James River Basin SWAT Modeling

The James River flows through the Ozarks into Table Rock Lake, a valued recreation site in the state. Approximately 65 miles long, the river drains a basin that covers 1,512 square miles of which 30% is hardwood forest, 63% is agricultural land (mostly pasture), and 7% is urban.

A major portion of the James River is currently listed as impaired for excess nutrients, in particular for excess phosphorus. The nutrient sources include urban and agricultural runoff as well as point sources. Because of the karst features of the terrain (sinkholes, caves, losing streams, and springs), the potential for groundwater quality problems is high.  The amount of phosphorus delivered to Table Rock Lake from the James River Basin is a major concern. As phosphorus in the lake increases, growth of algae increases and water clarity decreases. This problem involves many stakeholders: the urban populations (wastewater treatment plant and urban runoff), the agricultural populations (cattle growers and poultry producers), as well as the tourism industry (population growth around the lake, enjoyment of the lake). Historically, these waters were low in nutrients, aquatic plant growth was limited, and water clarity was excellent.

A 2001 TMDL for the James River established target concentrations of 0.075 mg/L for total phosphorus and 1.5 mg/L for total nitrogen. These were set to limit aquatic plant growth in the stream and in the lake. The implementation plan concentrated on the re-permitting of waste treatment facilities with discharge greater than 22500 gallons/day to allow a maximum total phosphorus concentration of 0.5 mg/L. A phosphorus removal unit was installed at the Springfield Southwest Wastewater treatment Plant in 2001. Other plants that meet the discharge criteria were due to comply with this rule by 2003 or 2007. 

The following reports focus on different aspects of phosphorus loadings into the James River and Table Rock Lake. All results presented are based on predictions from the James River Basin model developed with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) at the University of Missouri by Claire Baffaut. The model calibration report describes the model and how parameters were determined. It shows how predicted flow and water quality indicators compare to measured values. The analysis of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) policies provides information regarding expected long-term results of the TMDL rule. The urban areas report compares loadings from urban areas under various lawn care assumptions to loadings from agricultural and forested land, also under various management assumptions.

Analysis of Current and Future Policies or

Impact of Urban Areas or

Watershed Resources Inventory and Data Input for the SWAT model or

Questions can be addressed to:

Missouri Department
of Natural Resources

Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN)
Send comments to: mowin1@missouri.edu
205 Agricultural Engineering
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-0085
Toll Free: (MO only): 1-877-H20-shed (426-7433)
Fax: (573) 884-5650

Page last updated August 26, 2008