Large Multi-purpose Reservoir Research Articles

Assessing the impact of a large multi-purpose reservoir on flood control under moderate and extreme flood conditions

ABSTRACT This study offers a detailed examination of the Eupen dam’s role in flood mitigation in Belgium’s Vesdre valley, analysing 18 moderate and extreme flood events from 1995-2022. Notable aspects of the methodology include adjustments for an ungauged sub-basin and a mass-balance approach to compute the unknown outflow data from the inflow time-series and reservoir level data. These 18 events evidence the dam’s performance hitherto, with respect to peak discharge attenuation (9-91%), peak delay (0-68 hours), outflow volume reduction (2-94%), as well as discharge reductions associated with various return periods (38-51%), given its multipurpose objectives. The research details how the dam’s effectiveness varies with operational decisions and antecedent reservoir conditions, marking a departure from conventional studies that tend to generalise data across multiple dams and events. By focusing on individual events, the study provides insights into the nuanced interplay between dam operations and flood management, demonstrating the benefits and limitations of multi-purpose reservoirs in flood control.

A generalized reservoir module for SWAT applications in watersheds regulated by reservoirs

Accurate estimates of reservoir outflow are important for simulating runoff of watersheds regulated by large reservoirs using hydrological models. The target release reservoir module widely used in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) shows poor performance in simulating the outflow and water level of large multipurpose reservoirs. In this study, a generalized reservoir operation chart-based reservoir module is developed as an alternative to the original reservoir module in SWAT (SWAT-Or). The proposed reservoir module includes a dynamic decision-based outflow framework integrated into the operation chart. The modified version of SWAT with the new reservoir module (SWAT-M) is not only suite for small reservoir with flood control function but also more applicable to large multipurpose reservoir. The predictions obtained from the original and new reservoir modules are compared with measured data from the three largest reservoirs in the Dongjiang River basin, South China. The performance of SWAT-M and SWAT-OR for daily and monthly runoff simulations of four hydrological stations in the basin are compared. The results shows that the proposed module produces results closer to the field measurements and has fewer errors than the original module, which predicts inappropriate low reservoir outflow during dry periods. In addition, the runoff simulation by SWAT-M shows a significant improvement, in particular for stations directly influenced by large reservoirs. The monthly (daily) scale R2 of SWAT-M is 0.02 to 0.21 (0.14 to 0.44) higher, and the NSE is 0.11 to 0.30 (0.12 to 7.16) higher than that of SWAT-Or. The proposed reservoir operation chart-based module significantly improves the applicability of SWAT to simulate runoff in watersheds regulated by large reservoirs.

Recovered mine drainage passive treatment residuals address legacy sediment pollution: A field mesocosm study at Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, Oklahoma

Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, Oklahoma is a large multipurpose reservoir that receives both elevated metals concentrations from the upstream Tri-State Lead-Zinc Mining District (TSMD) and excess nutrients from its agricultural watershed along with significant internal phosphorus (P) legacy loads. Mine drainage residuals (MDRs), amorphous iron oxyhydroxides recovered from passive treatment systems, may serve as phosphorus sinks. To evaluate the role of MDRs on reservoir sediment dynamics, a field mesocosm study (20-L vessels) was designed with four different mine drainage residuals (MDR) treatments: sediment control (no addition), mixed (MDR mixed with sediment), layered (MDR on top of sediment, no mixing) and bagged (MDR inside a fine mesh bag on top of sediment, no mixing) with phosphorus-spiked water. Soluble reactive P (SRP) concentrations demonstrated decreasing trends and the control treatment showed greater concentrations than all MDR treatments. P adsorption capacity (PAC) was determined to be approximately 0.7 mg/g and > 30 mg/g for sediments and MDRs, respectively. At Day 135, SRP reached >99% removal for all four treatments. Aqueous lead and cadmium concentrations were below detection limits and zinc concentrations were below the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. Sediment lead, zinc and cadmium concentrations were below the TSMD-specific sediment quality guidelines, except for final Mixed MDR treatment sediment with 16.7% of samples exceeding both Cd and Pb criteria. Results showed that MDRs removed excess P from the water column and by using the recommended bagged addition method, trace metal release to both the water column and sediment layer were minimized.

Seasonal and Long-Term Connections between Trophic Status, Sestonic Chlorophyll, Nutrients, Organic Matter, and Monsoon Rainfall in a Multipurpose Reservoir

Due to rapid eutrophication, sustainable water quality management and supply are essential in drinking water sources and aquatic biota in large reservoirs. We evaluated the potentially crucial factors influencing the algal chlorophyll (CHL-a), nutrients, and the links between the rainfall and other vital elements in a large multipurpose reservoir (Yongdam Reservoir) during 2013–2019. We developed the empirical models on algal CHL-a, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and TN:TP’s ambient ratios considering the maneuvering influence of Asian monsoons. The intensive rainfall during the monsoon months strongly impacted the nutrient regime and other vital factors. The seasonal patterns of algal CHL-a varied in response to the nutrient contents (TN, TP), suspended solids, and ambient N:P ratios along the longitudinal gradient. The conditional plot analysis, empirical modeling, and observations supported an overall P-limitation scenario, as was evident from the magnitude of N:P ratios (R2 = 0.36, F = 24.9, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the reservoir’s trophic status alluded to the larger particles and blue-green algae during the monsoon and postmonsoon months. The correlation analysis, Mann–Kendall trend test, and principal component analysis illustrated compelling links between CHL-a, TP, and rainfall regime. The outcomes suggested the reservoir was primarily controlled by phosphorus limitation, with an increasing CHL-a tendency along with nitrogen dilution. However, a slight decline in phosphorus was also detected. The Yongdam Reservoir is under the threat of recurrent eutrophication events that could jeopardize this vital drinking water facility due to increasing agricultural and anthropic activities.

The impacts of changing climate and streamflow on nutrient speciation in a large Prairie reservoir

Climate mediated warming water temperature, drought and extreme flooding are projected to shift the phenology of nutrients in receiving lakes and reservoirs further intensifying eutrophication and algal blooms, especially in temperate reservoirs. An emerging issue in reservoir management is the prediction of climate change impacts, a necessity for sound decision making and sustainable management. Lake Diefenbaker is a large multipurpose reservoir in the Canadian Prairies. In this study, the impact of climate change on nutrient speciation in Lake Diefenbaker is examined using loosely linked SpAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) and CE-QUAL-W2 models. Two climate mediated scenarios, RCP 8.5 representing the most extreme climate change, and climate induced streamflow were modelled. Nutrient levels are anticipated to double under the climate change and streamflow scenarios. Winter and spring were identified as hot moments for nitrogen pollution with a plausible saturation of nitrous oxides in the future. Of concern is a plausible recycling of nitrate through dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. Summer and fall on the other hand represent the period for phosphorus enrichment and internal loading with a probable succession of cyanobacteria in the summer.

Climate change effects on the thermal stratification of Lake Diefenbaker, a large multi-purpose reservoir

Large multi-purpose reservoirs serve not only to generate hydropower but to supply water for agricultural irrigation, animal and human consumption and to provide flood control. One of the key factors affecting physical functioning and deteriorating aquatic ecosystems in reservoirs is climate change. For instance, increases in water temperature accelerate chemical reaction rates, decomposition rates and oxygen demand at the water-sediment interface. Earlier thermal stratification onset, and longer and more intense reservoir thermal stratification are all consequences of global warming. Such disruptions in thermal stratification have been associated with reductions in hypolimnion dissolved oxygen, increasing anoxia events and enhancing reservoir eutrophication. In this research paper, we implement the 2 D hydrodynamics and water quality model, CE-QUAL-W2, to investigate the effects of climate change and streamflow scenarios on the thermal structure of Lake Diefenbaker, a large, multipurpose reservoir, located in Saskatchewan, Canada. Model results indicate that meteorological variability will dictate a nonlinear increase in reservoir water temperature in the coming decades, where larger increases in water temperature will occur during summer and fall in the upper layers. Also, decreases in reservoir streamflows will reduce water temperature at intermediate layers during summer and fall. Our model can be used as a tool to mitigate and manage the effects of climate change on the reservoir water quality.

Study on channel-forming process and a mathematical model for conservation storage for long-term utilized reservoirs

ABSTRACT It was conventionally believed that a large multi-purpose reservoir would eventually be abandoned because of the sediment deposition caused by the long-term elevation of water level. The concept of the reservoir life was introduced based on this convention. The concept of long-term utilization of reservoirs was first proposed by some Chinese researchers, who also investigated the sedimentation process during the long-term operation of reservoirs and applied the long-term operation strategy in the planning and operation practices for large reservoirs. Based on the general law of reservoir sedimentation, the mechanism of the long-term utilization of reservoirs was discussed in this paper. The channel-forming process for long-term utilized reservoirs was investigated, the first and the second channel-forming discharges were introduced, and the formation of the relative equilibrium longitudinal channel profile and cross-section was analysed. A quantitative relation was derived for the conservation cross section and storage with respect to the sediment discharge period and the control water level. A mathematical model was developed for the long-term utilization of reservoirs. As a case study, this model was applied to the planning of the long-term utilization of the Three Gorges Reservoir.

Assessment of nutrient loadings of a large multipurpose prairie reservoir

The relatively low water flow velocities in reservoirs cause them to have high capacities for retaining sediments and pollutants, which can lead to a reduction in downstream nutrient loading. Hence, nutrients can progressively accumulate in reservoirs, resulting in the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Lake Diefenbaker (LD) is a large multipurpose reservoir, located on the South Saskatchewan River (SSR), that serves as a major source of freshwater in Saskatchewan, Canada. Over the past several years, changes in land use (e.g. expansion of urban areas and industrial developments) in the reservoir’s catchment have heightened concerns about future water quality in the catchment and in the reservoir. Intensification of agricultural activities has led to an increase in augmented the application of manure and fertilizer for crops and pasture. Although previous research has attempted to quantify nutrient retention in LD, there is a knowledge gap related to the identification of major nutrient sources and quantification of nutrient export from the catchment at different spatial scales. Using the SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed (SPARROW) model, this gap has been addressed by assessing water quality regionally, and identifying spatial patterns of factors and processes that affect water quality in the LD catchment. Model results indicate that LD retains about 70% of the inflowing total nitrogen (TN) and 90% of the inflowing total phosphorus (TP) loads, of which fertilizer and manure applied to agricultural fields contribute the greatest proportion. The SPARROW model will be useful as a tool to guide the optimal implementation of nutrient management plans to reduce nutrient inputs to LD.

Taxonomy and ecology of Fragilaria billingsii sp. nov. and analysis of type material of Synedra rumpens var. fusa (Fragilariaceae, Bacillariophyta) from Brazil

Synedra rumpens var. fusa was originally described by Patrick, but there are only a few subsequent records of this variety in the literature. Analysis of samples from Brazilian reservoirs containing a morphologically similar taxon led us to the analysis of the type material of S. rumpens var. fusa, performed using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the present manuscript, an amendment to the description of the var. fusa is made and its transfer to the genus Fragilaria as F. fusa comb. et stat. nov. is proposed. Moreover, Fragilaria billingsii sp. nov. is described from a large multipurpose reservoir from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Comparative discussions with morphologically related taxa found in the literature are presented. Regarding ecological preferences, the new species was found living in slightly acidic and meso-eutrophic waters.

Climate change impacts on multi-objective reservoir management: case study on the Seine River basin, France

ABSTRACTAdaptation strategies will be needed to cope with the hydrological consequences of projected climate change. In this perspective, the management of many artificial reservoirs will have to be adapted to continue to fulfil downstream objectives (e.g. flow regulation). This study evaluates the sustainability of the management rules of the artificial reservoirs on the Seine River basin, France, under climate change scenarios. The Seine River basin at Paris (43,800 km2) has major socio-economic stakes for France, and the consequences of droughts and floods may be dramatic. In this context, four large multi-purpose reservoirs were built on the basin during the twentieth century for low-flow augmentation and flood alleviation. A hydrological modelling chain was designed to explicitly account for reservoir management rules. It was calibrated in current conditions and then fed by the outputs of seven climate models in present and future conditions, forced by the A1B IPCC scenario, downscaled using a weather-type method and statistically bias-corrected. The results show that the hydrological model performs quite well in current conditions. The simulations made in present and future conditions indicate a decrease in water availability and summer low flows, but no significant trends in high flows. Simulations also indicate that there is room for progress in the current multi-purpose management of reservoirs and that it would be useful to define proper adaptation strategies.

Optimal Reservoir Operation for Hydropower Generation using Non-linear Programming Model

Hydropower generation is one of the vital components of reservoir operation, especially for a large multi-purpose reservoir. Deriving optimal operational rules for such a large multi-purpose reservoir serving various purposes like irrigation, hydropower and flood control are complex, because of the large dimension of the problem and the complexity is more if the hydropower production is not an incidental. Thus optimizing the operations of a reservoir serving various purposes requires a systematic study. In the present study such a large multi-purpose reservoir, namely, Koyna reservoir operations are optimized for maximizing the hydropower production subject to the condition of satisfying the irrigation demands using a non-linear programming model. The hydropower production from the reservoir is analysed for three different dependable inflow conditions, representing wet, normal and dry years. For each dependable inflow conditions, various scenarios have been analyzed based on the constraints on the releases and the results are compared. The annual power production, combined monthly power production from all the powerhouses, end of month storage levels, evaporation losses and surplus are discussed. From different scenarios, it is observed that more hydropower can be generated for various dependable inflow conditions, if the restrictions on releases are slightly relaxed. The study shows that Koyna dam is having potential to generate more hydropower.

Climate change impacts on the reliability of hydroelectric energy production

This paper presents the assessment of climate change impacts on some critical water management issues such as reservoir storage and hydroelectric production. Two equilibrium scenarios (UK Meteorological Office High Resolution model, UKHI and Canadian Climate Centre model, CCC) referring to years 2020, 2050 and 2100 and one transient scenario (UK High Resolution Transient output, UKTR) referring to years 2032 and 2080 were applied to represent both “greenhouse” warming and induced changes in precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. By using these scenarios, the sensitivity of the risk associated with the annual hydroelectric energy production of a large multipurpose reservoir in northern Greece has been evaluated under conditions of altered runoff. It is shown that the operational characteristics of the reservoir designed and operated under current climatic conditions are, in general, affected by the climate change scenarios examined. Increases of the risks associated with the annual quantities of energy production have been observed, particularly under the UKHI and die UKTR scenarios. For the UKHI scenario, increases of reservoir storage volumes of up to about 12% and 38% are required in order to maintain at current risk levels the minimum and mean annual energy yields respectively, while for the UKTR scenario the corresponding increases are estimated to be about 25% and 50%.

Statistical Analysis of Rainfall For Large Multi-Purpose Underground Reservoir

The importance of available fire-fighting water has drawn wide attention since the Hanshin earthquake in January 1995. On the other hand, as part of the flood control measures in Tokyo, many large reservoirs using underground space have been planned and implemented. Under this situation, it is necessary to consider using the reservoirs. Underground reservoir can store water during non-flood seasons, and the water thus kept can be used for eventual fire fighting. In this paper, underground reservoir's multi-objective uses are discussed, by analysing the monthly variations of the past 68 years' rainfall data in Tokyo.

An Approach for Resource Allocation with Multiple Criteria

Abstract In this paper, the allocation, of eletric energy generated and shareout of investment of a large multi-purpose reservoir is considered.The allocation of the resources between the provinces involved should be equitable, otherwise, conflicts may occur. The mathematical model of the problem is formulated and the fuzziness of the concept—equity is treated by the Fuzzy Sets theory. An example is given to illustrate the appraoch proposed.

An Approach for Arbitrating a Dispute about Large Reservoirs

The dispute about the capacity of a large multi-purpose reservoir is arbitrated. It reflects the conflict of interests between the provinces along the river, where the reservoir is situated. In order to make the arbitration reasonable and equitable, four principles and three criteria are introduced. According to these principles, criteria and the features of the dispute, an arbitration approach is proposed and its properties are discussed. Two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach. This approach is based on the multiattribute utility theory, which is rather flexible and may be useful for arbitrating the disputes similar to that discussed in this paper.

Schemes of improving the sanitary and engineering state and use of multipurpose reservoirs

1. During operation of large multipurpose reservoirs their unsatisfactory sanitary and engineering state, ineffective use of their water and biological resources, and unfavorable ecological conditions were revealed, which requires their immediate improvement. 2. There are real ways of improving these sanitary state and use of the water and biological resources of reservoirs, which were established when drawing up the schemes. 3. A thorough elaboration of ecological problems of the examined reservoirs aimed at an improvement of the ecological conditions on each reservoir and on the territories adjacent to them is required. 4. To solve the stated problem it is necessary to implement a number of coordinated measures. For this purpose, a scientifically founded approach based on a prediction of the results of their accomplishment is required. The interrelatedness and interdetermination of these measures with respect to increasing the effectiveness of using water, land, and biological resources should be based on scientific approaches of aquatorial regionalization and planning of reservoirs. Such an approach, unfortunately, is absent in many schemes. 5. The investments and expenditures being provided for the indicated purposes should be aimed at achieving priority goals on improving the sanitary state of reservoirs, water quality, and effective use of their resources. The investments provided for in the schemes should be based on real sources of financing and should be coordinated with the plan of the concerned organizations, which are the title holders of the objects planned for construction.

Waterfowl Use Characteristics of Flood-Prevention Lakes in North-Central Texas

Waterfowl use of 55 flood-prevention lakes in north-central Texas was determined from 16 biweekly aerial counts made during August 1976-April 1977. A total of 42,855 waterfowl of 18 species was observed. Ducks accounted for 84% (35,958) of this total, and puddle ducks represented 77% (27,717) of all ducks. Gadwalls (Anas strepera) and ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris) were the 2 most abundant species of ducks. Values for 13 physical, limnological, and vegetative parameters were determined for each lake, and many of these were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with each other, mainly due to soil types, topography, and land-use practices. The most important characteristics influencing waterfowl use were amounts of aquatic vegetation and lake surface area. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 45(1):16-26 A substantial amount of wetland habitat has been produced by the construction of 13,200 floodwater-retarding structures throughout the United States. Over 1,750 floodwater-retarding structures exist in Texas, and additional structures are planned. The sizes of these flood-prevention lakes, which are intermediate between the conventional farm pond and the large multipurpose reservoirs constructed by other government agencies, make them potentially valuable to waterfowl (Siegler 1945). Floodwater-retarding structures are built primarily for flood control. They function by impounding in the upper watersheds excess runoff that is then released slowly over a period of days. Construction of the structures is performed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), under authorization of the 1944 Flood Control Act, the 1954 Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law 566), and the Flood and Agricultural Act of 1962 (Nord 1963, Lea and Mattson 1974). Construction is performed in conjunction with the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which are responsible for operation and maintenance. However, management and use of the lake remain the property of the owner. Several authors have stated that floodprevention lakes can attract migrating and wintering waterfowl, and may provide substantial recreational hunting potential (Grizzell 1960, Day 1964, Williams 1965, Dillon and Marriage 1973, Hatcher 1973). However, little is known about the species and numbers of waterfowl using them, chronology of use, or the ecological factors affecting their use. Therefore, statements concerning the value of flood-prevention lakes to waterfowl are only broad generalizations. In the only published study of its kind, Copelin (1961) found in western Oklahoma, with the exception of a national wildlife refuge, more ducks used flood-prevention lakes than all of the large impoundments in the area. Unfortunately, because these structures are built primarily for flood control, little attention has been given to determining the ecological factors and features of construction that would enhance the 1 Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Article TA 16115. 2 Present address: Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation, Sinton TX 78387. 16 J. Wildl. Manage. 45(1):1981 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.113 on Wed, 05 Oct 2016 04:14:30 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms WATERFOWL USE OF FLOOD-PREVENTION LAKES * Hobaugh and Teer 17 wildlife potential of the lakes. Furthermore, because the lakes belong to the landowner, no conservation agency has formulated specific management recommendations. Our project was designed to provide basic information concerning the physical, limnological, and vegetative features of flood-prevention lakes that favor waterfowl. The specific objectives were to determine the waterfowl use of flood-prevention lakes in north-central Texas, and to relate variations in waterfowl use to differences in management practices and vegetative, limnological, and structural differences among lakes. This was a cooperative project between the Soil Conservation Service, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Financial support was provided by the Caesar Kleberg Research Program in Wildlife Ecology. We thank all of the cooperating lake owners who allowed access to their property. Special appreciation is extended to L. C. Boswell, SCS, whose assistance was instrumental to the project success. Many other SCS personnel were helpful, and we thank them for their cooperation. We also thank B. W. Farquhar for his assistance with limnological data collection; 0. C. Jenkins for his help with the statistical analyses; W. H. Kiel, Jr., and R. J. Newton for their advice; and F. Sprague, SCS, and R. L. Noble for their advice and assistance throughout the project and for reviewing this manuscript.