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Karamouz, M., Ahmadi, A., Taheriyoun, M., (2010) Water Quality Management Using Watershed Sustainability Approach, Iran- watershed Management Science and Engineering, 3(9): 9-16. (In Persian)

Karamouz, M., Ahmadi, A., Taheriyoun, M., (2010) Water Quality Management Using Watershed Sustainability Approach, Iran- watershed Management Science and Engineering, 3(9): 9-16. (In Persian)

Abstract

 

Nowadays, water, a life dependent resource, is considered as one of three basic elements of the environment (soil, water and air) and has attained the most noticeable role in the world. Water quality management is dependent on good knowledge of pollutants and their characteristics including the quantity and quality of pollution, location and frequency of disposal to surface and groundwater. The watershed scale approach in water quality management is the study of the whole cycle of pollutant generation, disposal and transformation in the water bodies. Watershed management gives an integrated view in assessment of point and non-point source pollution and develops plans for restoring water quality. A decision making process is needed to reflect a common strategy for information collection and analysis as well as a common understanding of the roles, priorities, and responsibilities of all stakeholders within a watershed. The watershed approach is based on the concept that many water quality problems, like the accumulation of pollutants or non-point source pollution, are best addressed at the watershed scale. In addition, a watershed focus helps identify the most cost-effective pollution control strategies to meet clean water goals. In this study, elements of sustainability in water resources are discussed and a set of sustainability index considering different economic and social aspects are introduced. Then the structure of sustainable development and application of system dynamics in watershed management based on feedback and interaction between components of a watershed system are introduced. Also development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) process in water quality management is explained and master plans for pollution control of water resources is described as one of important tools in establishment of sustainability in water resource development and operation. Also some regulatory approaches in water quality management like National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and water quality trading policy and tax on pollution discharge are explained. Watershed simulation models are introduced as efficient tools in pollutant load estimation. In this regard, Soil and Water Assessment Tools (SWAT) developed by Arnold et al.(1999) is introduced and its application to Aharchai River watershed is presented.

 

Keywords: Watershed, Water quality management, sustainable development, pollution reduction plan, water quality trading

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Journal Papers
Month/Season: 
February
Year: 
2010

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