Not in My Watershed! An Interactive Tool to Evaluate Land Use Changes on Stream Water Quality

Author: Michael P Strager
Organization: West Virginia University

rm 2006 Ag Sci Bldg
P.O. Box 6108
Morgantown, WV 26506+6108
USA

Phone: 304-293-4832 x4
Fax: 304-293-4832
mstrager@wvu.edu

Using the hydrological modeling capabilities of ArcView Spatial Analyst, we are able to model and estimate water quality parameters for streams throughout a watershed. Various stream pollutant concentrations or loadings are modeled using expected mean pollutant concentrations for particular land cover classes. We also use a weighting factor for unfavorable land on steep slopes and a path distance model to define riparian areas where stream conditions are most sensitive to runoff. The ability to predict stream water quality effects of future clearcuts, strip mines, or agricultural development will prove to be a valuable analysis tool for planners and resource managers.