Quantifying septic nitrogen loadings to receiving waters: Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts

Waquoit Bay, a shallow bay on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is exhibiting symptoms of eutrophication, largely attributed to septic nitrogen inputs. This study assessed septic nitrogen inputs by linking a three-dimensional ground-water model, a geographic information system (GIS), and a customized spatio-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of geographical information systems 1995-07, Vol.9 (4), p.463-473
Main Authors: SHAM, CHI HO, BRAWLEY, JOHN W., MORITZ, MAX A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brackish
Marine
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Summary:Waquoit Bay, a shallow bay on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is exhibiting symptoms of eutrophication, largely attributed to septic nitrogen inputs. This study assessed septic nitrogen inputs by linking a three-dimensional ground-water model, a geographic information system (GIS), and a customized spatio-temporal nitrogen loading program. Owing to the slow speed of ground-water movement, the bulk of septic nitrogen entering the bay lags behind development by nearly a decade. Even if residential development is held at 1989 levels, nitrogen input from septic systems wilt increase by 36% over the current levels. At full residential build-out (i.e., development), septic nitrogen loading will eventually increase to more than twice the current levels.
ISSN:0269-3798
DOI:10.1080/02693799508902050