Utilization of high frequency monitoring for an inland lake eutrophication model

The USACE has an extensive combination of grab sample and continuously monitored water quality data available for inland reservoirs, however the use of continuously monitored data to enable modeling of water quality has not been routinely practiced. A three-dimensional nutrient water quality model (ICM-Lite) was applied to a USACE reservoir to explore the utilization of high frequency multi-parameter water quality data for short term modeling of key variables within the reservoir such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient levels, and phytoplankton. In addition, long term sample records at several sites were used to add a spatial context and aid in interpretation of model performance for simulating in-reservoir processes. This example case highlights challenges and insights for anticipating and managing HAB events within reservoirs.