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Flow Measurements and Surface Water Studies |
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 RMEA has conducted surface water studies for a variety of clients, from landowners who need to have their stream flow or irrigation flows measured, to large-scale evaluations of surface and groundwater hydrology, sometimes involving entire watersheds. Some of these projects have been related to fisheries, and problems associated with hydrologic alteration and irrigation diversions.
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What is a Flow Measurement?
Surface-water hydrology relates the dynamics of flow in surface-water systems (rivers, canals, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, marshes, arroyos, oceans, etc.). This includes the field measurement of flow (discharge); the statistical variability at each setting; floods; drought susceptibility and the development of the levels of risk; and the fluid mechanics of surface waters. In-depth analysis of surface-water components of the hydrologic cycle: hydrometeorology, evaporation/transpiration, rainfall-runoff relationships, open-channel flow, flood hydrology, fluid mechanics, and statistical and probabilistic methods in hydrology. Surface-water hydrology includes the relation between rainfall and surface runoff; this relationship is an important aspect of water resources for sewerage (wastewater) or (sewage), drinking water, agriculture (irrigation) environmental protection, and for flood control. The relationships between groundwater and surface water includes baseflow needs for in stream flow, and subsurface water levels in wells.
Various units are used depending upon the application and industry, but might include gallons (U.S. liquid or imperial) per minute, liters per second, bushels per minute or, when describing river flows, cumecs (cubic metres per second) or acre-feet per day.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
What is a Surface water Study?
Surface water Studies are the field measurements of Surface water - An open body of water, such as a lake, river, or stream; for Streamflow, Dissolved Oxygen, pH and Alkalinity, Specific Conductance, Temperature, Habitat Characteristics, Biological Communities, and effects or impact to the geographical area. The data and measurements gathered are placed into the a field data model while samples are sent to an authoritative laboratory for evaluation. The Data collected is further collated, evaluated and recorded in a scientific model.
Assessment of most types of water-quality issues for streams, such as nutrient enrichment or pesticides, requires the measurement of many characteristics, frequently in multiple media, such as water, sediment, and tissues. In addition, each type of issue is related to water-quality conditions that tend to occur at particular places and times.
Source: Design of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program U.S. Geological Survey (NAWQA) Program
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Experience Counts.
Example Flow Measurements and Surface Water Studies
Big Lost River Darlington Sinks Geomorphology, Lost Rates, and Conceptual Alternatives Development, 2007-2008, Trout Unlimited
RMEA conducted a detailed surface water and groundwater study of a portion of the Big Lost River in order to determine the spatial and temporal controls on gaining and losing reaches of the river. The project also included fluvial geomorphic mapping and the development of design remedies to reduce losses through critical stretches to the benefit of the fishery and local irrigators.
Lower Gros Ventre River, western Wyoming, Hydrology and Diversions Assessment, 2008, Trout Unlimited and the National Park Service
RMEA assisted Trout Unlimited and the National Park Service (Water Rights Bureau) with a detailed hydrologic study of the lower Gros Ventre River and associated irrigation diversions. The work included highly accurate flow measurements of both the main stem of the river and various irrigation diversions in order to assess gaining and losing reaches, irrigation diversion rates, etc.
Management and technical support for projects related to re-construction of problematic irrigation diversions
In 2006-2007, RMEA assisted the Friends of the Teton River on several stream projects involving barriers to fish passage and the installation of passage structures and fish screens on irrigation diversions to prevent fish entrainment into ditches. In 2008 we assisted Trout Unlimited staff with an assessment of barriers to fish passage on Antelope Creek, a major tributary to the Big Lost River, Idaho.
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Water Use Verification
RMEA staff have conducted flow measurements and headgate and ditch assessments for clients wishing to settle water-right disputes or delivery questions with neighbors or canal companies. Staff have also performed surface-water measurements to verify managed recharge, and have installed automated transducers and performed rating measurements for continuous surface-water flow recording.
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Rocky Mountain Environmental is a registered service mark of
Rocky Mountain Environmental Associates, Inc., 482 Constitution Way, Suite 303, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
VOICE: 208-524-2353 ||| FAX: 208-524-1795 |
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