Water Quality Modelling of the Humber River Watershed, a Mixed Urban-Rural Watershed

The Humber River watershed is a mixed urban, rural watershed within the Greater Toronto Area and a designated Canadian Heritage River. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with relevant municipalities, is developing a watershed plan to determine existing conditions and identify measures to protect, enhance, and restore watershed conditions. Water quality is a concern in this watershed. This research will identify the most appropriate model to understand current conditions and assess potential future land use scenarios for key water quality parameters of concern (e.g. chlorides, metals, nutrients). Based on the results of the modelling exercise, a cost-benefit analysis of different management strategies will inform land use and infrastructure planning. This work will benefit TRCA, by developing concrete management actions that can be implemented in the watershed to improve water quality.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christopher Wellen

Student:

Partner:

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (Toronto, ON)

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: