About this archived opportunity

A. Background The overall goal of this project is to improve water quality conditions in Willow Creek Reservoir for the benefit of the community of Heppner, Oregon, and surrounding area. The reservoir is characterized by several water quality concerns, including dense cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) blooms, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and high nutrient concentrations. Cyanobacteria blooms are known to produce toxins, thereby threatening the aquatic ecosystem and potentially exposing humans and animals to risk of death or chronic illness such as neurodegeneration and liver damage. Each summer, Willow Creek Reservoir post’s health advisories warning users of the potential hazards associated with recreational activities on the lake. Furthermore, fish kills, foul odors and other nuisances are common in Willow Creek Reservoir affecting the community’s ambiance, limiting tourism and recreation on the lake. This analysis draws upon prior research, readily available data, and new research and data to develop and implement an evaluation program for the restoration of Willow Creek Reservoir and its upper basin. Research results will provide public benefit through enhanced water quality in Willow Creek Reservoir producing public recreation opportunities and natural resource benefits. B. Program Description/Objective The primary objective is to advance the scientific understanding of reservoir ecology through the following research pillars: 1. Empirical Data Acquisition and Limnological Analysis: To maintain the integrity of high-resolution, longitudinal datasets, the research involves systematic environmental monitoring and experimental observation. This includes the monthly collection of water samples and the recording of in-situ physicochemical measurements to analyze long-term nutrient cycling patterns and ecosystem shifts. Rather than routine maintenance, site visits are designed to manage the reservoir aeration unit as a controlled experimental variable. This

Related opportunities

• WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources ProjectsBureau of Reclamation·Closes Sep 2027·Up to $3M
• WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management ProgramBureau of Reclamation·Closes Feb 2028·Up to $300K
• FY2026 Water Resources Research Act Non-Competitive CoordinationGeological Survey·Closes in 50 days
• WaterSMART Drought Response ProgramBureau of Reclamation·Up to $1.5M
• Native American Affairs: Fiscal Year 2025 Colorado River Basin Tribal Drought Resiliency ProgramBureau of Reclamation·Closes in 48 days·Up to $1M
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) ProgramState Water Resources Control Board