Tech, Arizona State to study watershed flows

HOUGHTON, MI (AP)--   Michigan Technological University and Arizona State University are developing a method of tracking water flows and usage across watersheds.

Experts are looking for ways to model how water use drives the economy, alters the flow of water through a particular drainage basin and changes hydrologic conditions that sustain the ecosystem.

Alex Mayer of Michigan Tech is principal investigator and a professor of civil and environmental engineering. He said Wednesday the three-year study is designed to help officials make good decisions about using their water resources.  It's expected to be particularly helpful in the Great Lakes region, where eight states and two Canadian provinces have pledged to sharply limit diversions of water outside the basin while improving their own water management.

The new methodology will be tested in Great Lakes watersheds.