Streamflow Data Needs for Water Resources Management and Monitoring Challenges: A Case Study of Wami River Subbasin in Tanzania

Abstract

Streamflow data collection is a critical part of water resources management in a subbasin, basin, and a country. River and streamflow monitoring provides data needed for water allocation for human and environmental needs and managing hydrologic extremes such as droughts and floods. Streamflow monitoring network implementation at a required density and successful continuous operation demands skilled personnel, sufficient fund, and organization. This necessity in Tanzania is evaluated with a case study of the Wami River subbasin streamflow monitoring program. Monitoring density, continuity, and data quality is evaluated. Existing rating curve representativeness is tested, and new rating curves are proposed. Water information and data gaps are shown as deficiency, and short- and long-term proposals are presented to improve monitoring network, data quality, data storage, and access.