Modeling Resuspension in a Dynamic Water Supply Reservoir

Abstract

Enhancements to the two-dimensional lake and reservoir water quality model W2Tn to simulate the effects of currents and waves on sediment resuspension and turbidity are described. Bed stress attributable to currents was computed by the hydrothermal component of W2Tn, whereas a surface wave component was added to W2Tn to determine bed stress owing to waves. Resuspension flux is computed from bed stress and is included as a source of turbidity to the water column. The model is tested through application to Schoharie Reservoir, a drinking water supply that experiences episodes of elevated turbidity caused by runoff events and exacerbated by drawdown. Model predictions of bed stress attributed to currents are validated by using measurements obtained from acoustic Doppler instrumentation. The surface wave component of the model is established on a framework that has been previously validated for Schoharie Reservoir. Testing of the enhanced turbidity component of W2Tn was completed for a 3.5-year period of historical observations, which included a number of runoff events covering a range of severity and variations in reservoir drawdown. The enhanced model performed well in simulating observed conditions in the water column. The resuspension mechanism made a significant contribution to the predicted turbidity during periods of reservoir drawdown and during a severe runoff event. The model also performed well in simulating the observed turbidity of the drinking water withdrawal. Resuspension of particles contributing to turbidity was largely attributable to reservoir currents with surface wave-induced resuspension playing a smaller role. The potential application of this model to other water bodies and water quality issues is discussed.