Destratification and Thermal Inversion (Reservoir Turnover)

Water in reservoirs usually stratifies into three layers. For purposes of this article, the upper two layers are referred to as the circulation zone and the bottom layer will be known as the stagnation zone. Turnover of reservoir water occurs twice a year, in the winter and summer. Some of the results of the turnover can be offensive tastes and odors in the water. To avoid any sudden water quality changes, the reservoir can be artificially destratified by the addition of oxygen or air into the stagnation zone, or by pumping water from the stagnation zone into the circulation zone to keep the layers of water mixed.