Catchment Characterization as a Tool for Upland Water Quality Management

The relationship between the distribution of naturally occurring discoloured water and catchment characteristics is determined for an upland catchwater system in North Yorkshire, U.K. Primary non-point sources of colour are identified as areas of Winter Hill peat with slopes <5° and high drainage densities. Heather burning and moorland gripping are identified as land management practices likely to increase water discolouration. A statistical model to predict the spatial distribution of water discoloration is developed. The model has utility as a catchment management tool for water quality hazard mapping and catchwater management. The implications for predicting and controlling levels of other variables associated with non-compliance to water quality standards is considered.