Discharge estimation using a rating curve developed for the Upper Erer River, Wabisheble River Basin, Ethiopia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The measurement of a stream flow is a vital component of water quality monitoring, geomorphology, and flooding investigations. However, the direct measurements of stream flow can be costly and challenging. To obtain a continuous record of discharge, typically the recorded stage and discharge are computed from the correlation of stage and discharge in the form of a rating curve. This study focused on the estimation of flow discharges using a rating curve equation based on data recorded at the Erer-Jijiga Bridge hydrometric station at the outlet of the upper Erer Sub-basin in Ethiopia for 2020–2021. The fitted rating curve was then used to estimate discharges from continuously recorded stages. The installation and operation of a gauging station in the Upper Erer Sub-basin will provide local and regional water sector administrators with more reliable estimates of discharge than would be available if the sub-basin was ungauged. This will also assist the local water sector to undertake water resource planning in the Upper Erer River Basin to better use the limited water resources in the region.