The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $755,416 Project Grant under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to the Regents of the University of Michigan to develop and implement a digital water management system for improved watershed coordination and ecological outcomes. The key objectives are to:
- Investigate the role of social capital in dam operator decision-making and translate insights into digital tools for enhanced coordination;
- Develop methodologies to understand river flow-fish habitat relationships and set real-time sensor-based flow targets; and
- Create novel control algorithms using model-predictive control theory to regulate water flow for stability and efficiency.
The project deploys a network of sensors and a decision support system to facilitate data sharing and predictive modeling among dam operators, watershed planners, regulators, and researchers. The interdisciplinary research aims to transform watershed management by offering a scalable, technology-driven solution to mitigate flooding risk, improve water quality, and restore ecological habitats across communities.
Generated 1/28/25, 8:49 AM