Verifying the NPS-WASHMO urban runoff component of the ACRU model

Abstract

The collection and analysis of rainfall, stream flow and water quality data are described for an urban catchment used in model development. The data illustrates the existing hydrological conditions in the Palmier River Catchment, and forms the basis of simulations for model verification. Grab water quality samples were collected once a week at ten points for two years and flow-related grab samples collected flood water quality samples at a weir. The results show an increase in water quality constituents in the flow from the Pinetown CBD and a decrease from the residential areas. The data is then used to verify the models, which are found to perform satisfactorily.