Researchers have suggested that maintaining more natural flow regimes in regulated rivers can result in more natural benthic communities.  The Jackson River (Covington, VA) is a regulated river experiencing relatively constant flows from Gathright Dam between June-November and high benthic algal biomass (200-1600 mg chl a/m²) downstream of nutrient-enriched effluent inputs.  We examined the effect of a scheduled, pulsed flow dam release (maximum discharge ~31 m³/s for ~16 hours) on algal biomass and water quality at multiple sites over a 45 km reach upstream and downstream of effluent sources.  A naturally occurring pulsed flow (maximum discharge ~170 m³/s) allowed the impacts of a larger pulse on algal biomass to be examined.  The effect of the dam release on algal biomass was site-dependent with a trend for lower chlorophyll a at some sites.  Suspended chlorophyll a and TSS increased 15-80 fold during the pulse, with peak concentrations occurring prior to maximum discharge.  The natural pulsed event reduced mean algal chlorophyll a concentrations 30-97%, and significantly reduced algal biomass.  These results indicate that pulsed flows can control benthic algae.  Additional studies will help identify ideal discharge and duration for optimizing river health and developing best management practices in the Jackson River.