Abstract:
Eutrophication, has been identified as an important water quality issue for freshwater
systems (Barlow, et al., 2004). Factors impacting watershed management in Prairie
landscapes include extensive land drainage networks (Seine-Rat River Conservation
District, 2009), non point source loading from land use practices (Kaste, et al., 2006),
and lack of water quality data (Dawson, et al., 2012).
Studies indicate that watershed analysis and data collection can become less intensive
and more reliable as stable water isotopic ratios offer high spatial and temporal resolution
(Dawson, et al., 2012).The overall goal of this research was to examine the spatiotemporal variability and usefulness of stable water isotopes in a typical, intensively managed Prairie watershed by:
1. Assessing the differences in stable water isotopic ratios between natural waterways
and artificial waterways such as drains and diversions
2. Quantifying the strength of the relationship between topographic and land use
characteristics and stable water isotopic ratios
3. Predicting water quality (PO concentrations) using stable water isotopic ratios.
