Using SWAT for Hydrological Modeling and Erosion-Sedimentation Risk Assessment in Baubau Watershed

Abstract

Abstract The Baubau watershed, located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, serves as a critical source of clean water for Baubau City. However, the watershed is increasingly threatened by land conversion, vegetation degradation, and elevated surface runoff. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of erosion and sedimentation risks using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), implemented within the ArcSWAT platform. The model incorporates land use data (2024), soil characteristics, topographic features, and daily climate parameters from 2014 to 2024 collected from six meteorological stations. Simulation results indicate that the majority of the watershed area experiences very low to low erosion rates, attributed mainly to the dominance of mixed forest and wetland vegetation. In contrast, regions with steep slopes and minimal vegetation, particularly open or built-up areas, exhibit significantly higher erosion and sediment yields. These findings underscore the importance of targeted land conservation efforts in upstream regions to maintain hydrological balance and ensure the sustainability of clean water resources. This study confirms the utility of the SWAT model as a robust tool for hydrological simulation and offers a scientific foundation for policy development and sustainable watershed management in Baubau City.

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