Ensuring the economic, cultural and ecological value of rivers through more effective water flow management is the focus of a new research project led by the University of Leeds, which hosts one of the largest interdisciplinary centres for water research in any university in the world.

The Euro-flow project is an international network of universities and businesses which will develop new insights into river management through experiments, large scale surveys and cutting-edge models. The project will look beyond localised experiments and solutions and work collaboratively across disciplines, institutes and international boundaries.

Image credit: Dr Lee Brown, University of Leeds 

Wildlife and human needs, such as water supplies and hydropower, depend on the healthy flow of rivers. Attempts to regulate the flow of rivers, either through dams, reservoirs or flood prevention, can often cause a major stress on ecosystems and water users. 

Project leader Dr Lee Brown, from the School of Geography at Leeds, said:

“Modifying and managing river flow causes ripple effects in ecosystems and human society which are still not well understood. We need to find ways of managing these flows to maintain important services such as flood prevention and hydropower while protecting and in some cases rejuvenating the aquatic environment.“

“River managers and scientists need to work together to develop this fundamental understanding to provide the best possible assistance with decision-making in the light of climate and environmental change.”

The £3 million Euro-flow project currently incorporates 10 universities and 12 business partners, including local business partner Yorkshire Water.

Lead Environmental Advisor for Ecology at Yorkshire Water, Dr Ben Gillespie added:

“Bringing the best river flow research together with the practical experience of managing waterways means we can ensure these important natural resources are maintained in the best way possible.”

"By drawing on a wide range of experiences worldwide, we will be able to apply the most successful innovations to our operations, to benefit the users of our rivers, as well as looking after them for future generations.”

Doctoral researchers from participating universities will be given the opportunity to carry out long term collaborative projects, including exchange visits to partner institutions and training with world-leading river ecosystem data and experiments.