Water Quality Survey of the Floyd River prepared for the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality by the University of Iowa, State Hygienic Laboratory, March 28, 1978

(1978) Water Quality Survey of the Floyd River prepared for the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality by the University of Iowa, State Hygienic Laboratory, March 28, 1978. University of Iowa

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Abstract

The Floyd River originates in O'Brien County and flows southwesterly for approximately 110 miles before joining the Missouri River at Sioux City, Iowa. The deep and narrow river valley with its heavily silted bottom has a total drainage area of over 920 square miles. The lower reaches have been channelized and fish habitat is sparse. Principal fishing is for channel catfish and bullheads which is regarded as poor by the Iowa Conservation Commission except for local areas in the upper reaches. Major tributaries to the Flovd River are Deep Creek, the Little Floyd River and the West Branch Floyd River. Water quality for the entire reach of the Floyd River has been considered for many years to be the poorest in the state of Iowa. Improvement in long term water quality has been observed when comparing the 1950 1s to the 1970's (Iowa Water Quality Management Plan - Western Iowa Basin). While some improvement has been noted, the Floyd River's water quality still falls short of being classified as unpolluted. The major cause, of poor water quality may be attributed to the point source waste discharges of several municipalities located on or near the Floyd River. Many of these municipalities are updating their facilities in order to improve the quality of their effluent.