Research Accomplishment Reports 2007

Stream/Aquifer Interface: Understanding the Riparian Corridor

S.R. Workman
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

 

Project Description

Much of 2007 was used to develop an experiment to study water quality on a watershed level.  Two grants have been received from EPA 319(h) funds to do the monitoring activities, riparian restoration work, and educational activities.  These activities will occur in the Cane Run watershed, which is the recharge zone for the Royal Spring.  The Royal Spring is the water source for the city of Georgetown. Kentucky.  At present, the Cane Run Creek is on the 303d list of impaired streams. The headwaters of the stream are in the northern sections of Lexington, Kentucky.  Monitoring stations will be constructed along the Cane Run and its major tributaries to allow the project to determine locations of non-point source inputs to the stream. 

A PhD student has started work on a computer model to study stream/aquifer dynamics.  The first phase of the model is the development of the recession and time constants for the stream segments to be modeled.  These constants are going to be related to physical parameters within the watershed such as slope, channel sinuosity, floodplain area, etc.  The PhD student has also worked with the SWAT model to develop a methodology to model karst streams such as the Cane Run.

Impact

It is too early in the project to have observed any impacts. We are developing outreach materials for students, residents, and businesses in the area concerning watershed function and stream corridor influences. Initial work has begun on developing a wateshed coordination team.