New Waddell Dam - Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

Before the New Waddell Dam was constructed, two phases of a three phase study were carried out to determine the effects of the dam on fisheries. Completed in 2005, the third phase of the study has determined that the larger reservoir has less nutrient concentrations due to CAP water introduction and that water fluctuations have reduced fish cover, likely effecting food and spawning. Large mouth bass populations have also declined but striped bass have entered the lake, likely by eggs transferred through CAP water. Around the lake, Reclamation has taken steps to protect wildlife habitats, including those for bald eagles and Gila topminnows.