Evaluation of Water Circulation by Modeling: An Example of Nonpoint Source Management in the Yeongsan River Watershed

Jong Mun Lee, Minji Park, Bae Kyung Park, Jiyeon Choi, Jinsun Kim, Kyunghyun Kim and Yongseok Kim
Additional contact information
Jong Mun Lee: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
Minji Park: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
Bae Kyung Park: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
Jiyeon Choi: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
Jinsun Kim: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
Kyunghyun Kim: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
Yongseok Kim: Water Environmental Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: Owing to urbanization, impervious areas within watersheds have continuously increased, distorting healthy water circulation systems by reducing soil infiltration and base flow; moreover, increases in surface runoff deteriorate water quality by increasing the inflow of nonpoint sources. In this study, we constructed a Hydrological Simulation Program—Fortran (HSPF) watershed model that applies the impervious area and can set medium- and long-term water circulation management goals for watershed sub-areas. The model was tested using a case study from the Yeongsan River watershed, Korea. The results show that impervious land-cover accounts for 18.47% of the upstream reach in which Gwangju City is located; approximately twice the average for the whole watershed. Depending on the impervious area reduction scenario, direct runoff and nonpoint source load could be reduced by up to 56% and 35%, respectively; the water circulation rate could be improved by up to 16%. Selecting management goals requires the consideration of both policy objectives and budget. For urban areas with large impervious cover, the designation of nonpoint source management areas is required. For new cities, it is necessary to introduce water circulation systems (e.g., low impact development techniques) to improve rainwater penetration and recharge and activate preemptive water circulation.

Keywords: impervious area; nonpoint sources; HSPF watershed model; direct runoff; water circulation rate; water circulation management goal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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