Reservoir Operation for Recreation Usability

A model is developed for the operation of the reservoir feeder-lakes of the Trent Canal in Ontario, Canada. Using data which describe shoreline physiography and a scale which ranks shoreline recreation usability, coefficients are calculated which estimate the maximum water-level drawdown that a reservoir can tolerate. These tolerance coefficients, developed on study reservoirs, are then predicted to the rest of the reservoir-lakes in the Trent Canal system. Matrix conventions are used to associate drawdown tolerances to the relative and to the absolute storage capacity of the reservoirs. From the matrix, priority-ordering situations for reservoir operation are identified. The sequence of operation of reservoirs can be compared in various situations of reservoir water-storage depletion, and water requirements. The model allows shoreline physical recreation usability to be included in the rationale for reservoir operation, and it quantifies means whereby the effect of reservoir operation on recreation may be minimized.