These constituents, among others, will be evaluated in a 4-year study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. This fact sheet describes the perceived problem and impetus for this study and provides some details of the study's organizational and operational characteristics. Cheney Reservoir was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of the Interior, between 1962 and 1965 to serve as a water-supply source, to provide for downstream flood control, to allow recreational activities such as boating and fishing, and to provide wildlife benefits. The city of Wichita, Kansas, a major metropolitan area, acquires much of its daily water supply from Cheney Reservoir. The contributing drainage area includes the North Fork Ninnescah River and associated tributaries.
Land use is predominately agricultural and consists mainly of pasture and cropland.
Crops produced in the watershed include corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, and wheat. Algal blooms in Cheney Reservoir have occurred frequently during the summer months for the past several years. These blooms have caused taste and odor problems in water withdrawn from the reservoir by the city of Wichita for use as public supply. It is believed that excessive nutrient concentrations may be causing these blooms. In 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey began a water-quality study of the Cheney Reservoir watershed in participation with the city of Wichita and the Bureau of Reclamation.