Sediment Monitoring Strategy

Purpose Sediment Monitoring Bar Graph

The management of Kansas surface water resources relies heavily on an understanding of the quantity, source, transport and deposition of sediment in our streams and reservoirs. Excessive sedimentation decreases water storage capacity in our reservoirs, degrades water quality and can negatively impact water supply infrastructure. To tackle these challenges, water resource managers and decision makers need quality data to develop targeted and cost-effective solutions.

History

KWO has worked with multiple state and federal agencies to collect and analyze sediment data as far back as the 1950’s when the Kansas Water Resources Board (KWO’s predecessor) worked with the U.S. Geological Survey to set up a sediment monitoring network. Over the years bathymetric surveying, sediment coring and in-stream monitoring trend analyses have provided valuable information about the volume, rate, quality and sources of sediment being deposited in the reservoirs. However, continued monitoring and assessment is needed to support effective reservoir and watershed management decisions.

Timeline Map of Sediment Monitoring

If funding allows, ideally a new bathymetric survey would be completed at each public supply reservoir a minimum of every ten years to assess the sediment accumulation. Each year 2-3 large federal reservoirs and 3-5 non-federal reservoirs would be resurveyed. Sediment cores should be collected in conjunction with bathymetric surveys. The full cycle would be completed every 8-10 years.

In-stream suspended sediment monitoring above and below federal reservoirs help to quantify sediment loads during varying hydrologic conditions and determine the trapping efficiency of reservoirs.

Current Updates

KWO is working with state and federal partners on long-term monitoring of the impact of sedimentation to our reservoirs and effectiveness of sediment management strategies. The monitoring program includes a combination of in-stream data collection, bathymetric surveys, and other stream assessment work.

KWO partners with the USGS to monitor suspended sediment concentrations at selected gages along the Neosho River. The gages provide near real time information regarding the concentration of sediment flowing in the river above and below John Redmond Reservoir. This information helps in planning practices that limit sedimentation. The data can be accessed here.

Bathymetric Surveys can be accessed from our Reservoirs page.

Reports

Kansas River Basin Regional Sediment Management Section 204 Stream and River Channel Assessment, Summary Report

Kansas River Basin Regional Sediment Management Section 204 Stream and River Channel Assessment-2010

Kansas River Basin Regional Sediment Management Section 204 Stream and River Channel Assessment, Clinton Lake 2011

Kansas River Basin Regional Sediment Management Section 204 Stream and River Channel Assessment, Perry Lake 2011

Mean Annual Sediment Yield Neosho Basin 2009

Sedimentation in our Reservoirs Causes and Solutions 2008

FundingHigh streamflow in Mill Creek

Bathymetric Surveys

  • Approximate annual cost: $150,000
  • Timeframe: 8-10 years for full cycle, total cost per cycle: $1.2-$1.5M

Sediment Coring

  • Approximate annual cost: $50,000
  • Timeframe: 8-10 years for full cycle, total cost per cycle: $400,000-$500,000

Inflow Stream Monitoring

  • Approximate annual cost: $150,000-$200,000
  • Timeframe: 8-10 years for full cycle, total cost per cycle: $1.2-$1.5M

Project Manager

Cara Hendricks


KWO Office
900 SW Jackson Street
Suite 404
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-3185
Fax: 785-296-0878
Toll Free: 1-888-526-9283
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