University of California Water Resources Center

The temporal and spatial variations in the lead concentration of a fresh water-recreational lake were determined, and the results compared with daily records of lake volume, residence time and number of boats launched. In addition, laboratory studies were carried out to establish the influence of sediment-water interactions on the lead concentrations of the lake water. The variation in the lead concentration in the main body of the lake was found to correlate with the lake volume. This fact, together with the laboratory studies and calculations based on a plug flow model, suggests that sediment-water interactions are significant in controlling the lead concentration in the main body of the lake. On the other hand, boating was found to be important in controlling the lead concentration in the boat dock area. The water in this area is subjected to both poor mixing and heavy boat traffic.