A mathematical deterministic river-quality model. Part 2: Use in evaluating the water-quality management of the blackwater catchment

Abstract

A deterministic river-quality model has been used to predict river qualities in the Blackwater System (part of the River Thames catchment). It was tested under the relatively dry conditions of 1973 and more normal conditions of 1974, and it was concluded that satisfactory agreement between predicted and observed data was obtained. On this basis, the use of the model was extended to simulate conditions for 1981 and 1991 in an attempt to evaluate what the effect on the river quality would be if certain capital works programmes were or were not proceeded with. It was demonstrated that with the potential expansion in this catchment area, the quality of the Blackwater would not improve unless capital works programmes are carried out.