Nitrogen is a nutrient important to the growth and reproduction of plants, and it is considered a pollutant of concern in the Lake Tahoe Region. Nitrogen and phosphorus together support the growth of algae in Lake Tahoe. Free-floating algae occur throughout Lake Tahoe and contribute to the decline in water transparency and attached algae coat rocks in the nearshore, adversely affecting nearshore aesthetics. Landscape disturbances including, but not limited to, impervious road and parking lot surfaces, residential and commercial development, wildfire, and the degradation of stream environment zones, can contribute to sediment and nutrient inputs to the lake or its tributaries. Weather variations and their effects on stream hydrology (particularly the extremes of droughts and floods), and long-term climate change are considered among the most important environmental drivers of tributary runoff. This indicator measures the average concentration of total nitrogen for each water year in the seven streams in the Tahoe Region routinely monitored by USGS.
Water Quality Monitoring Locations
EIP Action Priorities
EIP Indicators
SEZ restoration and enhancement promote watershed health and nutrient cycling.
Stream restoration can increase nitrogen retention.
Lake Clarity Indicators
Tributaries are one source of nitrogen.
Monitoring Programs
USGS led monitoring program developed in 1979 to assess sediment and nutrient input from tributaries.
Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program bioassessment protocol, Benthic Macroinvertebrate (BMI) composition and physical stream habitat to assess overall stream health.
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No documents available.