Paired Watershed Analysis to Evaluate Phosphorus in Spavinaw and Beaty Creeks, Oklahoma

Abstract

This research attempted to quantify reductions in stream water phosphorus loads resulting from implemented agricultural best management practices (BMPs) and reduced poultry litter application as part of an effort to control eutrophication of Lake Eucha, a drinking water supply for Tulsa, Oklahoma. Using the paired watershed approach, a 31% reduction in TP was found in Beaty Creek. In Spavinaw Creek a 31% reduction in TP was found, however I was not able to account for the point source, so the reduction is partially due to the improvements of the Decatur, AR WWTP. The results demonstrate the difference between the pre-implementation and post-implementation phosphorus levels and therefore the overall success of the implemented BMPs and reduction in poultry litter application.