Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes (SPARROW)

SPARROW models are used to estimate long-term average values of water characteristics, such as the amount of a contaminant that is delivered downstream, on the basis of existing monitoring data, location and strength of contaminant sources, and characteristics of the landscape. Results from the models can be used to compare nutrient sources and watersheds that contribute elevated nutrient loads to downstream receiving waters.

Name of Parent Organization

US Geological Survey (USGS)

Name of Resource

Owner, Founder, or Sponsor

USGS

Year Founded

2009

Typical Use Case

Users (managers) can use the modeling results to determine how to reduce loads of contaminants and design protection strategies; design strategies to meet regulatory requirements; predict changes in water quality that might result from management actions; and identify gaps and priorities in monitoring.

Thoughts?

Have you found the Impact Toolkit useful? We encourage you to share any feedback with us.