AWWA WQTC62510

Past work on climate variability and water resources has focused on water quantity impacts (e.g., floodingand droughts) rather than on changes in water quality. This paper addresses two aspects of climatevariability impacts on selected water quality parameters: assessment of projecting seasonalwater using various prior season hydroclimate parameters; and, assessment of the feasibility ofprojecting seasonal to annual lake water quality changes using El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)indicators observed in prior seasons. Work with Lake Cachuma, near Goleta, California, found that dryseason water quality, when taste and odor complaints could be forecast from wet season hydroclimate (airtemperature related) using probability relationships. The assessment of ENSO patterns suggests that dryseason ENSO is a strong predictor of regional wet season precipitation, and thus provides opportunities toforecast increases in turbidity and color. In addition, prior season hydroclimate parameters may provideinsight on water quality related to spring runoff and to summer taste and odor concerns. Water qualityforecasting models using prior hydroclimate parameter or climate variability indices to forecast futurewater quality has the potential to assist water suppliers in managing their source waters on a seasonalbasis. Includes 18 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

11/01/2005

Number of Pages:

8

File Size:

1 file , 620 KB