A combined watershed–water quality modeling analysis of the Lake Waco reservoir: I. Calibration and confirmation of predicted water quality

Abstract

-Flynn (2010) A combined watershed-water quality modeling analysis of the Lake Waco reservoir: I. Calibration and confirmation of predicted water quality, Lake and Reservoir Management, 26:2, 147-158,

A combined watershed–water quality modeling analysis of the Lake Waco reservoir: II. Watershed and reservoir management options and outcomes

“…3.2) were developed using various scenarios for the Lake Waco reservoir and contributing watersheds. For all scenarios presented here, a baseline condition was established, which is the model system derived from the calibration parameters described in a previous study (White et al 2010). The baseline scenario included all concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) lagoons, CAFO dairy treatment fields (DTF), small flood-control ponds (referred to as PL-566 reservoirs) and 8 municipal waste water treatment plants (WWTP) within the Lake Waco basin.…”

“…Of concern is the increase in cyanobacteria in the reservoir over the past 2 decades that has resulted in taste and odor problems for municipal drinking water treatment and supply (Di Luzio et al 2004, Rodriguez andMatlock 2008). In this study, management options are tested for the Lake Waco watershed using calibrated versions of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the watershed and CE-Qual-W2 model for the reservoir (White et al 2010) to address algal production and nutrient concentrations in the reservoir. Management scenarios are assessed to evaluate impacts on key water quality characteristics including chlorophyll-a (chl-a), dissolved oxygen (DO), and ratios of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP).…”

Loading of phosphorus and nitrogen to Lake Waco, Texas

“…Additional stations were considered where data were not ideal to calculate a load, yet where a load calculation was considered essential (e.g., direct drainage area). Stations represent drainage areas or point sources within the watershed of Lake Waco and have been applied to a watershed model (White et al 2010a). The watershed layout represents a complex network of inputs and stations (Fig.…”

“…For the purpose of comparing loads from areas or source types, analysis of an extended time period is essential. Models constructed by researchers from TIAER (McFarland and Hauck 1999) and Baylor (White et al 2010a) predict higher loads for the calibration periods applied, which were wetter than the longer term average. The importance of precipitation and runoff to loading in this system leads to those higher estimates, which may very well be correct for the periods represented.…”

“…This analysis focuses on measurement of loading to the reservoir over a decadal period leading up to the rise in pool elevation, providing estimates of inputs from areas and defined sources, based on a large database formed from the efforts of multiple organizations. This analysis provides both an evaluation of loading and a comparison for model outputs (White et al 2010a(White et al , 2010b and has been conducted independently of the modeling exercise.…”