Environmental Flow Definition and Management: A Case Study of the Jiaojiang River, Zhejiang Province

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter deals with environmental flow management in China using a case study of the Jiaojiang River in Zhejiang Province. The chapter starts with a review of environmental flow research and management in China, followed by a case study combining environmental flow assessment before making recommendations on water resources planning. This chapter outlines a methodology for identifying ecological assets and determining the flows that are important to their health. A pilot study on the Jiaojiang River in Zhejiang Province was used to demonstrate the application of a water resources allocation planning approach, coupled with an environmental flow assessment. A detailed ecological assessment was completed, which formed the basis for identifying important ecological assets and their flow requirements. A water resources management model for part of the river was developed, used to assess the ecological impacts of a proposed dam on the Zhu Creek. Different scenarios were developed to show how different abstraction caps and operational rules could deliver different results in terms of supply reliability and achieving the identified environmental flow requirements. The results indicate that there is significant potential for improving both supply reliability and environmental outcomes through modified operational arrangements.KeywordsEnvironmental flow definition and managementEnvironmental flow research and managementWater resources management modelWater resources allocation scenariosJiaojiang River