The Environmental Flows Blog

Last time, I had introduced about eflows and why they are important for river management. This article will briefly discuss the methodologies in measuring eflows. Measuring eflows vary widely. Different methodologies are available for measuring eflows. Eflows measurement can be done according to the spatial nature of the research you are doing- i.e. how big is your study site- is it a small river stretch? Or does it cover an entire river basin? Or, methodologies could also vary depending upon the temporal scale- i.e. the time frame of your research. Are you planning to collect a two years weekly data or are you using 20 yearlong monthly data? According to Arthington et al. (2003), the methodologies could also be rapid reconnaissance level (preliminary survey or research) approach for regional, national or basin wide water resource planning to resource intensive methodologies for highly exploited rivers which have been used extensively or rivers of high conservation significance.

Originally published in anotherverse I first heard about “eflows” when I was working as an intern. Unacquainted with the term, I researched about it only to discover its interesting theory was closely related to my undergrad thesis work. This essay is an attempt to introduce eflows and their importance. People are dependent on dams for many purposes. Dams are built to control flood, to irrigate agricultural lands, navigate water supply, for hydroelectric purposes and also for recreation. While they provide crucial services for mankind, they also prohibit the natural flow of the water bodies. There are periods where river ceases to flow, to those periods where the rivers flow full and flash out to the sea. Specific patterns of flows support ecosystem services provided by the river system. These are important naturally occurring events. Flood pulses help move the river sediment to the plains. Seasonal inundation of floodplains and wetlands support ground wate