Course: BFM 203 Water Treatment and Control

Lecture

Nutrient Levels in Lakes and Reservoirs

Nutrient Levels in Lakes and Reservoirs

The nutrient level in lakes and reservoirs can contribute to water quality problems in domestic water supplies. "Oligotrophic" lakes are nutrient poor and contain little aquatic plant or animal life. "Mesotrophic" lakes contain moderate quantities of nutrients and are moderately productive in terms of aquatic plant and animal life. "Eutrophic" lakes are rich in nutrients and are very productive in terms of aquatic plant and animal life. Eutrophication occurs as nutrient levels in the lake increase and may eventually decrease the capacity of the lake as sedimentation decreases available depth.