Developing hydroecological models to inform environmental flow standards: a case study from England

摘要: The concept of defining environmental flow regimes to balance the provision water resources for both human and needs has gained wide recognition. As authority responsible resource management within England, Environment Agency (EA) uses Environmental Flow Indicator (EFI), which represents an allowable percentage deviation from natural determine where may be available new abstractions. In a simplified form, EFI been used as hydrological supporting component Water Framework Directive classification, flag alteration contributing failure achieve good ecological status, guide further investigation. primary information source was expert opinion, EA aims improve evidence base linking response, use this develop improved criteria implementation tools. Such tools will required make predictions at locations with no or limited monitoring data. Hence empiricalstatisticalmodelsarerequiredthatprovideameanstodescribeobserved variation in sensitivity change. Models must also strike between generic local relationships. Multilevel (mixed effects) regression models provide rich set capabilities suitable purpose. Three brief examples application these techniques empirical relationships response are provided. Establishment testable hydrological‐ecological provides framework improving data collection, analysis, ultimately