Understanding water studies: Key words and definitions
Surface water
Any waterway that is above ground, including streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and man-made reservoirs.
Fluvial Geomorphology
The study of the interaction between flowing water and the earth. “Fluvial” refers to anything related to rivers and streams, including the movement of water and sediment, and the formation of features caused by river activity. “Geomorphology” is the study of the earth’s surface and the processes that shape it, such as erosion, weathering and landforms.
Why study water?
Studying how water flows through lakes, rivers, and streams is essential to protecting ecosystems, wildlife, vegetation, and infrastructure. Alto experts integrate ecological and surface water considerations into the design of bridges and culverts to help preserve natural flow regimes, aquatic habitats, and aquatic species.
Stormwater and runoff quality studies will document water quality, particularly in relation to fish habitat, while flow analyses will help guide the project’s design, construction, and operation, and establish a baseline for future studies.
What do water studies involve?
Water studies involve establishing present conditions and identifying and describing those conditions. Ultimately, Alto planners will use the information collected to determine how the conditions may change as a result of the project and develop measures to avoid or reduce potential negative effects. These studies involve:
- Documenting water levels and flow measurements and reviewing waterway dimensions, vegetation, bed materials (ground at the bottom of water bodies) and floodplains.
- The identification and characterization of water and soil conditions in areas surrounding watercourses, including through drone and airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys.
- Assessing potential pollutants, contaminants, sediment and nutrients, to protect water quality from storm runoff.
- Studying how the surface water and land conditions near waterways may change as a result of the project.
- Developing measures to avoid or minimize potential negative effects.
