Estimating storm discharge and water quality data uncertainty: A software tool for monitoring and modeling applications |
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| Authors: | R.D. Harmel D.R. Smith K.W. King R.M. Slade |
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| Affiliation: | 1. USDA-ARS, 808 E. Blackland Rd., Temple, TX 76502, United States;2. USDA-ARS, 275 S. Russell St., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2077, United States;3. USDA-ARS, 590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, United States;4. 11617 River Oaks Trail, Austin, TX 78753, United States;1. Dept. of Earth Sciences, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;2. Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol, Queen’s Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK;3. Dept. of Geography, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;1. INSERM, CIC 1402, 2 rue Milétrie, Poitiers, F-86021, France;2. Pédiatrie Multidisciplinaire, Nutrition de l''Enfant, CHU Poitiers, 2 rue Milétrie, F-86021, France;3. Université de Poitiers, CIC 1402, 4 rue Milétrie, Poitiers, F-86000, France;4. CHU de Poitiers, Centre d''investigation clinique, 2 rue Milétrie, Poitiers, F-86021, France;5. Service de Médecine Interne, Endocrinologie, Maladies Métaboliques, CHU Poitiers, 2 rue Milétrie, F-86021, France;6. EBSI, CEISAM, University of Nantes–CNRS UMR6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, F-44322, Nantes, France;7. INSERM, U 1069, 10 boulevard Tonnellé, Tours, F-37044, France;8. Université François Rabelais, 60 rue du Plat D''Etain, Tours, F-37044, France;9. INSERM, U1082, 2 rue Milétrie, Poitiers, F-86021, France;1. Monash Water for Liveability, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia;2. Unit of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 13, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria |
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| Abstract: | Uncertainty estimates corresponding to measured hydrologic and water quality data can contribute to improved monitoring design, decision-making, model application, and regulatory formulation. With these benefits in mind, the Data Uncertainty Estimation Tool for Hydrology and Water Quality (DUET-H/WQ) was developed from an existing uncertainty estimation framework for small watershed discharge, sediment, and N and P data. Both the software and its framework-basis utilize the root mean square error propagation methodology to provide uncertainty estimates instead of more rigorous approaches requiring detailed statistical information, which is rarely available. DUET-H/WQ lists published uncertainty information for data collection procedures to assist the user in assigning appropriate data-specific uncertainty estimates and then calculates the uncertainty for individual discharge, concentration, and load values. Results of DUET-H/WQ application in several studies indicated that substantial uncertainty can be contributed by each procedural category (discharge measurement, sample collection, sample preservation/storage, laboratory analysis, and data processing and management). For storm loads, the uncertainty was typically least for discharge (±7–23%), greater for sediment (±16–27%) and dissolved N and P (±14–31%) loads, and greater yet for total N and P (±18–36%). When these uncertainty estimates for individual values were aggregated within study periods (i.e. total discharge, average concentration, and total load), uncertainties followed the same pattern (Q < TSS < dissolved N and P < total N and P). This rigorous demonstration of uncertainty in discharge and water quality data illustrates the importance of uncertainty analysis and the need for appropriate tools. It is our hope that DUET-H/WQ contributes to making uncertainty estimation a routine data collection and reporting procedure and thus enhances environmental monitoring, modeling, and decision-making. Hydrologic and water quality data are too important for scientists to continue to ignore the inherent uncertainty. |
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