How are stream load measurements used in SPARROW?
|Back to Top| Stream loading information is used for calibration of SPARROW models (see question #1) and is thus one of the most important types of data for them. To maximize the accuracy and precision of the SPARROW model calibration, it is important to have a set of load measurements that are representative of the area being considered and that are available in sufficient quantity to capture the variability that occurs in that area. For these reasons, significant effort is expended on finding loading data from throughout the modeled watersheds (and even nearby watersheds). This effort often requires the integration of data from a variety of sources including federal, state and local water-quality management agencies. To develop stream loading information, water-quality data are compiled from as many sites as possible in the area of interest. Water-discharge information from stream gages is also compiled and gage locations are matched to water-quality monitoring sites so that discharg
