COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR DETERMINING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW IN SELECTED MOUNTAIN BASINS

Abstract

The paper describes the way of determining environmental flows, based on the use of Tennant and Tessman methods, a method based on flow duration curves, as well as instream flows using the methods of Kostrzewa. Calculations were conducted for the catchment of Młyniska River (cross-section Zakopane), which is located in upper Dunajec basin. Input data, obtained from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, National Research Institute in Warsawincluded observation series of daily flows for the years 2000–2014. The data were evaluated in terms of homogeneity and independence, using the Mann-Kendall-Sneyers. The calculations have shown differences between values of instream flow and environmental flow and also allowed us to conclude that the computed environmental flows were above the level determined by the absolutely low flow. Also conducted that disposable resources of water by Młyniska river, limited by instream flow and environmental flowdo not differ significantly.

Keywords

• environmental flow
• instream flow
• disposable resources