Water quality and trophic status of Fort Cobb Reservoir, southwestern Oklahoma, 2016: Chapter 8 in Assessment of conservation practices in the Fort Cobb Reservoir watershed, southwestern Oklahoma

Eutrophication of reservoirs frequently occurs because of excessive nutrient inputs caused by anthropogenic activities, including row-crop agriculture. The trophic status of Fort Cobb Reservoir, Oklahoma, was assessed in April, July, and September 2006. The Fort Cobb Reservoir was highly eutrophic, with the greatest concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll-a being measured in the upper reaches of the reservoir. Water quality generally improved toward the dam, but remained eutrophic. Analysis of vertical water-quality profiles indicated that the Fort Cobb Reservoir was well mixed, with little thermal stratification. Comparison of these data to nutrient-loading data indicated that nutrients were primarily delivered during peak storms along with large sediment loads.