This thesis investigates the utilization of hydrodynamic models as tools for assessing factors impacting water quality in the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The primary focus is development of a hydrodynamic model that provides transport information to subsequent application of a water quality model. Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) is a complex, dynamic, multi-dimensional computer model used to simulate hydrology in water bodies. The secondary focus is on data acquisition and manipulation methods for completing the hydrodynamic modeling. Monitoring was completed to create modern bathymetry of Ross Barnett Reservoir to provide accurate model cell grid representation. Temperature and dissolved oxygen profile monitoring occurred to provide data for model output comparison. The EFDC model successfully predicted lake stratification and subsequent mixing based on changes in observed meteorological conditions.

The Upper Pearl River and its watershed is the main source of water flowing into the Ross Barnett Reservoir, the City of Jackson’s major drinking water supply. Groundwater characterization of the watershed was achieved by analyzing viable groundwater wells and a groundwater spring best representing the land use and land cover extraction map created. Incorporated surface geology demarcated specific stratum, helping describe the different hydrogeochemical interactions observed. Analysis indicated that chloride and nitrate exceeded the Maximum Contamination Levels (MCLs) possibly contributing to eutrophication in the reservoir. Several of the metal and trace elements analyzed were below the MCLs, with the exceptions of manganese, aluminum, and iron. No pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or industrial residues exists in Carthage and Philadelphia’s groundwater, the largest cities in the region. Conclusively, the watershed’s groundwater contains high concentrations of anions along with metal concentrations associated with the ferruginous sandy-clay surface geology moving closer to the reservoir.