| Title: | Human Water Use Effects on Massachusetts Streamflow |
| Authors: | Sarah Brandt, Peter Weiskel, USGS; |
| Date/Time: | Monday, September 22 ~ 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
| Abstract: | The long term availability of sufficient freshwater resources for both human and ecosystem needs is a growing concern within Massachusetts. Water availability is influenced by the natural hydroclimatic regime and human water use. Hydroclimatic factors such as precipitation, groundwater recharge, basin storage, and surface runoff are highly variable in both time and space. Human factors such as consumptive water use and wastewater discharge can significantly change water availability and natural streamflow patterns. Local and regional scale assessments are needed to characterize the current availability of freshwater resources and identify areas where natural streamflow regimes have been significantly disrupted. A set of indicators describing the effects of human water use on streamflow patterns was developed for and applied to watersheds in Massachusetts. Indicators were calculated for the entire state of Massachusetts at spatial scales of 8-digit Hydrologic Units (HUCs), 12-digit HUCs, and 2500 smaller hydrologic units. Results show a wide range of streamflow alteration from human water use across the state and demonstrate the importance of considering spatial scale when performing water availability assessments. |
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