Water-quality model calibrated for Santa Margarita River estuary

SCCWRP and its partners have completed calibrating a new water-quality model that will be used to study nutrient loading in the Santa Margarita River estuary in northern San Diego County.

The model is intended to offer a more precise simulation of the nutrient dynamics of this estuary, which is dominated by macroalgae.

Project participants are seeking to determine the degree to which nutrient loading in the estuary should be reduced to support beneficial uses.

The model was adapted from an open-source, USEPA-supported model called the Water Quality Simulation Program (WASP).

Scientists are now engaging in discussions about setting appropriate numeric targets for the estuary.