Water Resource Assignments

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Water Resource Assessments
Water Supply
Surface Water Hydrology
Water Rights and Water Use
Watershed Analysis
GIS and Mapping Capabilities

• Water Resource Assessments

Samish River Basin Level II Watershed Assessment (WRIA 3)

Client: Subcontracted along with Geo Engineers, Inc. to Duke Engineering, Inc. for the Skagit Watershed Steering Committee and Skagit Council of Governments
Project Description:  Completed the Water Resources Evaluation component of a detailed (level 2) watershed assessment of the Samish River Basin, located just north of the Skagit River delta. Companion reports addressed ground water hydrology (GeoEngineers), and the assessment of instream flows (Duke Engineering). The water resources component focused on surface water hydrology, climatic conditions, water rights, and water use and documented the effect of four water use scenarios on flow.

As part of this effort, the 638 water rights located in the Samish Basin were mapped using ArcView software. Estimates of actual water use were determined for domestic, commercial and irrigated agricultural sectors. Irrigated water use was inferred by crop type based on a crop inventory and crop consumptive use. The spatial distribution of crops was mapped on parcel maps and transferred to ArcView.

Continuous hydrologic modeling (HFAM) was conducted to estimate natural streamflow at thirteen points in the basin. Output from the groundwater model (MODFLOW) was input to the surface water model to assess the net effect of water use on the streamflows in the Samish River Basin. Depletions to the river were modeled from four water use scenarios: current water use conditions, full entitlement of water rights (including exempt well estimates), consumptive use of water rights, and full build out of zoning regulations.

Wind/White Salmon Level I Watershed Assessment (WRIA 29)

Client: Subcontracted to Envirovision, Inc. for WRIA 29 Planning Unit
Project Description:  Conducted the level 1 watershed assessment for WRIA 29 located just north of and draining to the Columbia River. The geology, precipitation pattern, and climate change dramatically in both directions (east to west and north to south) in this WRIA creating a complex system. Surface and groundwater quality, hydrogeology, hydrology, and water rights and use were assessed for the five separate subbasins that make up this WRIA. A surface water balance was completed for each subbasin as well to understand the inputs and outputs of the system and the availability of streamflow for instream and out-of-stream uses.

Nisqually River Level I Watershed Assessment (WRIA 11)

Client: WRIA 11 Planning Unit
Project Description:  Completed the Level 1 assessment for WRIA 11 (Nisqually River). Major tasks included: summaries of water rights, public water system data, and water use for six sub-basins; evaluated water quality data, instream flow data, and fish habitat information; developed statistical summaries of stream-gaging stations. Project also developed an overall water budget and recommendations for Level II investigations.

Chehalis River Basin Level I Assessment (WRIAs 22 and 23)

Client: Subcontracted to Envirovision, Inc. for the Chehalis Basin Partnership
Project Description:  The Chehalis is a large basin comprised of two Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs), and is mostly rural.  HSC completed the water quantity (hydrology, water use and water rights) of the assessment. Tasks included summarizing data by subbasin (30 were defined in WRIAs 22 and 23) for water rights and water use; public water system data from the State Department of Health; and extensive streamflow records. Statistical summaries were generated for 21 stream-gaging stations and flow-duration curves plotted for selected “natural” flow stations. Impacts of past and present land use were identified and, natural streamflow, instream flow rights, and water allocated were graphically compared. Data gaps were identified and recommendations for further research developed. In addition, an exempt-well pilot study was conducted.

Nooksack River Basin Watershed Assessment (WRIA 1)

Client: Public Utility District #1 of Whatcom County
Project Description:  Joanne Greenberg currently represents the PUD #1 of Whatcom County on the water quantity technical team for the WRIA 1 Project and provides technical review of the products from the consultant. This project is a comprehensive basinwide assessment incorporating ground and surface water quantity, ground and surface water quality, and fish habitat. The data and models are being incorporated into a decision support system. 

Programmatic EIS for RCW 90.82 Basin Plans

Client: Subcontracted to SAIC, Inc. for Department of Ecology
Project Description:  WPN is worked as a subcontractor to SAIC to complete the programmatic EIS for actions to be taken under the Basin Planning process specified in RCW 90.82. The basin plans addressed water rights and allocation, fish habitat, and water quality. Joanne Greenberg and Karen F. Welch completed the portions of the EIS addressing impacts of the alternatives on water quantity.

• Water Supply

Current and Projected Water Demands for Skagit County’s Domestic, Commercial, and Industrial Sectors

Client: Skagit County Public Works and Mentor Law Group
Project Description:  Provided technical support to Skagit County for understanding domestic, commercial and industrial demands for a 50-year planning horizon.  A report was completed documenting all the background data for future population projections and water rights allocations as well as noting all the documents to support the analysis such as coordinated water system plan, PUD and Anacortes water system plans,etc.

Water Supply Yield Analysis, City of Bellingham, Washington

Client: City of Bellingham
Project Description:  Developed an HSPF-type model to simulate streamflow in the Middle Fork Nooksack River and the Lake Whatcom watershed.  Used GIS tools to develop physical input data and obtained long-term climate records from nearby stations.  HFAM was setup to simulate 1944-2003 watershed conditions.  The City’s water supply has several components; water diverted from the Middle Fork Nooksack River is conveyed through a tunnel, pipeline, small lake and eventually delivered to Lake Whatcom. Additional tasks included generating a daily diversion record, reconstructing daily flow values and reconstructing gate releases from Lake Whatcom.

Reservoir Operations Study, Whatcom County Washington

Client: Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County
Project Description:  Completed a feasibility study of a potential reservoir for the PUD#1 of Whatcom County. This project required the development of a computer model, using the STELLA II platform, to simulate reservoir operations at a proposed site. Determined the size of reservoir required to meet a future demand of 10 MGD while meeting the current instream flow requirement in the Nooksack River.

Yield Analyses, Tolt River and Cedar River

Client: Seattle Water Department
Project Description:  Joanne Greenberg managed the operations of the Water Resources Management Model (WRMM) for the planning activities of the Seattle Water Department. She developed and updated natural flows and conducted yield analyses, through computer modeling, for the North and South Fork Tolt River and the Cedar River for purposes of municipal water supply planning. In addition, she provided technical support for the Instream Flow Study on the Cedar River.

• Surface Water Hydrology

Johns Creek Streamflow Record Development

Client:  Caldwell & Associates and the Squaxin Island Tribe
Project Description:   HSC developed a daily streamflow record from the recently collected stage data for Johns Creek and computed updated flow exceedance curves by incorporating the new data with historic USGS data.  Tasks included review of raw stage data and discharge measurements, conduct a rating curve analysis, and assess and apply shifts to the rating.

Tenmile Creek Watershed Study of Contributors Affecting Low Flows

Client: Public Utility District #1 of Whatcom County
Project Description:   Conducted a low flow study in late summer/early fall to determine flow levels in Tenmile, Fourmile, and Deer Creeks.  Streamflow, temperature, and DO data were collected in order to characterize the variability in runoff production throughout the Tenmile watershed during the low flow months.  The intent was to collect baseflow information to provide building blocks for the long-term goal of constructing a ground water /surface water storage model to understand what supports instream flows in the basin. Continued work is focusing on the contribution of the springs to baseflow and documenting water use, estimating crop water requirements and developing a database of subsurface information presented on water well reports in order to analyze regional geologic and hydrogeologic settings.   In Progress.

Whatcom County Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan, Lower Nooksack River

Client: KCM, Inc. for Whatcom County
Project Description:  Conducted the hydrologic analysis component of the county flood plan. This included a flood frequency analysis of the Nooksack River at Deming and Ferndale, review of previous analyses, investigation of streamflow record quality and channel stability at the gaged cross-sections, and an identification of errors and uncertainties associated with flood estimates.

Hydrologic Process Maps for Regions in Washington and Oregon

Client: Boise Cascade Corporation and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Project Description:  Developed a procedure to identify dominant peak flow generating processes. The project included analysis of vast amounts of climatologic and hydrologic data. Reports and maps were developed for three regions: Western Oregon, Eastern Oregon, Northeast Washington, and South Central Washington.

Hydrologic Analyses of Ungaged Basins

Client: Cascades Environmental Services (now Devine Tarbell & Associates)
Project Description:  Generated synthetic streamflow time series for numerous creeks in western Washington and Canada for feasibility assessments of small hydroelectric power applications.

Flood Investigation Report on Blue Lake and Sawmill Creek, Alaska

Client: City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska
Project Description:  Conducted a hydrologic investigation of flood flows and associated stage for Sawmill Creek below Blue Lake Hydroelectric Power Plant facilities. Flood flows downstream of the reservoir were generated and routed through the channel to determine flood stage in the lower creek near the power generating facilities.

Hydrologic Investigation of the Nooksack River Intake at Plant 1, Washington

Client: Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County
Project Description:  Conducted an analysis of the Nooksack River at the PUD intake. The PUD was concerned about the invert elevation of the intake and its reliability during low flow periods. The study included a low flow frequency analysis and geomorphologic interpretation of the susceptibility of the channel cross section to changes over space and time.

• Water Rights and Water Use

Bertrand Creek Watershed Improvement District Water Bank

Client:  Reichhardt and Ebe, Inc. and the Bertrand WID
Project Description: Conducted analyses necessary to determine the amount for which the Bertrand WID will apply for a water right.  The new water right will cover water use not currently permitted and the place of use will encompass the entire area within the WID boundary.  The structure and operational procedures of the water bank are in progress

Skagit River Negotiations

Client: Skagit County Public Works Department
Project Description:  Provided technical support for response to Ecology’s proposed rule amendment for the Skagit River instream flow rule adopted in 2001.  Prepared reports on current and potential future irrigation water use and future domestic water use.  Reviewed hydrology background document submitted by Ecology to substantiate their proposed reservation.   In Progress

Bertrand Creek Comprehensive Irrigation District Management Plan

Client: Washington State Department of Agriculture and Economic and Engineering Services, Inc. 
Project Description:  Completed the technical assessment for determining irrigation water requirements for crops grown in Bertrand Creek Subbasin (WRIA 1).  Analyzed and summarized water rights and water claims and compared to actual water use.  Also addressed mitigation measures for decreasing water withdrawal impacts on surface water.

Water Rights Mapping, Samish River Basin, Washington

Client: Skagit Watershed Planning Unit
Project Description:  As part of a detailed level II watershed assessment in the Samish Basin, Joanne Greenberg and staff mapped water rights located in the basin. The 638 water rights were explicitly mapped using original documentation on file with WDOE to determine the points of diversion, place of use, and change status for each right. The location of the points and polygons were mapped using ArcView software for each certificate and permit. Points of diversion were mapped for applications and the larger irrigation claims, if available.

Water Rights and Water Use Analyses associated with Watershed Planning Efforts

Client: Chehalis Basin Partnership (WRIA 22 & 23), Samish Watershed Planning Unit (WRIA 3), WRIA 11(Nisqually) Planning Unit, WRIA 29 (Skamania Co.) Planning Unit
Project Description:  Performed water rights and water use analyses as part of the technical studies associated with the 2514 planning process. The Chehalis is a large basin comprised of two Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs), and is mostly rural. The assessment included evaluation of water quality, fish habitat, and water quantity (water use and water rights) in the basin. Water rights were summarized by subbasin and by type of use. Water use estimates were developed and compared to the water rights summaries to understand data gaps.

Adjudication of Federal Reserved Water Rights, Big Horn River Basin, Wyoming

Client: State of Wyoming
Project Description:  Developed a database of the certificated and permitted water rights in the basin. A model was developed to allocate water rights based on physical and legal availability of water. The management operations of the river system were superimposed on the natural hydrology of the basin. Joanne developed and updated the databases and analyzed and summarized model output for the adjudication.

Catalogue of Information on Nooksack Basin Water Resources & Fisheries

Client: Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County
Project Description:  Conducted a countywide data collection effort detailing water use and water rights. Analyzed and summarized water rights in the Ecology database, surveyed all the major and many minor water users in the county regarding source of supply, current and projected demand, and amount of water rights. Obtained and summarized the surface water records, climatologic data, and general basin information and tabulated GIS data and mapping layers and/or products available.

• Watershed Analysis

Oregon Watershed Assessment Manual

Client: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Project Description:  In 1996, Oregon watershed representatives and stakeholders identified the need for a uniform and understandable assessment methodology. It would need dovetail with Endangered Species Act requirements, federal Clean Water Act regulations, and the “Oregon Plan”. In response, a team of eight WPN members, managed by Karen Kuzis, were contracted to produce the Watershed Assessment Manual for Non-Technical Users. Praised as “refreshingly clear and practical” by the Oregon Insider, this manual provides: 1) an educational tool to help council members understand watershed processes, 2) watershed “baseline” information, and 3) an evaluation of watershed conditions to identify appropriate watershed restoration projects. The assessment process focuses on evaluating instream fisheries and water quality resources to aid watershed councils addressing endangered species issues and TMDL development. All watershed councils in Oregon are now using this methodology for documenting funding needs to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.

Oregon Ecoregion Condition Summary

Client: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Project Description:  In order to support Watershed Assessment efforts and provide easily accessible information on watershed condition to watershed councils the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board contracted WPN to develop companion Appendix to the Watershed Assessment Manual describing hydrologic and riparian conditions in the level 4 EPA ecoregions in the state of Oregon. The Oregon Manual and companion Ecoregion Appendix can be accessed at: http://www.oweb.state.or.us/publications/wa_manual99.shtml

• GIS and Mapping Capabilities

Tenmile Creek

Client:  Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County
Project Description: Used ESRI’s ArcGIS 9.1 to map crop acreage and irrigation systems in the Tenmile watershed.  The crop acreage was based on the parcel database and a survey of farmers within the Tenmile watershed.  The parcel database was clipped to the irrigated acres and used to determine total acreage by subbasin, spatial representation of crops, and irrigation requirements for the 2004 growing season. 

For a ground water study to identify ground water source for local springs with the Tenmile watershed, Joanne Greenberg and staff created a geodatabase of water well reports using Access and ArcGIS 9.1.  Using the data entered into the geodatabase, the subsurface lithology was mapped using Rockworks 2004 software.  Rockworks is a geologic-based software that allows for subsurface visualization using a variety of tools.  Subsurfaces can be mapped as 2D and 3D representations.  For the Tenmile watershed springs area, a variety of lithology cross sections were created across the spring area, the potentiometric surface was modeled, and the hydraulic gradient was estimated.

HFAM2 Model GIS Files

Client:  City of Bellingham
Project Description: Used ArcView 9.1 and the extension Spatial Analyst for format the input grids and shapefiles to the hydrologic model, HFAM2.   The study area DEMs were downloaded, merged, and filled.  The DEMs provided the topographic base for watershed delineation.  The Watershed and Streams Delineation Tool v.1.1 from Texas A & M University was used to create the reaches (subbasin boundaries) within the study area.   Next, the DEMs were manipulated to create raster grids of elevation, aspect, slope, and hillshade of the reaches.  From these grids, a segment grid was calculated using the Raster Calculator in the Spatial Analyst extension.  The segments are hydrologically homogenous land areas.  Using the segments, the following information was summarized as zonal statistic tables for input into the model: soil data from STATSGO, forestry data from Landsat imagery, topographic data from the DEM raster grids.

Skagit River Watershed Source Control Plan

Client: with EES, Inc. for the City of Anacortes and the Skagit County PUD #1
Project Description:  HydroLogic Services Co worked with EES, Inc to produce a watershed control plan for the City of Anacortes and PUD#1 of Skagit County.  This project included GIS determination, analysis and reporting of potential contaminant sources in the vicinity of surface water intakes for municipal water supplies, map production. ArcGIS 8.3.  The County assessor’s database and the Department of Ecology’s data of regulated facilities were analyzed and mapped to identify potentially contributing contaminants to the Skagit River An additional task included estimating the travel time of potential pollutants to two water supply intakes along the Skagit River.  Travel times from numerous points of concern were estimated for summer and winter mean flows as well as flood flows.

Samish River Basin Watershed Management Plan

Client: Skagit County Public Works
Project Description:  As part of the process of developing a watershed management plan, Joanne Greenberg made presentations to the Steering Committee summarizing the information gathered and the results from the detailed Level II Watershed Assessment. The Steering Committee was guided through the information by using maps for each of four subbasins. Maps were prepared to display the public water associations, single and multiple domestic water rights by point of diversion, crop inventory results by parcel, and ground and surface water irrigation rights by place of use. Tabular information was overlaid onto the maps showing the difference between actual use and water right allocations.