Frameworks for amending reservoir water management
Managing water storage and withdrawals in many reservoirs requires establishing seasonal targets for water levels (i.e., rule curves) that are influenced by regional precipitation and diverse water demands. Rule curves are established as an attempt to balance various water needs such as flood control, irrigation, and environmental benefits such as fish and wildlife management. The processes and challenges associated with amending rule curves to balance multiuse needs are complicated and mostly unfamiliar to non-US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) natural resource managers and to the public. To inform natural resource managers and the public we describe the policies and process involved in amending rule curves in USACE reservoirs, including 3 frameworks: a general investigation, a continuing authority program, and the water control plan. Our review suggests that water management in reservoirs can be amended, but generally a multitude of constraints and competing demands must be addressed before such a change can be realized.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2013 |
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Title | Frameworks for amending reservoir water management |
DOI | 10.1080/10402381.2013.829893 |
Authors | Ethan Mower, Leandro E. Miranda |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Lake and Reservoir Management |
Index ID | 70150422 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |