Assessing Dez Dam reservoir water quality by application of WQI and TSI indices

Dez dam located on Karun River is one of the largest Iranian dams. In a field study, EC, NO3, NH4, PO4, turbidity, TS, alkalinity, coli, temperature, chlorophyll a, DO, BOD5, and Secchi disk (at depths of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50 m)were measured at five sampling points during 2011-2012 water year. Water Quality Index and TSI were calculated for all sampling points and quality zonation was conducted in GIS. It was found that the best water quality index for reservoir water is at second sampling point with amount of 61 situated at the center of reservoir, and the worst index is at entering point to the reservoir with amount of 46 in April. The main reason of changes was turnover of thermal stratification. The laboratory analysis and assessing the quality indices revealed that the Dez reservoir water is suitable for variety of public uses, however, it needs advanced treatment for drinking purpose. Moreover, in the case of continuity of pollutant entrance into the reservoir, the eutrophication risk would threaten the reservoir water quality. Eutrophication occurrence will cause serious limitations in water use applicability, increase turbidity, produce toxic materials, and increase sedimentation regime.