Menu
This project enabled use of the first testing event of the Chowilla Regulator and the associated ancillary structures in 2014 to (i) collect the field data required to validate the hydraulic model used in the development of the operations regimes; and (ii) assess some of key water quality hazards that had been identified in the Chowilla Operations Plan.
Baseline sampling (pre and post operation) and event sampling at a range of sites within the adjacent river and within the management area was undertaken. Collected samples were analysed for a range of water quality parameters including carbon, nutrients, algae, biochemical oxygen demand. Data collected from a purpose built telemetered water quality network was analysed for key parameters including condition relative to key ecological thresholds and modelled to assess key ecological responses (i.e. open water productivity).
The knowledge gained in this project has application to directly influence operational rules and procedures used in decision making for delivery of environmental water to large floodplain assets via constructed infrastructure.
