IDOR · Water Resource Data Integration and Model Development for Management and Sustainability of River-Basin Resources

Periodic Report Summary - IDOR (Water resource data integration and model development for management and sustainability of river-basin resources)

The purpose of this pilot project was to perform watershed and water quality-based studies to provide an example of how a river basin management plan can be prepared following the guide-lines specified in the Water Framework Directive. The report thus describes two watersheds and the pressures on and status of their water bodies, and provides examples of environmental objectives. The planning process together with the implementation of the programme of measures is often referred to as river basin management. The present project for river basin management planning was conducted on the Diarizos and Kouris Watersheds in Cyprus and was carried out to support Articles 9 and 11, Article 13 and Article 15 of the Water Framework Directive. BASINS, a multi-purpose environmental analysis system that integrates a geographical information system (GIS), watershed data, and state-of-the-art environmental assessment and modelling tools into one convenient package, was used. It was the goal of the watershed study to develop the necessary baseline data and analytical tools. In order to evaluate the pressures and impacts the study included the following: - A comprehensive update of meteorological, hydrologic, hydraulic, and models for a range of flow rates for existing conditions and future conditions within the Diarizos and Kouris (DK) watersheds. The hydrologic model provides the flow data needed as input to thehydraulic transport models. - The hydrologic model was also used to evaluate baseline and changes to water quality and pollutant loadings as a result of point source, non-point source or any proposed regional solutions to flooding or water quality problems. - Generate computer models that can simulate the impacts of land use changes under existing, natural and future conditions, and provide data to forecast the resultingchanges to streamflow in the watersheds. - Existing conditions included waste-water treatment plants, water supply / storage facilities. For future conditions, the modelling could include proposed land use changes, any sediment control facilities, and the effects of changes in sediment flow to the downstream areas as a result of proposed alternatives to mitigate pollution or water quality problems. The natural condition was modelled by assuming the watershed has not been developed or subjected to extensive ranching or agricultural activities (pre-European).

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз