Modeling the Lake Decatur Watershed in Illinois to Evaluate Effects of Best Management Practices on Nitrate Loading

by Deva Borah,
Misganaw Demissie, (M.ASCE),
Laura Keefer,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water

Abstract:

The Illinois State Water Survey recently completed a two-year monitoring and modeling study of the Lake Decatur watershed in Illinois to develop land use management alternatives that would eventually bring the city of Decatur, Illinois into compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards. This paper describes the modeling component of the study. Best management practice (BMP) scenarios were evaluated with the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution model, which was calibrated and verified on the Lake Decatur watershed using monitored data. Model results proved useful in evaluating the effects of BMPs on nitrate loading into Lake Decatur.

Subject Headings: Lakes | Watersheds | Best Management Practices (BMPs) | Nitrates | Load factors | Water quality | Water management | Illinois | United States

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