Delaware River Basin Pilot
USGS is working with basin stakeholders on the potential impacts of the drought of record under current supply and demand conditions. This workplan integrates four cooperative studies.
Development of model to predict daily water use for public supply
This study will develop a predictive model for daily public supply withdrawals in a subbasin of the DRB, output will be compared to disaggregated monthly data to assess model performance. This effort will support development of a National model to estimate daily withdrawals for public supply as part of the Water Budget Estimation and Evaluation Project (WBEEP).
Indentifying spatial and temporal driver to predict drought in the Delaware River Basin
This study will focus on improving predictions of streamflow during periods of drought within the DRB. Multiple factors in both space and time affect streamflow in the basin, and these factors will be evaluated to develop optimal models of streamflow under periods of drought, such as the drought of record in the mid-1960’s.
Simulation of water quality in tributaries to the Delaware Estuary
This study will develop watershed models of four large tributaries to the Delaware River Estuary: Crosswicks, Rancocas, Pennsauken, and Raccoon Creeks. The tributary models will assess water quality impairments and evaluate nutrient reduction scenarios. Additionally, this project will help inform the process with which we will incorporate water-quality into national and regional IWAAs.
Evaluation of national models to inform local water management
This study is designed to research the veracity and limitations of the full range of predicted flows for water supply availability within highly regulated basins of New Jersey. Performance of National extent models, such as the National Hydrologic Model, will be evaluated against existing DRB surface water models. This pilot will help to inform ongoing development of the National IWAAs as well as water prediction through the Water Prediction Work Program (2WP).