Water Resource Associates
A network of consultants in water resources, water quality, hydrology, hydrogeology and flooding.
Review of Water Framework Directive [WFD] Decision Support System
Assessment of the WFD spreadsheet system developed by DEFRA through its application to the River Kennet.
Background
DEFRA is setting up a decision support system to assist with implementation of the Water Framework Directive so that the EA can apply a general methodology to all catchments in the UK. This incorporates a spreadsheet procedure designed by ENTEC for DEFRA. The Kennet was chosen, because of the complex range of pressures that affect the river and the high degree of interaction between the pressures and their impacts on the river environment. Issues of concern are low flows, diffuse and point source pollution, high sediment loads, abstraction, climate change and hydromorphology.
Sediment problems at confluence of the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Kennet
Algal Blooms on the River Kennet
Scope of Work
The WRA assignment focused on reviewing the DSS and applying the new system to the River Kennet, in order to test performance of the package, and to make recommendations for improvements.
Results
The DSS was set up for the Kennet and a workshop undertaken to explain application of the package at catchment scale. 25 senior economists and water managers attended the workshop, which included application of the spreadsheet to the River Kennet and organization of a field visit to the Kennet Catchment for the WFD economists involved in the new cost/benefit analysis. Appropriate modifications were proposed for the new spreadsheet package.