ABSTRACT
Since the quantity of water in any river system is finite, and since the quality of water is a function of the quantity, then any consumptive use of water can be expected to affect the quality of the remaining water. While this conclusion seems logical, the relationship is not straightforward or simple because of the myriad of chemical and biological processes that are involved. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss some of the complexities involved in the relationship between reduced streamflow and water quality, and to identify research priorities.
