The Suwannee River Water Management District Approach to Minimum Water Flows and Levels
Author(s)
Good, John C.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
As defined by Florida Statutes (F.S.),
"the minimum flow for a given water course shall be
the limit at which further withdrawals would be
significantly harmful to the water resources or
ecology of the area" (Section 373.042, F.S.).
The establishment of minimum water flows and
levels is mandated by state law and necessary for the
protection of water resources and water dependent
ecosystems. Minimum flows and levels will also be
used in determining the quantity of water available
for withdrawal. The Suwannee River Water Management District
and the United States Geological Survey have a
cooperative data collection and analysis program to
develop the necessary data and management tools for
the establishment of minimum flows and levels. The
program includes modeling of groundwater
(MODFLOW) and surfacewater (MODBRANCH)
systems, and the establishment of the freshwater and
hydrologic requirements of floodplain vegetation. If
needed, a numerical model of the estuarine portion of
the river will also be developed.
The first priority for establishment of minimum
flows and levels is the lower Suwannee River. This is
expected to be complete by the year 2000.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
1997-03
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings