**1.3 Effect on the flow of water**

Climate change influences many characteristics of flowing surface water and is anticipated to have great impact on river regimes. The water levels of the rivers, flow velocity, residence times and overall hydraulic characteristics are affected as a consequence. This eventually brings changes in wetted areas of rivers, overflow patterns and affect habitat availability and connectivity [8]. Frequent and intensified flooding is expected as the run-off load and overall peak flow is increased. More intense rainfall and flooding is expected to increase the load of suspended solids and sediment yields [9, 10]. The impact of extreme events is severe on rivers in upper courses, leading to releasing heavier number of sediments which are carried downstream in suspended state and as fine sediments from land. Erosional capacity of heavy flow increases many times. Such changes have great influence on downstream habitats and ecology. Increased suspended load in the surface water is also a potential cause of bacterial (*Escherichia coli*) and harmful heavy metals [11] pollution. As studied in many parts of Europe, the key factor controlling the ecosystem behaviour is the hydrological and geomorphological processes in the region [12]. The carrying of sediments is beneficial for the upland stream ecology as it leads to wider range of habitats, meandering side channels and deeper sediment zones to support aquatic life. Enhanced habitat restoration due to varying flow regime of the rivers was found through extensive study of German river systems [13]. Sustained flow in rivers is difficult to maintain due to unpredicted extreme events of precipitation.
