Collecting Samples at Fisherman's ParkDRI Scientists receive $318,000 from Truckee River Fund for the development and implementation of an integrated water quality monitoring program for the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Marble Bluff dam (just upstream of Pyramid Lake).

The funding is a one-time, two year, stop-gap funding request to support critical Truckee River water quality monitoring needs recently impacted by State and local budget cuts. “These cuts have severely hampered the monitoring program previously performed collectively by DRI and Reno and Sparks by staff from the Truckee Meadows Wastewater Reclamation Facility,” said Alan McKay DRI Hydrologist and program director.

The project includes monthly water quality sampling/testing: at 13 locations. The Water quality testing will be performed by DRI for 26 physical and chemical constituents including all forms of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Collecting samples at Fisherman's Park
click photos to enlarge“This project will ensure that the community’s municipal water supply that comes from the Truckee River will not be compromised, as this can only be ensured with continued monitoring and testing.” McKay added.

There will also be analysis and field collection of benthic macro invertebrates at three locations upstream and downstream of river restoration projects being jointly managed by The Nature Conservancy and Truckee River Flood Management Authority. Analysis of these data will provide important base line information to measure the environmental improvement of the Truckee River stemming from the completion of these projects.