Abstract
Water quality models are being used to predict nutrient concentrations in the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. The modeling will support the activities of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Tri-State Water Quality Council including Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies and the Clark Fork River Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program (VNRP). The TMDL studies and the VNRP are meant to reduce nutrient pollution from point and nonpoint sources to these rivers. The models were built using public domain programs for rivers and watersheds.
A stream and river model, the Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2E), is being used to model the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. QUAL2E is a one-dimensional river model capable of steady flow simulations of multiple water quality parameters. Input flows to the QUAL2E model include point sources, tributaries, groundwater, and non-point sources. The results of the current modeling efforts led to improved interpretation of water quality data, recommendations for the monitoring program, and the identification of key tributaries and nonpoint sources impacting water quality in the rivers.
The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model is being used to estimate watershed nutrient loading to the Bitterroot River. SWAT is a watershed-scale hydrologic and water-quality model developed to predict the effects of alternative land use management operations on water, sediment, and chemical yields. The model includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for land use and soil data for the watershed sub-basins. The modeling will be used to quantify loads from point source dischargers and non-point sources. The model will be applied to evaluate various land use and other management scenarios.
Start Date
1-4-2005 3:30 PM
End Date
1-4-2005 4:00 PM
Document Type
Presentation
Water Quality Modeling for Watershed Management in the Clark Fork and Bitterroot River basins
Water quality models are being used to predict nutrient concentrations in the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. The modeling will support the activities of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Tri-State Water Quality Council including Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies and the Clark Fork River Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program (VNRP). The TMDL studies and the VNRP are meant to reduce nutrient pollution from point and nonpoint sources to these rivers. The models were built using public domain programs for rivers and watersheds.
A stream and river model, the Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2E), is being used to model the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. QUAL2E is a one-dimensional river model capable of steady flow simulations of multiple water quality parameters. Input flows to the QUAL2E model include point sources, tributaries, groundwater, and non-point sources. The results of the current modeling efforts led to improved interpretation of water quality data, recommendations for the monitoring program, and the identification of key tributaries and nonpoint sources impacting water quality in the rivers.
The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model is being used to estimate watershed nutrient loading to the Bitterroot River. SWAT is a watershed-scale hydrologic and water-quality model developed to predict the effects of alternative land use management operations on water, sediment, and chemical yields. The model includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for land use and soil data for the watershed sub-basins. The modeling will be used to quantify loads from point source dischargers and non-point sources. The model will be applied to evaluate various land use and other management scenarios.