• Simplify the model approaches and corresponding data requirements
• Establish key parameters to describe the characteristics of basins and bodies of water using globally available remote-sensing datasets
• Develop methods for highly efficient, minimum on-site monitoring tailored to the task
• Develop tailored strategies for implementing the model and measures with the future (local) users
• Develop suitable dissemination strategies

Relevance

Reservoirs provide people with drinking water in many parts of the world. However, these bodies of water are also sinks for sediments, nutrients and pollutants that impair water quality. One direct consequence of this is eutrophication. Rapid growth of algae and cyanobacteria significantly restricts reservoir use, especially in terms of drinking water production. Climate change is exacerbating water stress due to the increasingly unequal distribution of water resources. At the same time, more intensive agriculture and forestry and increasing settlement activity are adding to the pressure on water resources in drainage basins, which leads to conflicts between different user groups and sectors. Although suitable models for reservoir management exist, their use is severely limited in many regions of the world because input and validation data are lacking. This means the models lose their regional connection and the resolution needed to establish management strategies.

More information about the joint research project is available here.