The Upper Hudson River as a Supplemental Drinking Water Source: Mapping Factors Affecting Water Quality Using Geographic Information Systems
Hannah Phillips '09 and Bob Jones, Department of Economics

We have used Geographic Information Systems to map natural and human determined factors affecting water quality on the Upper Hudson River. By analyzing regional geology, hydrology, zoning, patterns of development, and town comprehensive plans within the watershed, we have created a ten-town build-out analysis that identifies areas that are prone to development. These data will contribute to an analysis of the viability of the Upper Hudson River as a supplemental drinking water source for Saratoga Springs in the near future, and can be compared with similar data that has been collected on land surrounding Saratoga Lake . This comparison will help to determine the pros and cons of each potential water source's ability to effectively provide a clean, sustainable supply of water to people who receive their water from the Saratoga Springs water supply.

Full report is not available. Please contact Bob Jones for more information.