Modeling the Sediment and Heavy Metal Yields of Drinking Water Reservoirs in the Osterzgebirge Region of Saxony (Germany)

Abstract

The long-term, continuous delivery of sediments into the surface water system leads to the aggradation and silting-up of stillwater reaches and reservoirs, and gradually to the loss of their ecological and economic functions. Maintenance and restoration of these functions requires extensive technical measures such as impoundment structures and/or continuous dredging of the accumulated sediments. The removal and disposal of the trapped sediments often cause high expenses, in particular if the sediments are contaminated so that special treatment or deposition is required.