ABSTRACT
The sustainable management of river water resources and modelling of freshwater ecological systems is challenged by the interaction of many heterogeneous processes. The complex dynamics are not easily coded into process models, and, when available, the required data are often sparse with variable sequencing or qualities. In addition to receiving natural, urban and industrial effluent inflows, river waters may be polluted by diffuse runoff from agricultural, industrial and household processes, and from buildings and road surfaces which impacts on the in-stream ecology (Beasley & Kneale, 2002; Ellis & Hvitved-Jacobsen, 1996; Lee & Bang, 2000; Moog & Chovanec, 2000). This water may be abstracted later for drinking or industrial use. Water quality management agendas involve identifying and preventing pollution, and identifying and restoring water courses, to enhance water quality and make water available for use and re-use downstream. Sensitive water bodies and ecosystems may require protection, mitigation or remediation.
