Evaluation of the urban hydrologic metabolism of the greater moncton region, New Brunswick

Abstract

This study deals with the evaluation of the hydrologic metabolism of the Greater Moncton (GM) region, from a sustainable and integrated development of water resources perspective. The hydrological metabolism approach involves the quantification of water inputs and outputs. Therefore, a water balance for the region was carried out for the period 1984 to 2004. An average annual water volume was determined for each of the nine components used within the balance equation. Water inputs calculated for the system included: 263 × 10 6 m 3/yr for total precipitation and 17.7 × 10 6 m 3/yr for potable water produced at the water treatment plant. For system outputs, values were: 99.9 × 10 6 m 3/Vyr for evapotranspiration, 110 × 10 6 m 3/Vyr for infiltration, 22.7 × 10 6 m/ 3/Vyr for wastewater at the sewage plant outlet (exfiltration 6.1 × 10 6 m 3/yr), 37.7 × 10 6 m 6/yr of the precipitation amount drained by the storm sewer network, 1.05 × 10 6 m/ 3yr for overflow and 3.55 × 10 6 m 3/yr for potable water losses in the water distribution system. These input/output results were validated through an analysis of the water system's calculated losses (20%) in relation to values estimated by the GM municipal authorities (between 10% and 20%). This study concluded that the approach and information provided offer many potential benefits that could lead to sustainable and integrated management of water resources in the GM region. It also provides an approach for municipal authorities within the GM region that could be incorporated as a tool to support their decision-making process. In addition, the information presented in this study could form the basis of an educational program. © 2009 Canadian Water Resources Association.