Download the SARP Final Report
Download the Modeling Report (Tetra Tech 2013)
Download Summary Stats (Tetra Tech 2013)
Download CO2 Response (Tetra Tech 2013)
Recently, the Milwaukee Working Group was awarded the NOAA Sectoral Applications Research Program (SARP) grant to incorporate climate change data into existing water resource models so decision-makers can evaluate future risks and consequences to the Milwaukee metropolitan area, including nearshore Lake Michigan, a values resource for the region.
The primary focus of this project is to characterize the water resource and coastal impacts and consequences of altered climate patterns in the Great Lakes.
Storm driven pollution into rivers, estuaries, and the Great Lakes are the major driver of poor water quality that impacts drinking water sources and recreational beaches. Storm events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in the Great Lakes Region as a result of climate change, but the impact on valuable water resources is relatively unknown. We are characterizing the coastal impacts and consequences of altered climate patterns using modeling approaches. Changes in pollution loads are being calculated using a watershed model driven by region-specific, downscaled climate data based on expected climate conditions at mid-century (from 2046 through 2065). We are coupling these loadings to determine the net effect on water quality at beaches and drinking water intakes due to increased loads and differences in distribution dynamics. Results from this study will improve planning efforts by identifying vulnerabilities and justifying investments to mitigate storm-generated runoff.
To achieve our goals we developed, and continue to refine, a model that simulates water quality conditions and flow in six watershed drainage areas in Greater Milwaukee. Potential impacts are estimated by comparing “best case” and “worst case” scenarios where rainfall, temperature and potential evapotranspiration (PET) are considered. Modeling outputs include levels of Fecal Coliform Bacteria, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, Total Suspended Solids and Copper.
The Milwaukee working group works closely with representatives from the Milwaukee area: