Watershed Modeling

Images from the USGS Water-Resources Investigation Report 00-4029, which describes the Ipswich River precipitation-runoff model

Location: Using data from all demonstration project sites

Purpose:

• Evaluate the potential for LID and innovative water conservation techniques to improve base flow within the Ipswich River, if the techniques were to be applied on a wider, regional basis.
• Identify the most effective combination of techniques in increasing base flow in the Ipswich headwaters.

Description: In 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) used the Hydrologic Simulation Program--Fortran (HSPF) to develop a watershed-scale precipitation-runoff model of the Ipswich River. The model simulates the watershed’s hydrology and complex water-use patterns to relate pumping, precipitation, and land use to streamflow (Zarriello and Ries 2000, p. 1: click here for the full USGS report). In addition to simulating existing conditions, the model may be adjusted to simulate theoretical alternative water pumping and land-use patterns.

Assisted by a team of technical advisors, USGS will develop theoretical pumping and land-use scenarios that reflect widespread application of the LID and water conservation techniques monitored under this grant. Specifically, based on the data collected under the grant, the model will be adjusted to reflect reduced water withdrawals associated with water conservation and reduced runoff associated with LID landscapes. The scenarios will help USGS evaluate the flow benefits to the river that might be obtained by applying LID and water conservation techniques over larger areas of the watershed, and in different combinations. The intention is to identify the techniques and combinations of techniques that offer the greatest potential benefits to the river and its tributaries.

Data Collection and Analysis: For information on how data will be collected on each demonstration project, see the individual pages for the demonstration projects. At the end of the grant period, USGS will produce a scientific investigation report describing the study area, methods of data collection, summaries of data previously published, modifications made to the HSPF model, and results of the simulations showing the effect of scenarios on streamflows in the watershed. Additionally, USGS will publish a shorter educational fact sheet highlighting the technologies and data results associated with each demonstration project.

Partners: U.S. Geological Survey

Status: See Progress Report