. 
 
 Large quemtities of heavy metals are typicfiOJLy discharged from 
 Spring Creek during the first rains of the season when minirmmi flows are 
 being released from Shasta Dam (l) . A dam has been constructed by the 
 U. S. Bureau of Reclamation on the creek about one-half mile from the 
 iBOuth. When filled, in I962.63, Spring Creek Reservoir will hold 6,500 
 acre.feet of water which can be released at rates which will provide ade- 
 quate dilution by flows in the Sacramento River. 
 
 Analyses for detergents as edkylbenzensulfonate (ABS) in waste 
 discharges to the river are sumnarized in Table 17 . 
 
 -56- 
 
33 
 
 5 
 
 1.7 - 8.9 
 
 33 
 
 5.i^ 
 
 2.0 - 8.8 
 
 36 
 
 8.2 
 
 i+.8 - 15 
 
 16 
 
 U.O 
 
 2.0 - 8.0 
 
 k 
 
 lU.O 
 
 10 - 2k 
 
 19 
 
 1+.8 
 
 0.2 - 5-9 
 
 21 
 
 6.1 
 
 0.1 - lU.O 
 
 16 
 
 0.2 
 
 0.1 - 0.6 
 
 Table 17 
 
 CONCENTRATIONS OF ABS IN WASTE DISCHAEGES TO SACRAMENTO RIVER, I96O-6I 
 
 : No. of : Median : Rsunge 
 Waste Discharge lAnal^ses; (ppm) : (ppm) 
 
 Redding Sewage Treatment Plant 
 Red Bluff Sewage Treatment Plant 
 West Sacramento Sewage Treatment Plant 
 Sacramento Sewage Treatment Plant 
 Meadowview Sewage Treatment Plant 
 Isleton Sewage Treatment Plant 
 Rio Vista Sewage Treatment Plant 
 American Crystal Sugar Company 
 
 ABS concentrations in the river were determined throughout the year on 
 the monthly program and during the first upper reach and first and second 
 lower reach intensive sampling programs. 
 
 One-tenth ppm ABS was found in the river downstream from the 
 Redding Sewage Treatment Plant discharge about six percent of the time. 
 Downstream from the Sacrsimento Sewage Treatment Plant (mile 5^-11')^ 0.1 
 ppm occurred about half the time at Freeport (mile kS.k) and about one 
 fifth the time at Rio Vista (mile 12.5). Detergent was reported about 
 65 percent of the time at Mayberry Slough (mile k.O) where concentrations 
 of 0.3 ppm were reported on five occasions, but the lack of significant 
 sources in this area suggest that there was some interference with the 
 test. 
 
 Periodic analyses of Sacramento River and drainage waters were 
 made by the carbon adsorption method. Plate 1 shows the locations where 
 from 3^000 to 5^000 gallons of water were passed through a carbon filter. 
 The adsorbed organic material was subsequently extracted with alcohol 
 or chloroform, and infra-red spectrograms were made of the extracts. 
 The spectrograms are on file at the Berkeley laboratories of the State 
 
 -57- 
 
Department of Public Health for future references. The concentrations 
 of weedicides in irrigation drainage waters obtained in this manner have 
 been presented in Chapter IV. 
 
 The emalyses of river samples revealed that the average total 
 extractable material increased from llU pairts per billion at Keswick Dam 
 to 350 parts per billion at Wsilnut Grove. The major increase of approxi- 
 mately 170 parts per billion, took place between Sacramento auid Wal nut 
 Grove. 
 
 The average chloroform extractable material increased from 35 
 parts per billion to 100 parts per billion from Keswick Dam to Walnut 
 Grove. The maximum value at Walnut Grove, 120 parts per billion, is below 
 the value of 200 parts per billion which has been tentatively associated 
 with the presence of tastes and odors in water and which has been speci- 
 fied in the I96I U. S. Public Health Service drinking water standards 
 (Chapter IV, Appendix C) . 
 
 The average alcohol extractable material increased from 83 to 
 250 parts per billion over the same area. 
 
 The best general use of the data will lie in the future when 
 the present resiilts can be compared with later analyses. 
 
 Direct analyses for phenols and ether solubles showed that these 
 materials were generally absent from the river. 
 
 Occurrences of taste smd odor which have been observed in the 
 Sacramento water system which occur early in the rainy season eure believed 
 to be due to the flushing of creeks that receive industrial wastes and 
 which discharge to the river immediately upstream from the water intake. 
 Threshold odors of Sacramento River water during the present investiga- 
 tion averaged about one unit just below Shasta Dam and increased to about 
 
 -58. 
 
foiir units at Freeport. The longitudineLL and seasonal vaxiations in odor 
 corresponded closely to algae concentrations in the river. 
 
 Radioactivity 
 
 Radioactivity in Sacramento River water has been determined 
 semieumiially since 1952. No additional radiological sampling was done 
 during the I96O-6I sxirvey period since background radiation has always 
 been small, there are no nuclear reactors on the water shed, and atmos- 
 pheric fallout was low. Maximum radioactivity in Sacramento River waters 
 for the period of record is listed in Table I8: 
 
 Table iB 
 RADIOLOGICAL ASSAYS OF SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER, 1952-60 
 
 Station 
 
 Maxlmrmi Radioactivity in micromlcrocuries per liter 
 
 Dissolved : Suspended 
 
 Alpha ; Beta ; Alpha ; Beta 
 
 Keswick 10.8 ± 5.^ 13.8 ± 6.U 0.9 ± 0.8 2U.9 ± e.^ 
 
 Redding 6.5 ± U.6 12.1 ± 7.^ 6.8 ± 3.5 9*7 ± 5.8 
 
 Hamilton City 9.9 ± U.l 12.0 ± 9.k I3.T ± 5.0 l4.1 ± 7.9 
 
 Knights Landing 12. $ ± 3-7 - 7-9 ± 5*0 ik.Q ± 7.I+ 
 
 Sacramento 6.8 ± 3.7 6.5 ± 5.2 I3.O ± h.Q 9.2 ± 7.3 
 
 Rio Vista 5.7 ± ^^.7 20.2 ± 9.4 11.4 ± 4.5 8.8 ± 7*4 
 
 The reported levels of radiation axe well below any limits that 
 have been proposed for domestic water supply. There is no evidence that 
 any of the radioisotopes being used by the licensees of the Atomic Energy 
 Commission located throughout the watershed axe in any way reaching the 
 river in measxirable quantities. 
 
 Beuiteriological Quality 
 Present knowledge requires that information on bacteriological 
 conditions be obtained from Intensive short-term surveys. Accordingly, 
 
 -59- 
 
samples of Sacramento River water and waste discharges were taken at three- 
 hour intervals during the intensive survey periods: 
 
 Upper reach (mile 297.3 - I8U.5) - June 6 - 10, i960 
 
 October 3-7, I96O 
 
 Middle reach (mile I8U.5 - 62.6) - September 12 - 16, i960 
 
 May 8-12, 1961 
 
 1 
 
 Lower reach (mile 62.6 - U.O) - June 20 - 2k, i960 
 
 August 29 - September 2, I960 
 October 2k - 28, I96O 
 
 Concentrations of coliform bacteria euid of fecal coliform bacteria were 
 determined. The occurrence of either of these groups in water does not 
 of itself mean that pathogenic bacteria are present; rather, the absence 
 of these groups is generally taken to indicate that the water is bacterio- 
 logically safe. The standard test for coliform inherently includes some 
 water euid soil bacteria that have no sanitary significance. Accordingly, 
 tests to differentiate fecal coliform bacteria by the Eijkman procedxire 
 (2) were made. As expected, it was found that the total coliform popxila- 
 tion in sewage included a high percentage of fecal colif orms . In tributary 
 streams or irrigation waste waters, a lower percentage of fecal colif orms 
 were found. However, these relative percentages were not consistent in 
 the Sacramento River below points of discharge so that observations of 
 fecal coliform densities must be applied with caution. 
 
 Figures 5 through 8, inclusive, show the concentrations of coli- 
 form and fecal coliform bacteria in the river during the intensive surveys. 
 The statistical significance of the concentrations shown on the figures 
 is discussed in detail in Appendix C. It is sufficient here to note that 
 sewage treatment pl^nt effluents have obvious effects on the bacteriologi- 
 cal quality of the river and that these effects are reduced by effluent 
 chlorination. 
 
 -60- 
 
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 -64- 
 
The bacteriological quality of the Sacramento River above the 
 Redding sewage treatment plant discharge was good during the June and 
 October sanipling periods. The mean densities of coliform bacteria for 
 the two sampling periods were 50 per 100 ml and 90 per 100 ml, respectively. 
 
 Downstream from Redding and Red Bluff, the bacteriological 
 quality of the river water is adversely affected by sewage discharged 
 from the two cities. The highest coliform bacteria populations were 
 found in October when the river flow was low: below Redding, 13,500 per 
 100 ml and below Red Bl\iff , 11,100 per 100 ml. Peak fecal coliform den- 
 sities in June were 3,600 per 100 ml and 1,300 per 100 ml below Redding 
 and Red Bluff, respectively. In all cases the peak coliform bacteria 
 concentrations were found at the first station downstream from the dis- 
 charges. The fecal coliform bacteria below Red Bl\iff in Jvine exhibited 
 a nine-hour lag period before reaching peak concentrations. 
 
 A flow of 0.25 WjD chlorinated primary effluent from the City 
 of Coming was discharged to the river at river mile 217.6 during the 
 October period without noticeable effect on the river. During June, the 
 effluent was confined to land. 
 
 Agricultural drainage discbarges in the middle reach of the 
 river (mile 181^.5 - 62,5) caused increases in the coliform bacteria n\m- 
 bers in the river immediately below the drains. No similar increases 
 in the fecal coliform concentrations of the river were observed. 
 
 The lowest numbers of coliform bacteria in the middle reach 
 were fovrnd at river mile 100.2, inmediately above the discharge from 
 Reclamation District No. 108. Coliform densities were 250 and 520 per 
 100 ml in September i960, and May I96I, respectively. From this point 
 to mile 62.5 north of Sacramento, the coliform level increased to 510 
 
 -65- 
 
and 700 for the two periods. The increase is attributed to five agricul- 
 tural drains vhich discharge to the river between these two points. 
 
 In the lower reach, the bacteriological quality shows the effect 
 of sewage effluent discharges in the Sacramento area. The West Sacramento 
 Semitation District discharge, 2 MaD of disinfected primary effluent, 
 had no noticeable effect on the river water bacteriologiceO. quality. 
 The City of Sacramento discharged kO to 65 M3D of primary effluent which 
 received subresidual postchlorination from the main plant euid 0.25 M3D 
 of unchlorinated effluent from the Meadowview plant. The coliform bac- 
 teria content downstream from these two discharges was from 10,800 per 
 100 ml to 28,800 per 100 ml dxiring three sanipling periods in June, August- 
 September, and October. The lower peak values occurred when the effluent 
 was more heavily chlorinated. Maximum fecal coliform concentrations were 
 2,000 per 100 ml and 2,800 per 100 ml dviring the Jvcne and August-September 
 periods. The Meadowview discharge apparently contributed a significemt 
 portion of the bacteriological concentrations found downstream from both 
 discharges. Any increase in the bacterial densities of the river caused 
 by waste water from a sugar beet processing plant at Clarksburg was over- 
 shadowed by the effects of the upstream discharges. The Isleton and Rio 
 Vista sewage discharges had locsJ. effects on the bacteriologiceJ. q\iality 
 of the water in Jvine. No effect was noted in the other saaipllng periods. 
 
 The profile of coliform bacteria for June reveauLed a minor peak 
 at river mile 35 which is 12 miles (10 hours) downst3r«am fixjm the Meadowview 
 sewage discharge. There sure no loceQ. sewage discharges nesur mile 35 to 
 accoxmt for the peak. The fecal coliform profiles for both June and 
 August-September periods exhibited major peaks at the same point. The 
 downstream displacement of mny-i mum concentrations is caused by "aftergrowth" 
 of the bacteria. 
 
The coliform bacteria content of the sewage discharges ranged 
 from 300 per 100 ml at West Sacramento, vith heavy ixDstchlorination, to 
 39,000,000 per 100 ml at Redding vith no chlorination. Coliform bacteria 
 in water from seven major agricultural drains were between l,l80 and U,600 
 per 100 ml. 
 
 Fecal coliform concentrations in sewage discharges ranged from 
 80 per 100 ml at the Isleton Sewage Treatment Plant (chlorination) to 
 11^,300,000 per 100 ml at the Meadowview Sewage Treatment Plant (no chlori- 
 nation) . The feceJ. coliform density of the agricultural drainage water 
 was from 95 per 100 ml to 330 per 100 ml. 
 
 There are five domestic water systems that use the Sacramento 
 River as a source of supply. Three of these. Redding MunicipsuL Water 
 System, Rockacway Water System, and the Enterprise Public Utility District 
 System use Sacramento River water above the Redding sewage discharge. 
 The Rockaway system which provides only sin5)le chlorination has exceeded 
 bacteriological limits of the U. S. Public Health Service "Drinking Water 
 Standards". The other two systems that divert water above Redding have 
 met the bacteriologicsLL stsmdards. Redding provides chlorination and 
 settling, 8U3d Enterprise chloirLnates water from an infiltration gaJLlery. 
 Sacramento and Vallejo, the other two systems \ising Sacramento River water, 
 provide complete water treatment euid the finished product has consistently 
 met the "Drinking Water Standards". 
 
 The bacteriological quality of the Sacramento River has its 
 greatest significance in connection with recreatio n al awitivities. Com- 
 parison of Figvires 5 throxjgh 8 with Figure 1, in the preceding chapter, 
 shows that large numbers of people pursue water-conteu:t sports in areas 
 with high bacterial concentrations due to sewage treatment plant discharges. 
 Near Sacramento, one of the most popular sports areas is at Clay Bank 
 
 -67- 
 
''^: 
 
 Bend which extends from one-half to two and one-half miles below the out- 
 f flll from the Sacramento Sewaige Treatment Plant; here, detergent foam 
 from the discharge occasionally collects on the hanks and the coliform 
 bacteria concentrations range from 6,000 to 20,000 per 100 ml. No epi- 
 demiological studies have been made, and no baxiterial standards for fresh 
 water recreation areas have been adopted by the State Department of Public 
 Health. However, the presence of foam euid high bacterial n\jmbers indi- 
 cated that a higher degree of sewage treatment emd disinfection is needed 
 In the Sacramento area. 
 
 Stream Biology 
 
 Both plant and animal life axe found within a stream. Some 
 of these are floating or weakly swimming (plankton) and others are attached 
 or burrowing (benthos) . The forms of life vary from the simple to the 
 complex. Photosynthetic plants ramge from single-celled floating algae 
 to such flowering plants as pond weeds. Similarly, animals range from 
 single-celled protozoans through wonns and insects to fish. Stream life 
 also inclxodes non-photo synthetic plants such as bacteria or fungi and 
 photosynthetic protozoans. 
 
 Only a fraction of the life within the Sacramento River has 
 been stiidied dxiring the present sxxrvey. Of the bacteria, only those of 
 sanitary significance which are easily enumerated have been investigated. 
 
 Plankton have been identified, counted, said reported in accord- 
 ance with the method followed by the U. S. Public Health Service for the 
 national stream monitoring network. 
 
 Bottom (benthic) smimaLLs have been sangpled and enumerated by 
 methods outlined in Standard Methods (2) or Welch (Ut) • The identifica- 
 tion of many of the benthic organisms has been coaiplicated by the discovery 
 
 -68- 
 
of previously unreported species and Yias been hanrpered by the lack of 
 sxiitable handbooks or keys. The identifications which vere made were 
 beised ui)on the most recent systematic classifications available. 
 
 Investigations of native bacteria, fungi, benthic protozoans, 
 and fish within the river were beyond the scope euad funding of the inves- 
 tigation. The survey did include, however, those aspects of stream biology 
 which are traditionally studied in pollution investigations. 
 
 Plauikton 
 
 Samples collected from 22 monthly stations were preserved and 
 examined for plankton at the Berkeley laboratories of the State Depart- 
 ment of Public Health. Figvire 9 sinnmarizes the observations of total 
 plankton fo\md in the 265 samples collected from April i960 through June 
 1961. The lowest concentrations, thro\;ghout the river, were fo-und in the 
 winter months. During the rest of the year, plankton populations increased 
 from a few hundred individuauLs per milliliter at Keswick to as many as 
 15,000 per milliliter in the lowest reach. Figure 9 shows that increases 
 typically occurred below the Redding, Red Blxiff , and Sacramento Sewage 
 Treatment Plants. The blooms which occurred in late spring or early sum- 
 mer of both years aire characteristic of natural streams. 
 
 Essentially all of the plankton consisted of algeie, particularly 
 the diatoms Synedra, Cyclotella , emd Melosira . Blue-green and other algae 
 were found in low concentrations. Zooplankton, that is, animal plankton, 
 generally comprised between zero and one percent of the total; these low 
 percentages might reflect the difficulty in recognizing many of the proto- 
 zoans in the preserved saarples. 
 
 Statistical analyses of plankton populations showed a high degree 
 of correlation with water temperatures and very little correlation with 
 
 -69- 
 

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 -70- 
 
stream flow. The reasons for and the signlficemce of the more intense 
 bloom that occurred in I961 as conqpared with i960 axe unknown. 
 
 Since it is known that most algae require certain growth fac- 
 tors, a limited study of vitamin B12 was made in June I961. In the river, 
 vitamin B]_2 increased from 0.002 to O.OI3 mlllimicrograms per liter (mug/l) 
 between mile 297.7 (at Redding) and mile 8I.5 (above Colxisa Basin Drain), 
 respectively, and remained relatively consteuat thereafter. In sewage 
 effluents, B^^ varied from O.60 to more than 1.0 mug/l and in Colusa Basin 
 Drain, a concentration of 0.022 mug/l was found. 
 
 Comparison of plankton with nitrogen and phosphorus concentra- 
 tions showed no consistent relationship except, as previously noted, a 
 rough correlation with orgeuilc nitrogen. 
 
 The high algae concentrations found below Sacramento indicate 
 a possibility of rapid clogging of filters and taste and odor problems 
 in domestic water purification systems. 
 
 Benthos 
 
 Benthic or bottom organisms were collected at 29 river stations 
 at monthly or bimonthly intervals between Keswick (mile 305.7) and Mayberry 
 Slough (mile k.O) . The reference collection is stored and maintained 
 at the California Department of Fish and Gene field station at Sacramento. 
 The results in terms of variety and abundance are sunmarized in Figure 10. 
 
 The figure shows that the tipper euid extreme lower reaches con- 
 tedned the greatest total number and mass of organisms and that the middle 
 reach of the river was relatively barren. The limited populations in 
 the middle reach are ascribed to the nature of the sediuents, which con- 
 stitute an unstable or shifting bottom. In the upper and middle reaches, 
 the bulk of the benthic organisms were the larval and pupal stages of 
 
 -71- 
 
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 -72- 
 
insects. In the lower reach, most of the animals vere molluscs (clams) 
 and oligochaetes (worms) . The greatest diversity of animals was found 
 in the upper reach. 
 
 Seasonal variations in totsil population density and conrposition 
 have not been evaluated although new information on the life cycles of 
 some of the insects was developed. 
 
 It was fo\md that areas of riffles or rapids supported the 
 largest and most varied populations. Because of the Ijnportance of the 
 area for seulmon spawning, particular attention was given to spasming 
 gravels above mile 229.8 (Elder Creek). Dissolved oxygen concentrations 
 in interstitial waters of these gravels varied from ^4- to 12 ppm while 
 the overlying waters contained 9.5 to 12 ppm. Large differences in gravel 
 dissolved oxygen occasionally occurred over a few feet. The lower con- 
 centrations were generally found at sampling locations where there was 
 a relatively large aiaovtnt of silt in the gravel. This may explain why 
 successfiil salmon spawning occurs in very localized areas within a genersJ. 
 spawning reach. 
 
 Because the Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey included 
 the most intensive effort on benthic biology made to date on the river, 
 knowledge of living organisms within the river weis greatly increeised. 
 The geographical distribution of a number of forms was established; for 
 example, an amphipod (related to the ubiquitous sand flea found along 
 the ocean shore) which had previously been assumed to occupy only brack- 
 ish waters, was consistently collected 80 miles upstream at Verona and 
 was even found ll8 miles upstream at Wilkins Slough. In spite of the 
 fact that little effort in detailed taxonomic work was possible, several 
 forms were recorded for the first time in California waters. 
 
 -73- 
 
Considerable effort was directed toward correlating water quality 
 and "pollution indicators". Such knowledge would be v£Q.uable in relat- 
 ing specific waste discharges to aquatic life in that a pollution-tolerant 
 organism is an accumulating device which gives a measure of past water 
 qviality conditions in the river. However, there was no indication that 
 waste discharges had aiiy measureable effect on the abundance or distribu- 
 tion of organisms in the river. Some forms, such as midge laxvsie, which 
 have been cited in the literature as indicating pollution, were found 
 in locations where no pollution was possible. The findings, which are 
 suBBiarized on Figure 10, can be attributed to natural conditions unrelated 
 to waste discbarges. 
 
 The main value of the observations of benthic biology made during 
 the present investigation will be realized in future years when the effects 
 of water quality degradation due to additional development in the Sacramento 
 Valley can be quantitatively assessed. To this end, additional study 
 and cross-correlations of the existing data are required, and further 
 taxonomic study of the reference collection is warranted. 
 
 Future biological investigations of the scope of the present 
 survey shoxild provide, for each man-day spent in the field, from three 
 to five man-days in the laboratory. In addition, a minimum of two man- 
 days of professional time in the office for each day in the field are 
 required from the outset of the investigation for evaluation of the data, 
 and at least two more man-days are required during the finsG. evalviation 
 and report-writing stage. 
 
 Findings of the biological portion of the Sacramento River Water 
 Pollution Survey, viewed in light of presently ainticipated development 
 in the Sacramento Valley, indicate that futiire con^jrehensive investiga- 
 tions should be made at intervals of about five years. Local studies 
 
 -TU- 
 
of an operational nature which relate to specific waste discharges must, 
 of course, be scheduled as needed. 
 
 Oxygen Relationships 
 A high level of dissolved oxygen contributes to the potability 
 of a domestic water supply and assists in the stabilization of organic 
 materisLL with the result that a stream is pleasing to look at, sustains 
 desirable fish and aquatic life, aoad promotes recreationaLL activities. 
 
 Soxirces of Pollution 
 
 During the Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey, monthly 
 observations were made of flows and 5-day biochemicsLL oxygen demand (BOD) 
 loadings from municipal suid industrial waste discharges and from irriga- 
 tion returns (Plate l) . The natural BOD in the stream was also determined. 
 The most complete data were obtained during intensive surveys. BOD load- 
 ings in discharges ranged from a few percent of the natxireO. BOD in the 
 stream for the smaller .plants to one to two times the natural BOD for 
 the City of Sacramento's main sewage treatment plant. The highest BOD 
 loadings on the river occurred diiring the late summer and early fall. 
 
 Dissolved Oxygen 
 
 Concentrations and satioration values of dissolved oxygen were 
 obtained monthly and d\iring intensive k-djBiy sampling periods. Although 
 the monthly data were used in one evalxiatlon of oxygen relationships in 
 the lower reach, the best information on oxygen levels throxoghout the 
 river wsis derived from the intensive sajapling sxurveys . 
 
 Figure H shows average temperatvire and dissolved oxygen in 
 the Sacramento observed on the seven intensive surveys between May and 
 October. Although gross seeusonal differences are apparent on the figure, 
 
 -75- 
 
i-S- 
 
 \l 
 
 .\ 
 
 
 
 g^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 '^ 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 \ 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 ( 
 
 1 
 
 / 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 J 
 
 = 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 j 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 
 d 
 
 
 
 
 
 rV 
 
 
 
 
 
 (|i»qu9JMDj saoiSsp u|) 3aniVa3dW3i 
 
 (uoiiiiuj J8d sijod ui) N39AX0 aSAHOSSIQ 
 
 (uo(|Djn|OS (U93 J9d) N39AXO QSAHOSSia 
 
 3 
 
 -76- 
 
the data are nevertheless consistent, and clearly shov the overall pat- 
 tern of oxygen levels in the river. Oxygen concentrations were between 
 10 and 11 ppm neau: Redding and decreeised more or less viniformly through- 
 out the river. The oxygen sag near Walnut Grove due to upstream waste 
 discharges is apparent, with averages between 7 and 8 ppm euad minimum 
 concentrations (which are not shown) between 5*2 smd 6.5 ppm. The 5*2 
 ppm is close to the 5 PPm cited earlier as being the limiting value for 
 fish migration. Saturation vaJLues started at 98 or 99 percent, rose some- 
 what within the upper reach where the effects of heating were domineuit, 
 and then begem a steady decline to the mouth. 
 
 On the whole, the river loses oxygen from Redding (mile 297.7) 
 to Mayberry Slough (mile k.O) » Waste discharges cause sags in oxygen 
 levels which are superimposed upon the overall pattern of decreasing 
 oxygen. 
 
 Diumail Veuriations 
 
 An vinexpected resvilt of the intensive surveys was the observa- 
 tion of frequent depajrtiires of diurnal variations in oxygen levels from 
 the classical pattern. It is generally assvuned that dissolved oxygen 
 is at a minimum just before dawn, increasing diiring the day due to photo- 
 synthetic activity of algeie, reaches a maximum about mid-afternoon, and 
 then decreases to the pre-dawn minimum. This classical pattern was fovind, 
 particularly in the upper reach, but as the river flowed downstream de- 
 partures from this pattern increased. Minimimi values occurred all the 
 way from 1 or 2 a.m. to noon, and maxima often persisted well past sunset. 
 Increases were found at night when there could be no photosynthesis. 
 Completely inverted curves, with maxima at about midnight auid minima at 
 midday were observed. These variations are attributed to changes in 
 
 -77- 
 
biological activity which have iniporteint consequences in eval.viating the 
 WELste-assimilative capacity of the river. 
 
 Characterization of Oxygen Relationships 
 
 Oxygen Sag Analysis . Since 1925 > the method of Streeter and 
 Phelps {ho) has been the standard for describing oxygen conditions in 
 a stream below a waste discharge and for determining the waste etssimila- 
 tive capacity of a stream. The method, which is described in detail in 
 Chapter V, Appendix B, relates the rates of deoxygenation to the rates 
 of atmospheric reaeration. The rate of deoxygenation is assumed directly 
 proportional to the amount of BOD, and the rate of reaeration is assumed 
 proportional to the saturation deficit. The deficit eqxials the differ- 
 ence between the actual oxygen level sund that which would occur if the 
 water were saturated. 
 
 Since 1925, the major effort in stream sanitation has been 
 directed towards determining the rate constants, which were known to vaiy 
 from different wastes and streams, to be inserted into the Streeter-Phelps 
 formulation. 
 
 The rate of deoxygenation is determined for laboratory tests 
 which are assumed to be applicable to stream conditions. That they are 
 not has been apparent from a number of failures of the method {k2) . The 
 reason for these failures lies in the observed departxires of diurnal oxy- 
 gen variations from the classical pattern noted above; biological (or 
 biochemical) activity in a stream is not a simple function of the BOD 
 of food supply. From time to time, plants or soiimals in the stream rest 
 and, accordingly, utilize oxygen and stabilize wastes at lower rates. 
 
 The rate of reaeration may be cauLcvilated from the rate of de- 
 oxygenation applied to observed river conditions, or may be derived 
 
 -78- 
 
independently. However, the assumption that this rate is dependent upon 
 the saturation deficit neglects photosynthesis. 
 
 An effort was made to characterize the oxygen relationships 
 and to determine veiste assimilative capacity in the Sacramento River below 
 Sacramento by the Streeter-Phelps method and by various modifications 
 thereof proposed by Streeter (^l), O'Ctonnor and Dobbins (39) > aod Churchill 
 (36) . These computations typically resulted in negative veuLues for the 
 reaeration coefficient which have no physical meaning. 
 
 Multiple Linear Clorrelation Analysis . Somewhat better success 
 was obtained by applying the statistical method of Churchill (35) to the 
 monthly data from April I960 to June I96I on flows, tenperatures , 03cygen 
 levels, and total wsiste loadings in the lower reach. Application of the 
 niauerical factors derived from the linear correlations to the conditions 
 observed during the three intensive surveys on the lower reach resulted 
 in excellent agreement for the September 29 - October 2, i960 period, 
 but gave unsatisfactory resiilts for the other periods. It follows that, 
 in order to make this method generally applicable, the correlations must 
 be expemded to inclxide variations of sdgae populations, relative amounts 
 of waistes from individual, sources and other factors. In addition, the 
 linearity of the interrelationships should be confirmed. 
 
 Diurnal Curve Analysis . In 1956, Odxm. (37) published a new 
 method for determining the amounts of oxygen supplied by or lost to the 
 atmosphere, added by photosynthesis, and utilized by respiration. Respira- 
 tion is identical with BOD satisfaction and includes the deoxygenation 
 of Streeter and Phelps. In addition, the effects of bottom organisms 
 or deposits (benthic demand) axe included. The be^is of the method Is 
 
 -79- 
 
summarized in Chapter V, Appendix B, and is presented in detail in Odvun's 
 publications (37, 38). 
 
 The diurnal curve suialysis could not be applied to «n of the 
 data collected during the intensive surveys. The method inherently in- 
 volves some simplifying assumptions and fails completely where maximum 
 dissolved oxygen is fovmd at night. 
 
 Figure 12 shows rates of photosynthesis, respiration, and net 
 inward diffusion between Sacramento (mile 62.6) and Mayberry Slough (mile 
 k.O) during the three intensive surveys in the lower reach. Values axe 
 reported in grams per square meter per day which can be multiplied by 8.93 
 to give pounds per 8u:re per day. In addition to local variations due to 
 individual waste discharges, photosynthesis and respiration rates increase 
 throughout the degradation portion of the oxygen sag curve, decrease in 
 the sag portion, and increase in the recovery portion of the curve. The 
 figure shows that in the degradation phsise, respiration is greater than 
 the sum of diffusion plus photosynthesis and oxygen levels in the stream 
 decrease. Where respiration approximately equals diffusion pliis photo- 
 synthesis, as in the sag portion, oxygen levels axe essentially constant 
 and where diffusion pltis photosynthesis exceed respiration, oxygen levels 
 In the stream recover and approach initial concentrations. 
 
 The numerical values of diffusion, photosynthesis, and respira- 
 tion show a high degree of correlation with physical and biologlceO. con- 
 ditions in the river and qualitatively demonstrate the response of the 
 stream to waste discharges. It has not been possible to congQute satis- 
 factory oxygen balances for the river below Sacramento and these values 
 must therefore be considered eis only semlqviantitative. As with the other 
 methods of characterizing oxygen relationships and estimating waste 
 
 -80- 
 

 
 JUNE 
 
 20-24, I960 
 
 /-; 
 
 
 ,¥"' 
 
 ^■■"-v 
 
 "~\ XV 
 
 
 / 
 / 
 
 ' \ 
 
 1 
 
 OISSO 
 
 .VED OXY( 
 
 EN 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 
 AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 2, I960 
 
 
 '■■^•'N.-- 
 
 N. 
 
 
 
 i~-\ 
 
 
 DISSOLVED OXY( 
 
 \ 
 
 EN \ 
 \ 
 
 
 / 
 / 
 
 i- 
 
 ' v.. 
 
 — 
 
 66.3) R D. 1000 No 3 
 61.5) R. 0. 1000 
 
 60.4) AMERICAN RIVER 
 
 58.0) WEST SACRAMENTO ST P. 
 54.1 ) SACRAMENTO S T P 
 
 47 7) MEAOOWVIEW S T P 
 
 43 3) AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR CO. 
 
 342) SUTTER SLOUGH 
 
 32 6) STEAMBOAT SLOUGH 
 
 27 3) DELTA CROSS CHANNEL 
 
 26.7) GEORGIANA SLOUGH 
 
 18.1) ISLETON S. r P 
 
 14 2) STEAMBOAT SLOUGH 
 II .6) RIO VISTA S T P 
 9.2) THREEMILE SLOUGH 
 
 River 70 
 Wiles 
 
 Figure 12. PHOTOSYNTHESIS, RESPIRATION, AND NET DIFFUSION 
 IN THE SACRAMENTO RIVER BELOW SACRAMENTO 
 
 -81- 
 
I 
 
 assimilative capacities, the greatest uncertainty lies in the evaluation 
 of rates of respiration or BOD satisfaction. 
 
 Futtire Work . The diumsQ. curve analysis method is considered i 
 to have the greatest potential for determining true oxygen balances and, ^ 
 ultimately, the best procediire for calcxilating the waste assimilative 
 capacity of the Sacramento River. The method inherently describes con- 
 ditions as they actually occur in the river. However, intensive svirveys 
 
 i 
 are required throughout wide ranges of flows and temperatures in order 
 
 to be able to predict rates of diffusion, photosynthesis, and respiration I 
 
 uMer future conditions below Sacramento. In particular, more adequate 
 
 data on respiration are required. j 
 
 -82- 
 
CBAPTER VI. WATER QUALITY MftNAGEMENT 
 
 The full development of Cal.ifomla's water resources requires 
 the construction of additional Impoundments within the Sacramento Valley 
 and the diversion of addltlonaLL waters from north coastal area of the 
 State into the valley (26) . Some of the additional supply will be used 
 within the veLLley to meet the additional demands discussed in Chapter III, 
 and the balance will be exported to central and southern California. 
 The additional domestic, agricultural, and municipal uses of water in 
 the Sacramento Valley will result in additional requirements for waste 
 disposal. The safeguarding of the quality of Sacramento River water for 
 both local use and esqoort requires a management program which will per- 
 mit mftYiTnum utilization of this resource. The requirements for future 
 monitoring of the river and its influents in order to maintain optimum 
 water qxiality conditions must be rigorously established. For conserva- 
 tive const itvients, such as chlorides, a logical data program caui best 
 be based upon salt-routing or materials balance techniques. For noncon- 
 servative constituents, such ais dissolved oxygen, and for biological 
 conditions, the data program Involves less exact methods based upon con- 
 tinuous evaluation of current conditions. The public heeuLth significance 
 of water qioality and water utilization and their relationships to water 
 qxiality management axe discussed in detail in Chapter IV, Appendix C. 
 
 Conservative Constituents in the Sacramento River 
 In a natiiral stream, concentrations of dissolved minerals are 
 inversely proportional to flows so that the poorest quality is found at 
 low flows. In a regulat*^*? stream, the quality is relatively constant 
 regardless of the flow. Ir the Sacramento River, unregulated tributary 
 
 -83- 
 
flows tend to develop the typical inverse flow-concentration relationship; 
 however, this relationship is neither well defined nor stable, since it 
 is dependent upon which of the tributsury streams axkd irrigation return 
 flows 8Lre predominating at a given time. 
 
 Within limits which depend upon the paurticular drainage ba^in 
 and the degree of agricultural suad urban development, a i>ositive relation- 
 ship between the specific conductance and the concentrations of various 
 salts is found. Since the former is readily determined smd may be con- 
 tinuously recorded, the relationships between flows and specific conduct- 
 emce of the Sacramento River during I960 were examined by meajis of a 
 mathematical model. During this period, water quality conditions were 
 within 10 percent of the 20-year mean and hydrologic conditions were 
 within 25 percent of the 50-year mean. This indicates that i960 adequately 
 represented normal conditions. Further, these relationships suggest that 
 water quality vsuries over a much smaller range than stream flows, a con- 
 clusion that is siipported by independent analyses of flow and quality. 
 
 The computations, which sure discussed in detail in Chapter VI, 
 Appendix B, showed that concentrations of dissolved minerals can be com- 
 puted to an ew:cur«w:y which is limited primarily by the coBopleteness of 
 data on tributaries and waste discharges. The results indicated that 
 essentially all of the increeises in dissolved minerals below Keswick were 
 contained in less than 20 percent of the accreting flows. There are about 
 70 sites of accretion or depletion along the river, any one of which is 
 capable of exerting a significant effect on the river's dissolved mineral 
 content. The relative magnitude of these effects are variable and, with 
 present knowledge, not predictable to an adeqxiate degree of reliability. 
 It was found, however, that influent ground waters above Butte City con- 
 tribute about 5,000 tons of dissolved solids per month to the river. 
 
 -84- 
 
The present monitoring program, which has been conducted since 
 1951, and the Sacramento River Water Pollution Survey clearly indicate 
 that future emphasis should be placed on study of conditions suffecting 
 flow and mineral concentration of the trioutary sovtrces, rather thsm con- 
 tinuing attempts to study effects of the tributaries \ipon the Sacramento 
 River. A knowledge of the factors affecting flow amd mineral concentra- 
 tions of the various tributaries, together with the existing knowledge 
 of the tributaries' combined effect on the Sacramento River, would consti- 
 tute a sound basis for making short and long-term predictions of water 
 quality conditions. The requirements for these predictions, for deter- 
 mining long range rates of acc\jmulation or leaching of seGLts from soils, 
 and for maintaining current information on water qviality in the river 
 cem be met by the monitoring program outlined in Table 19, evaluated in 
 conjunction with water qviality data obtained from within the tributary 
 watersheds . 
 
 The program outlined in the table provides varying degrees of 
 coverage on inflows from 95 percent of the natural drainage area above 
 Sacramento eind on the water from the Trinity Diversion. Althovigh some 
 new permanent stations are added, the \iltimate effect will be a reduction 
 in the department's svirface water quality monitoring program for the 
 Sacramento River. Tengx>rary stations are shown for tributauries where 
 supplemental data are required. On the main stem of the river, additional 
 temporary stations will provide contin\iity and checks on csLLculated water 
 quality. 
 
 The program outlined herein will provide adeqxiate monitoring 
 data as well as the background for predictions of futvire mineral quality 
 in the river. A necessary element in the revised program is the continuing 
 
 -85- 
 
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 a 
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 X X XX 
 
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 X X xxxxx xxxxx 
 
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 XXX 
 
 XX XXX 
 
 xxxxx X 
 
 xxxxx 
 
 o\ m^O <M iH ^vo^^co 
 
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 at 
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 'H fM 4} 
 
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 n at 
 rain 
 
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 M D 
 
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 Creek 
 Slough 
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 ^^ 4) O 
 
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 Pli t< ^^ -H 
 
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 -86- 
 
analysis of ciirrent data so that monthly reports on water quality in the 
 river can be published in the minimum time. 
 
 The partial mineral analyses include determinations of specific 
 conductance, pH, calcium, sodium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, boron, 
 percent sodium, carbonate and noncarbonate hardness, and turbidity. 
 
 Complete mineral cuialyses include, in addition to those in the 
 partial suoalyses, deteiminations of magnesium, potassixaa, sulfate, nitrate, 
 fluoride, silica, phosphate, and toteLL dissolved solids. 
 
 Analyses for trace elements include determination of alvmilnum, 
 beryllium, bismuth, ceidmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, gal 1 ium, 
 germanium, magnesium, molybdenum, nickel, lead, silver, titanium, vanadium, 
 and zinc by spectrographic methods. Wet chemical procedvures are used 
 for axsenic and selenium. 
 
 Analyses at the cooperative USGS daily stations include deter- 
 minations of specific conductance, pH, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potas- 
 sium, cstrbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, boron, nitrate, fluoride, 
 and carbonate and noncarbonate hardness, and silica. 
 
 Nonconservative Constituents and Biological Characteristics 
 
 Concentrations of dissolved oxygen, organic materials, and alka- 
 linity vary seasonally aM diurnal 1 y because of biologicsuL activity. 
 Temperatures vary seasonally throughout the river and diiimally to a 
 degree which is controlled by local hydrographic conditions. In general, 
 intensive short-term studies in selected areas at critical periods of 
 the year are the major sovirces of information required for water quality 
 management. Continuous monitoring of certain constituents identifies 
 needs for intensive surveys and provides supporting data. The following 
 monitoring program will provide the mini mi nn amoxmt of data required: 
 
 -87- 
 
Temperature - Continuous recorders at all stations where 
 
 other types of recorders are or will be in 
 operation. 
 
 Dissolved Oxygen - Continuous oxygen analyzers are required 
 
 at Sacramento (mile 63.6) and Walnut Grove 
 (mile 27. U). At intervals of about two 
 yesLTS, dissolved oxygen levels in the 
 lower reaches of the Sacramento and American 
 Rivers should be obtained from intensive 
 sxirveys during the critical month. 
 
 pH amd Alkalinity - To be determined during intensive sxirveys. 
 
 Nitrogen Series - To be determined dviring intensive surveys. 
 
 Organic Materials - Permanent installations for determination 
 
 of organic materials by the carbon adsorp- 
 tion method should be provided on the 
 Sacramento River at Colusa (mile iM+.l), 
 Sacramento (mile 63.6), and Walnut Grove 
 (mile 27.^) and on the American River neeo: 
 the mouth. 
 
 Algfiie - Monthly analyses of the Sacramento River 
 
 at Bend (mile 256.3), Colusa (mile iMi.l), 
 Sacramento (mile 63.6), and Walnut Grove 
 (mile 27.1+) are required. 
 
 Bacteriolxjgical 
 Quality - Sampling reqviirements for bacteriological 
 
 data cem be met during intensive surveys 
 of oxygen relationships. 
 
 Minor Constituents - Analyses for ABS smd phenols axe made semi- 
 annually for monthly stations listed in 
 Table 19 . 
 
 Benthlc Biology - At about 5-year intervals, collect bottom 
 
 organisms from 28 biological stations 
 (Appendix D) throughout river. Saaiple 
 bimonthly for a one-year period. 
 
 Special Investigations 
 
 In addition to the programs outlined above, the Sacramento River 
 Water Pollution Survey has indicated the need for additioneO. aneOysis 
 of the data collected during the survey and for special studies as follows: 
 
 Continuous conductivity recorder data obtained during the pres- 
 ent Investigation should be aneilyzed to evaluate vertical and longitud in al 
 
 -88- 
 
mixing. In addition, the use of conductivity recorders to investigate 
 travel times, flow distribution, aiid mixing in waterways of the Sacramento- 
 San Joaquin Delta should be evaluated. 
 
 A special study of water tengjeratures and heat balances through- 
 out the Sacramento River system, including the Sacramento-San Joaquin 
 Delta, should be made to provide criteria for reservoir operations, to 
 estimate the capacity of the river to assimilate thermeLl. pollution, w n d 
 to provide data on mixing. 
 
 The most critical dissolved oxygen conditions in the river ere 
 and will continue to be caused by waste discharges in the greater Sacramento 
 area. Accordingly, special two-day intensive surveys of oxygen relation- 
 ships in the river between Sacramento and Rio Vista at monthly intervals 
 shoxold be conducted for a two-year period. This will provide correlation 
 factors for predicting future dissolved oxygen levels. 
 
 After the basic monitoring program for conservative constitu- 
 ents outlined in Table 19 has been in operation for one year, predictions 
 of futvire minereO. quality conditions in the Sacramento River should be 
 made. These predictions shoiild be made biennially and should inclxide 
 consideration of a Sacramento Valley master drainage system. 
 
 Future Investigations which are sijnilar in scope to the Sacramento 
 River Water Pollution S\irvey should provide for about two man-days on 
 data evaluation for each man-day in the field, concurrently with the data 
 collection phase. During the final data evauluatlon and report writing 
 phase, an additional two man-days in the office are required for each man- 
 day in the field. These ratios do not include laboratory requirements. 
 
 -89- 
 
SUPPLEMENT 
 
 WATER QUALITY AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH 
 
 Reproduced from Appendix C, "Public Health Aspects" 
 
WATER QUALITY AT.D PUBLIC HEALTH 
 
 The public health interests in water queility are manifold, since 
 many of the physical, chemicaJL, and biological properties of water deter- 
 mine its suitability for drinking, recreation, and the preparation or 
 growing of foodstuffs. 
 
 Man's drinking water must be free of disease-producing organ- 
 isms and chemical substances that are harmful. It should be cool, clear, 
 and free of odors and tastes. It should be suitable for all household 
 purposes such as culinary use and the washing of clothes. Domestic water 
 should not stain, corrode, or foul pipes or plumbing fixtures. 
 
 Waters used for aquatic sports must be safe not only from the 
 standpoint of disease transmission but also reasonably free of accident 
 hazards. Clarity of recreational waters should be such that submerged 
 logs and rocks are visible to bathers, and not so turbid that swimmers 
 and divers cannot be readily seen by lifeguajrds. 
 
 Food crops must not be contaminated by waters used for their 
 irrigation. The foodstuffs which are usually eaten raw are of particular 
 concern if they should be wetted by water which has been contaminated 
 by sewage. Water used in the processing of foods also must be free of 
 filth and disease-producing organisms. 
 
 Devastating epidemics of typhoid and other "water-borne" bac- 
 terial diseases are now a matter of history in the United States, due 
 to the application of knowledge, continuously growing, in the sanitary 
 sciences and preventive medicine. In large part, the near eradication 
 of "water-borne" bacterial diseases is due to progress in water purifi- 
 cation and pollution prevention, control, and abatement. The threat of 
 "water-borne" disease, however, will persist as long as wastes from the 
 human body are placed where they may find their way into man's sources 
 of water. 
 
 -93- 
 
At the present time, increasing attention is being directed 
 towsird viruses and. the role water and sewage may play in transmission 
 of virus diseases. Within the past few years about 75 enteroviruses, 
 those found in the intestinal tract and sewage of man, have been identi- 
 fied, though not »11 have yet been associated with specific diseases. 
 It is known that conventional water treatment practices are not sufficient 
 to destroy certain of these viruses which are found in human excreta. 
 Of particular concern is the virus of infectious hepatitis. Overwhelm- 
 ing evidence has established that this disease can be "water-borne", but 
 laboratory methods have not yet been found to isolate the causative organ- 
 ism of this disease. Until laboratory techniques have been developed 
 which will ascertain the type and degree of treatment that is necessary 
 to destroy hepatitis, control must depend on judgements based on experience. 
 
 Also of concern is the presence of the new types of chemicals 
 in sewage, industrial wastes, and land drainage. Typical of these new 
 contaminants resulting from our dynamic industrial technology are radio- 
 isotopes, synthetic detergents, and pesticides. Accurate laboratory methods 
 have not been developed to identify or measure the amounts of most of 
 these new chemicals that now may be reaching our waterways. Some of the 
 synthetic organic chemicals do not break, down in receiving waters, nor 
 are they removed by normal sewage or water treatment methods. The subtle 
 and long-range effects of these new chemicals on the public health must 
 be learned, eind threshold limits established. Until this is done, policies 
 must necessarily be conservative. 
 
 The common mineral constituents in water originating in the 
 geological formations through which the water passes and, frequently, 
 from agricultural waste waters, are also of public health concern. High 
 levels of sodium cannot be tolerated by people suffering from certain 
 
 -94- 
 
I 
 
 heaxt and kidney diseases, euad by many pregnant women. Such people must 
 carefully limit their total sodiian intake, including that jx^rtion con- 
 tributed by their drinking water. Natural waters high in sodium are not 
 often suitable for such people, and alternate water sources are necessary. 
 Excessive amounts of fluorides in water will have major detrimental effects 
 on the physical structvire of teeth of children drinking such waters. 
 In addition to these, and possibly other adverse .physiological effects, 
 waters high in total minerals (including chlorides, sulfates, eind magne- 
 sium) have a brackish, selty or bitter flavor, and at higher levels are 
 most unpalatable and therefore unacceptable to the public. Flavor of 
 water is of particiilar significance since the State Board of Public Health, 
 in granting permit for domestic water supply, must find that the water 
 delivered will, among other things, be wholesome and potable. Only costly 
 demineralization processes will remove such undesirable common minersLLs. 
 In addition to the ideas already expressed, the following are 
 axioms that are fundamental to the public health interest in water q.uality. 
 
 1. In order to serve the widest range of human needs, the 
 waters of the State must be maintained as clean as 
 possible. 
 
 2. It should be the responsibility of the water user to retvim 
 the water as clean as it is technically possible. 
 
 3. Beneficial uses of a water must not be destroyed, or even 
 seriously impaired, by a waste discharge. 
 
 h. Pollution and contamination are best dealt with at the 
 
 sources. Treatment of a seriously degraded water even in 
 those cases where possible, and quarantine of contaminated 
 areas, are undesirable alternatives to prevention of water 
 degraidation. 
 
 -95- 
 
areas, axe undesirable alternatives to prevention of water 
 degradation. 
 
 5. The most complete and efficient types of sewage treatment 
 utilized today do not, of themselves, produce from sewage, 
 water that is restored to its original quality. Natural 
 purification and dilution afforded by receiving waters must 
 be available to further reduce concentrations of undesira- 
 ble constituents. Moreover, on esthetic grounds, the public 
 demajids a separation of time and distajice between waste 
 dischsirge auad water use. 
 
 6. Singular dependence on water treatment or sewage treatment 
 should be avoided. For a high degree of public health pro- 
 tection, there must be reliable ajid effective treatment 
 
 of both sewage and water. 
 
 7. Water and sewage treatment are not infallible. Treatment 
 processes for both water and sewage are subject to mechani- 
 cal failure and human error. 
 
 8. Sudden and unexpected changes in raw water quality are 
 likely to upset water treatment processes to a degree such 
 that the plant may fail to produce an acceptable quality 
 water. 
 
 9. With relation to many taste- and odor-producing substances, 
 seriously degraded waters usually cannot be returned to a 
 high quality condition by even the most complete water treat- 
 ment processes generally utilized. 
 
 10. A water quality memagement program, to be successful, must 
 be based on engineering studies and evsluations of all 
 
 -96- 
 
through adequate water treatment maJj.es possible the maintenajice of a high 
 level of water qiiality in all the waters of the State. 
 
 The U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards of 
 19^6 are used as a quality standard for public water supplies in 
 California. The Drinking Water Standards include maximum SLllowable and 
 maximum suggested values for physical, chemical, and bacteriological quali- 
 ties of the water. The 19^+6 standards axid. the chemical standards eire 
 summarized in Table A. 
 
 -97- 
 
Table A 
 
 CHEMICAL LIMITS 
 U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE DRINKING WATER STANIARDS 
 
 Recommended Maximum 
 LimitsCl) 
 
 : Concentrations which 
 
 : constitute grounds for 
 
 / ,,, , v: rejection of supply 
 
 (milligrams per liter) . (^-^jg^g^ ^^^ ^^^^^) 
 
 : 1962(3) 
 
 19^^ ! 1962(3) ; 1946 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.2 
 (2) 
 
 Alkyl benzene sulfonate - 0.5 
 (Detergent) 
 
 Arsenic - 0.01 O.O5 0.05 
 
 Bsu-ium - 1,0 
 
 Cadmium - 0.01 
 
 Carbon chloroform extract - 0.2 
 (exotic orgajiic chemicals) 
 
 Chloride 25O. 250. 
 
 Chromiim 0.05 
 
 Copper 3.0 1.0 
 
 Cyanide - 0.01 
 
 Fluoride - (2) I.5 
 
 Iron -^yL. manganese 0.3 
 
 Iron - 0.3 
 
 Lead 0.1 O.O5 
 
 Manganese - O.05 
 
 Nitrate - h^. 
 
 Phenols 0.001 0.001 
 
 Selenium 0.15 0.01 
 
 Silver - 0.05 
 
 Sulfate 250. 250. 
 
 Total dissolved solids 500. 500. 
 
 Zinc 15. 5. 
 
 (1) Concentrations in water sho\iLd not be in excess of these limits, 
 
 when more suitable supplies can be made available. 
 
 (2) Maximum levels of fluoride concentrations are related to average 
 
 air temperatures. See text of proposed stsmdards. 
 (3) Proposed. 
 
 -98- 
 
In determining the degree of treatment required for aiiy psirticu- 
 lar source of domestic water, major dependence lies with the sanitary 
 evaluation of the watershed; however, raw water quality guides are a use- 
 f\il tool in the evaluation. Based on the operating records of Ohio River 
 water treatment plsint, Streeter has proposed a guide for the maximimi degree 
 of coliform bacteria that can be accepted by various water treatment methods 
 if the treated water is to meet the standards of the U. S. Public Health 
 Service. The l^kB guide is presented in Table B. 
 
 Table B 
 
 RAW WATER BACTERIOLOGICAL LIMITS FOR 
 VARIOUS TYPES OF WATER TREATMENT 
 
 Monthly Average 
 
 Coliform 
 
 MPN/IOQ ml 
 
 Limits of 
 
 Variability 
 
 Treatment Method 
 
 50 
 
 5,000 
 
 5,000 
 
 None 
 
 Not more than 5,000/l00 
 ml in more than 20^ of 
 monthly sanrples. 
 
 More than 5,000/l00 ml 
 in more than 20^ of 
 monthly samples but not 
 more than 20,000/100 ml 
 in more than 5?^ of 
 monthly samples. 
 
 More than 5,000 None 
 
 Chlorination 
 
 Filtration and 
 Postchlorination 
 
 Presedimentation, prechlo- 
 rination or their equiva- 
 lent, filtration and 
 postchlorination. 
 
 Prolonged preliminary 
 storage or other reliable 
 measures in addition to 
 prechlorination, filtra- 
 tion and postchlorination. 
 
 The State Boaxd of Public Health has not yet adopted bacterio- 
 logical standards for irrigation water, except those in the board's 
 regulations governing the direct use of sewage effluents for crop irri- 
 gation. Also, no bacterieuL standards have been established for fresh 
 
 -99- 
 
water recreation areas. The present bacteriological methods of water 
 ajialyses csui not in themselves be used to evaliiate its safety for recrea- 
 tion or irrigation. Bacteriological quality is ein important parameter, 
 but the acceptance or rejection of a water for irrigation or for water- 
 contact sports must depend on a complete sanitary engineering appraisal 
 of all factors influencing water quality. 
 
 -100- 
 
PLATE I 
 
 ''"llii ., 
 
 ''/lilt 
 
 '""" '//lO' "ilii' 1 •.„„... 
 
 ■.., ,v' nil*' ''if 
 
 ''I' '"'//111"-..,, 
 
 LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATION, 
 RIVER MILE. 
 
 SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND IN- 
 DUSTRIAL WASTE DISCHARGES, SAMPLED 
 MONTHLY. 
 
 SAMPLED ONCE OR TWICE MONTHLY FOR 
 PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND OXYGEN 
 ANALYSES. 
 
 SAMPLED MONTHLY OR BIMONTHLY FOR 
 PLANKTON, BOTTOM ORGANISMS, SEDI- 
 MENT GRADATION, DISSOLVED OXYGEN 
 AND TEMPERATURE. 
 
 •'%. 
 
 ■•'//,, 
 
 SAMPLED DAILY FOR TEMPERATURE AND 
 ELECTRICAL CONDUCTANCE. CHEMICAL 
 ANALYSES OF COMPOSITE SAMPLES. 
 
 PERIODIC ORGANIC ANALYSES SAMPLING 
 USING CARBON ADSORPTION METHOD. 
 
 CONTINUOUS ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY 
 RECORDER. 
 
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
 
 DELTA BRANCH 
 
 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 SAMPLING PROGRAM 
 
 AND 
 
 AREA OF INVESTIGATION 
 
 1960-61 
 
 SCALE IN UILES 
 5 
 
LOCATION OF 
 AREA OF INVESTIGATION 
 
 
 niVER MILE 
 
 Viili 
 
 nut. 
 
 '}.-:- 
 
 '.'.'.•}- 
 
 Xiiii 
 
 2 
 
 •A-.'.- 
 
 
 iiiii. 
 
 SSESS 
 
 
 iTiii 
 
 -.~-A'. 
 
 •~.-.'A'. 
 
 
 DUSTHUtL WASTE DBCHAFICES. SAMPL^O 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 ,. 
 
 
 
 
 
 » 
 
 
 - 
 
 N » 
 
 
 SAMPLED ONCE OR TWICE MONTHlT FOB 
 PHYSICAL. CMEUICAL, AND OXYCEN 
 
 
 NN 
 
 '" 
 
 
 ,.,.. 
 
 ,.N 
 
 
 
 
 , «N 
 
 "" 
 
 
 i 
 
 SAMPLED MONTHLY OR BIMONTHLY FOR 
 PLANKTON, BOTTOM ORCANI5US, SEDI- 
 MEMT GRADATION. DISSOLVED OXYGEN 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 «- 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 SAMPLED DAILY FOR TEMPERATURE AND 
 ANALYSES OF COMPOSITE SAMPLES 
 
 X « 
 
 
 
 .N 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 ..N, 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 >,» 
 
 . . X 
 
 
 PERIODIC ORGANIC ANALYSES SAMPLDIC 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 - 
 
 X>N 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 « 
 
 
 
 
 recorder"* ='-='=™'*^*'- CONDUCTIVITY 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 K « 
 
 ' > 
 
 
 « 
 
 '■ 
 
 
 ■■>»"',. !/,,,_ 
 
 t.nOUR tHTZHVMJ 
 
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
 
 DELTA BRANCH 
 
 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 SAMPLING PROGRAM 
 
 AND 
 
 AREA OF INVESTIGATION 
 
 1960-61 
 
 in. 
 
PLATE 2 
 
 _0 R E G N 
 
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
 
 DELTA BRANCH 
 
 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 TRIBUTARY BASINS OF SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 
 1960-61 
 
I ' 
 
PLATE 2 
 
 O R E G N 
 
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
 
 DELTA BRANCH 
 
 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 TRIBUTARY BASINS OF SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 
 1960-61 
 
 SCALE OF MILES 
 

 SACRAMENTO RIVER WATER POLLUTION SURVEY 
 
 TRIBUTARY BASINS OF SACRAMENTO RIVER 
 
 1960-61 
 
 iS^ 
 
.^ 
 
THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE 
 STAMPED BELOW 
 
 RENEWED BOOKS ARE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE 
 RECALL 
 
 ECEIVED 
 
 DEC21REC"t^^^^^ ^^^^ 
 
 PHyS SCI LIBRARY! 
 
 OUEJAII 5 1970 R 
 
 UGD LIBHA'r, 
 
 niJFSEP 29 197f 
 ;SEP2 9REC'0 r^,V^J9^ 
 
 JUN 1 6 197^ 
 JIJN2 REC'D 
 ^ON 301983 
 
 RECEIVED 
 
 3EC 1 7 1990 
 
 LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS 
 
 Book Slip-50ni-8J63(D995454)458 
 
306030 
 
 California. Dept. of 
 Water Resou 
 
 Water Resources, 
 
 1 T% — ■! 1 » J. J _ 
 
 Call Number: 
 
 pmrsicAL 
 
 SOCNCtS 
 LIBRARY 
 
 LlbKAK I 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 DAVIS 
 
 300030 
 
 3 1175 00664 2543 
 
•.);i