Funding to maintain the continuous water-quality monitor at this site ended on December 31, 2004.
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Study Information
The objectives of this study are to
determine the historical changes in transport of sediment and associated contaminants from the watershed to Lake Olathe and potential for uptake by fish,
determine the chemical loads including sediment and phosphorus loading at the inflow and outflos of Lake Olathe,
determine the chemical and biological in-lake processes that contribute to algal blooms that lead to taste and odor problems, and
develop a monitoring system of a site in the watershed and in the reservoir to notify water-treatment managers for the city of Olathe and the public when conditions are likely to cause taste and odor problems.
A bathymetric study of both Lake Olathe and Cedar Lake will be done to determine the historic rate of sedimentation in the two reservoirs.
Sediment coring will be used at both reservoirs to evaluate historical changes in sediment transport. Bottom-sediment cores will also be used
to evaluate associated chemical constituents and the potential for uptake by fish and benthic organisms by chlorinated organic compounds and
heavy metals, especially lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Water-quality samples will be collected regularly at both Cedar Creek, a primary tributary to Lake Olathe, and in Lake Olathe.
Water samples will be collected in Lake Olathe from the bottom 1 meter and 1 percent light penetration depth location in the water column.
Samples will be analyzed for selected inorganic, organic, and biological compounds. A monitoring system will be developed to forecast when
conditions are favorable for taste and odor problems to develop. The system will be available on the internet and can
be used by the city of Olathe to adjust water-supply and recreational strategies.
This project is made possible through a cooperative agreement with the city of Olathe.
