Characteristics of Fluctuation in Water Temperature as an Indicator for Sustainable Water Management at River Cianten, West Java

Water temperature is one of the important parameters in the aquatic systems, and it remains as the interesting subject of world-wide environmental research. The objective of this study is to identify the parameter characteristics of hydrological, meteorological and topological those influence water temperature and its change at River Cianten based on data from June 2011 to June 2012. In addition, the changes in water temperature during rainfall events could identify the mechanism that generates the initial response as direct inputs of rainwater. In order to gain insight on water temperature fluctuations, water temperature data for two years were statistically analyzed using root mean square (Rms) and harmonic methods. From our analysis, the average values of Ta and Tw at River Cianten site were 25.0 ± 1.0 and 25.0 ± 0.7, respectively. In addition, monthly Rms 7-days of daily air and water temperatures changed nearly simultaneously. Next, the average value of Tw fluctuations expressed by Rms Tw/Rms Ta was 0.66 ± 0.36. This high value can be explained by noting that the seasonal variability of atmospheric conditions influenced air and water temperature fluctuations nearly proportionally. Moreover, the management of river influenced the flow paths differently through the changes of infiltration rate, surface runoff, interflow/subsurface flow and groundwater percentage. Information on, and control of, water temperature and water quality are of great importance for a wide range of purposes, including water supply and public health, agricultural and industrial uses. Proceeding of International Conference of Indonesian Inland Waters III, Palembang-Indonesia November 2012. Hal. 209 ISBN 978-602-8380-07-2