Modeling Discharge and Conservative Water Quality in the Lower Kansas River Basin

Abstract

Daily discharge and conservative water quality predictions can be made for the lower Kansas River Basin with a relatively simple mathematical model suitable for use on a high speed digital computer. The model is based primarily on information available from the data acquisition network operated by the United States Geological Survey. The water quantity portion of the model has been tested for hydrologic accuracy by the reconstitution of eight observed discharge records each of 36 days duration. The water quality aspect of the model has been evaluated by comparing observed and predicted concentrations of individual dissolved ions at selected locations in the basin.

Potential uses for this type of model include evaluation of proposed reservoir operating policies on downstream water quality, investigation of the effects of irrigated agriculture on surface water resources of a region, and determination of the impact of industrial development on water quality.

Limitations and potential improvements to the model are discussed.

KEY WORDS: Water quality, Models, Hydrology, Geology.