Estimation of Low-flow Statistics for Ungaged Stream Sites on New Jersey Streams Completed

START DATE: 01-APR-2008 

END DATE: 30-MAR-2012 

PROJECT NUMBER: LJ00DBB 

STUDY OBJECTIVES:  

Phase 1 

• Review previous studies performed in other states related to the development of regional regression equations for estimating low-flow statistics at ungaged stream sites. 
• From the reviewed reports and available information for streams in New Jersey, identify those basin characteristics most likely to be used in equations to calculate low-flow statistics at stream sites, 
• Develop a detailed work plan for Phase 2 of the study. 

Phase 2 (preliminary) 

• Develop the methodology for estimating low-flow statistics for ungaged sites that are above, below or between continuous-gaged sites. 
• Develop low-flow statistics for partial record stations using Move 1 
• Develop regional regression equations to estimate low-flow statistics for ungaged stream sites 
• Incorporate low-flow statistics at existing gage sites and the low-flow regression equations for ungaged sites into the New Jersey StreamStats web application. 

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:  

To protect existing water supplies, to plan for future water supplies, and to protect and enhance the aquatic ecology, the NJDEP and USGS, through cooperative agreements, have been developing tools and strategies that can assist in allocating the water resources of the state among competing needs. One such tool is the New Jersey Hydroecological Assessment Tool (NJHAT) that can calculate 171 flow statistics at any stream site with a long term-daily streamflow record; statistics include both low- and high-flow hydrologic indices. The NJDEP has been developing streamflow requirements for water diversions that to a large extent are related to several low-flow statistics. The issue is to develop flow statistics at ungaged stream sites. 

STRATEGY AND APPROACH:  

The study would be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, approaches taken in previous studies will be identified and reviewed to determine if these approaches or some modification of them would produce a tool that would satisfy the needs of the NJDEP. Phase 1 would include the review of data needs and availability and the development of a detailed work plan for Phase 2. 

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