Instream Flow Methodologies and Requirements

by J. Emil Morhardt, EA Engineering Science &, Technology Inc, Lafayette, CA, USA,
Edward G. Altouney, EA Engineering Science &, Technology Inc, Lafayette, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

Instream flow is a term applied to the discharge occurring downstream from and at least partly controlled by a dam or diversion structure. The volume and timing of instream flows most convenient for generating electricity are not necessarily those most beneficial to the organisms living in and around the stream, or most desirable from an aesthetic or recreational viewpoint. Consequently, a variety of methods has been developed, mostly by state and federal agencies, to determine the best instream flows for uses other than power generation. This paper describes the conclusions reached in a study (Morhardt 1986) and thoughts resulting from a subsequent workshop (Electric Power Research Institute 1986) conducted for the Electric Power Research Institute and addresses the ways in which instream flow recommendations might be improved. It also suggests an approach to predicting long- term population resources that may be valuable in calibrating and validating new instream flow methodologies.

Subject Headings: Streamflow | Electric power | River flow | Rivers and streams | Dams | Water-based recreation | Water discharge

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