Toward Integration in Reservoir Management

Abstract

Reservoirs are engineered features of hydrologic landscapes with characteristics defined by engineering design criteria. Many of these characteristics impact water quality. Reservoir management has historically been dictated by water control requirements; environment and water quality have been secondary considerations. Management approaches that address inputs of nutrients, sediment and organic material as root causes of eutrophication have been difficult to implement due to the location of reservoirs in large, complex watersheds. Costly engineering solutions that reduce symptoms of problems rather than address their cause are favored over watershed-based approaches applied to smaller natural lakes. To be successful, future management initiatives will require more integrative approaches that recognize reservoirs as integral components of watersheds and river basins. Understanding interactions between engineering practice and water quality fosters the development and implementation of effective management approaches that address environmental and water quality concerns as well as water quantity.

Key Words:

• reservoir
• water quality
• reservoir management
• reservoir operation