Pathogen TMDL development in karst watersheds: Challenges and solutions

V. Chandramouli, L. Ormsbee

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Watershed simulation models are popularly used for developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for different water quality parameters. The TMDL modeling process typically involves four stages: hydrologic calibration, water quality calibration, TMDL development, and load reduction analysis. The success of the whole process initially depends on successful hydrology calibration. This paper presents the results of an iterative methodology that was developed for use in calibrating HSPF for a karst watershed. This study focused on the development of a pathogen TMDL for Cane Run Watershed in central Kentucky. The headwaters of the watershed originate within the urban services boundary of Lexington, Kentucky and then flow through a predominately rural area which contains several horse farms. Due to the area's karst topography, this basin contains several large sink holes that divert flow from the part of the upper watershed to an adjacent watershed where it emerges at Royal Spring which serves as a primary water supply for the adjacent city of Georgetown Kentucky. As a consequence, the streamflow in much of the upper part of the watershed is essentially zero for many months of the year. This phenomenon presented several challenges in trying to characterize the watershed loadings as well as how to model the system so as to develop an effective TMDL.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
Subtitle of host publicationAhupua'a - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: May 12 2008May 16 2008

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
Volume316

Conference

ConferenceWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period5/12/085/16/08

Keywords

  • Karst
  • Water quality
  • Watersheds

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Pollution

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