The downstream influence of storage reservoirs upon river
water chemistry is an area largely devoid of literature. Yet
approximately fifty per cent of such reservoirs in Great Britain
significantly regulate flow, both by flood control, and
increasingly through irregular but discrete large-volume
releases. Natural patterns of stream water chemistry are shown
to be disturbed by the effects of Man, through changing land-use
and effluent discharge. Moreover, the establishment of a
reservoir in the head waters of a major river, can change the
water quality regime for a considerable distance below the dam. [Continues.