Applying Natural and Social Science to Co-produce a Hypoxia Forecast with Public Water Systems

Session: 45. - Hypoxia: Causes, Impacts, and Management

Devin Gill, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, University of Michigan, [email protected]
Mark Rowe, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, [email protected]
Craig Stow, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, [email protected]
Scott Moegling, Cleveland Water Department, [email protected]

Abstract

When upwelling shifts the thermocline depth in the Central basin of Lake Erie, hypoxic water may intrude into drinking water intakes causing changes in raw water quality. Researchers at the Cooperative Institute of Great Lakes Research and the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab partnered with public water systems who draw water from Central Lake Erie in the first year of a five-year project to co-produce a hypoxia forecast model. Through focus groups and surveys, practitioners shared information on the impacts of hypoxia on plant operations and expressed their needs and preferences for forecast information. Hypoxia can impact water quality by increasing levels of manganese (resulting in aesthetic issues), increasing organic content (creating a higher chlorine demand), and reducing pH (may require adjustment for corrosion control). Plant operators expressed interest in receiving forecast information, if it could be sufficiently accurate and convenient to access, so that they can be vigilant and prepared to respond when changes in raw water quality are likely to occur.

1. Keyword
drinking water

2. Keyword
Lake Erie

3. Keyword
hydrodynamic model

4. Additional Keyword
hypoxia

5. Additional Keyword
stakeholder engagement