Project #4838

Evaluation of and Recommendations for Functional Assessment of Stream Restoration for Water Quality Benefits in Urban Watersheds

$35,000
Completed
Principal Investigator
Brian
Bledsoe
Research Manager
Harry Zhang, PhD, PE
Contractor
University of Georgia
Water Quality
Source & Receiving Waters
Monitoring
Stormwater
Source Water Protection

Abstract

This research summarizes the scientific knowledge on factors limiting stream functions in urban watersheds and identifies limitations in existing tools for quantifying functional lift from stream restoration projects that limit their applicability and rigor, especially in urban stream systems. It provides recommendations for improving stream assessment tools by incorporating watershed processes that control functional potential of urban streams and encourages the incorporation of a variety of benefits, including water quality, ecosystem services, and co-benefits, into assessments of urban stream restoration. Published in 2019.

 Originally funded as WERF project SIWM16R16.