Protected Streamflow and Water Uses

Singh, Krishan P.; ,

Protected Streamflow and Water Uses

by Krishan P. Singh, Illinois State Water Survey, Champaign, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The development of protected-streamflow standards is essential for the most desirable and equitable use of stream waters for aquatic habitats, municipal and industrial water supply, and recreation. Protected streamflow at a given location along a stream is defined as that flow which water withdrawals will not usually be permitted for offstream uses such as municipal and industrial water supply. Protected streamflow helps maintain 1) aquatic habitats without their being seriously affected by water withdrawals during critical low-flow periods, 2) the assimilative capacity of a stream to receive effluents from wastewater treatment plants without adverse effects on streamwater quality, and 3) stream integrity in terms of diversity and strength of biotic communities. A versatile, basinwide aquatic habitat assessment model has been developed and tested. Computer programs have been developed to calculate the daily flow availability for offstream used for four protected flow levels based on monthly and yearly flow durations. Desirable low-flow releases from in-channel reservoirs are investigated for meeting instream flow needs and extra costs for meeting these needs.

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