AWWA SOURCES59254

This paper discusses methods for balancing rising demands for instream flows and needs for maintaining the hydrologic reliability of water supplies. It points out the drawbacks of setting uniform standards, and of simplistic approaches to classifying streams with regard to uses for the purpose of setting instream flow requirements. It recommends real-time risk management as an approach that provides for the highest level of instream protection possible while maintaining acceptable risks of water supply shortage. A case study of Rocky Mount North Carolina is presented as an example of a win-win resolution of an instream flow requirement issue.