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GOOD NEWS FOR THE MCKENZIE RIVER BASIN: DEQ STUDY CONCLUDES WATER QUALITY IS EXCELLENT

Despite increased emphasis upon the health of Oregon's streams and rivers, the McKenzie River basin had never been the subject of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program, until recently. Now, the results of the first year of monitoring indicate that the McKenzie's water quality is excellent, according to a report by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

"The McKenzie Subbasin contains some of the highest quality streams in the state. Oregon Water Quality Index results indicate that with one exception water quality was excellent throughout the year," the report stated. Warmer water temperatures and increased bacteria and nutrient levels at the Mohawk river checkpoint last summer accounted for that exception.

The DEQ study was designed to assist the McKenzie River Watershed Council in its efforts to improve river water quality and fish habitat. The information from seven collection points provides the Council with a complete picture of the river's water quality from its headwaters at Clear Lake to its confluence with the Willamette River.

Funding for the project came from DEQ and Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), which relies upon the McKenzie for drinking water. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Willamette National Forest and Bureau of Land Management also contributed funding for the project. The agencies worked with the DEQ lab to establish a watershed monitoring network composed of seven fixed surface water stations in the McKenzie Basin.

"This information finally gives us concrete numbers we can use as a baseline," said EWEB Environmental Manager Laurie Power. "Until now we didn't have empirical evidence about the health of the McKenzie as a whole."

At the present monitoring frequency -- eight times per year -- by the end of 2000 the study should provide enough data for experts to determine trends.

"Our hope is to eventually expand the monitoring project to include storm event sampling and checks for the presence of toxins in the water," Power said. "We'd also like to intensify the monitoring some sites. For example, more frequent monitoring at the Mohawk site would help us isolate contributors to the temperature problems."

The study monitored 32 items, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, bacteria, turbidity, chlorophyll A and total phosphorous.