Stream Health Estimation for the Plum Creek Watershed

Overall health of a stream is one the powerful indicators for planning mitigation strategies. Currently, available methods to estimate do not look at all different components health. Based on statistical parameters obtained from daily streamflow data, water quality and index biotic integrity (IBI), this study evaluated impacts elements health, such as aquatic species, riparian vegetation, benthic macro-invertebrates, channel degradation Plum Creek watershed in Texas, USA. The method involved (1) collection flow data outlet; (2) identification hydrologic change streamflow; (3) estimation using NATional Hydrologic Assessment Tool (NATHAT) before alteration after periods; (4) most relevant affecting based type; (5) preliminary existence duration curves (FDCs); (6) use health-relevant indices with scoring system Dundee Regime Method (DHRAM). FDCs plotted together periods indicated likely presence problem Creek. NATHAT–DHRAM showed moderate impact biological assessments carried out, monitored, land cover during pre- post-alteration documented publicly federal document support results study.