Watershed and Hydropower Assessment

"The watershed is defined as a unit of natural or disturbed land on which all the water that falls (or emanates from springs) collects by gravity and fails to evaporate and runs off via a common outlet. The watershed is the basic unit of water supply." Peter E. Black, Watershed Hydrology, Second Edition, 1996

While watersheds have been the focus of scientific study for decades, the well-documented observation that interacts between surface water flow and land features - control water quality and quantity - highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of watershed functions. In the past few years watershed analysis and management has become a preferred approach to addressing the nation's water quality problems. For example, all states have produced priority watershed plans that highlight key approaches and requirements for meeting each state's most critical water quantity and quality issues. In addition, because watershed processes - including soil erosion, pollutant transport, and water runoff rates - can be impacted by activities related to agriculture, energy, transportation, and urbanization, regulations now require in-depth analyses on how new economic developments might impact watershed functions.

EVS has recognized the need to provide sound analytical and modeling approaches that assist agencies, organizations and the public in making informed decisions on watershed issues. The technical challenges of analyzing a complex biophysical system, such as a watershed, must also consider that stakeholders can find it difficult to develop strategies for watershed management. Indeed, complex spatial dynamics, multiple ownership patterns, perceived winners and losers, and limited data provide fertile ground for developing new approaches for watershed analysis and management.

To assist in visualizing complex watershed dynamics, EVS staff are developing methods to consider: (1) the current state of the watershed and the underlying dynamic interactions, (2) alternative strategies, and (3) future projected conditions based on the alternative strategies. A watershed model is coupled to a geographic information system to provide the core operational system. Specific model variables and parameters contained within the GIS are photorealistically positioned within a 3-D watershed to provide a quantitative, but visual, interface for model initialization, scenario development and model output. By visualizing alternative strategies, stakeholders can focus on core issues and increase the likelihood that watershed assessments will address management strategies in a quantitative manner.

EVS recently completed an assessment of the Nakdong River Basin, the second largest river basin in Korea. EVS staff worked with the Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST) in Pohang, Korea to develop a Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) model that analyzed three scenarios for future basin development for the years 2001, 2006, and 2011. Data to calibrate the model was supplied by RIST staff.

EVS continues to advance watershed analysis and provide decision-makers with alternative strategies. Examples of ongoing program areas that utilize watershed analysis include riparian habitat studies in New Mexico, contaminant transport at federal facilities and installations, and the use of remote sensing and geographic information systems to assist in data collection at the watershed scale.

Related Fact Sheets

• Developing Flow Recommendations to Enhance Recovery of Endangered Fish below Flaming Gorge Dam
• Developing Habitat Management Plans for Stewardship of Southwestern Riparian Ecosystems
• Evaluating Natural Attenuation as a Cleanup Remedy
• Hydrological and Water Quality Models and Basin Management Strategies for the Nakdong River Basin
• Visualizing Complex Watershed Interactions

Contact

John Krummel (630)252-3269 jkrummel@anl.gov