Integrated Water Resources

We use downscaled climate projections from global climate models to adjust temperature and precipitation in our water resource models. This allows us to simulate future water availability, drought frequency, and flood risk under different climate scenarios. Results help water managers develop robust adaptation strategies that perform well across uncertain futures.

Water allocation modeling simulates how water is distributed among competing users (agriculture, cities, industry, environment) based on water rights, priorities, and infrastructure constraints. Our models help evaluate allocation policies, assess impacts of new demands, and optimize reservoir operations to meet multiple objectives while respecting legal and environmental requirements.

Drought planning involves modeling water supply reliability under various drought scenarios, identifying triggers for drought stages, and evaluating response options like demand reduction, alternative supplies, and operational changes. Our models simulate droughts of different severities and durations to test plan effectiveness and identify vulnerabilities.

WEAP focuses on water allocation and demand management at the basin scale, while SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) emphasizes watershed hydrology and water quality. WEAP is better for planning studies involving demand scenarios and allocation rules. SWAT is preferred for detailed hydrologic simulation and agricultural watershed assessment. We often use both tools together.

Reservoir optimization balances multiple objectives: water supply, flood control, hydropower, and environmental flows. We use simulation-optimization models to develop rule curves and release policies that maximize benefits while respecting constraints. Our models evaluate trade-offs and help operators make better real-time decisions during droughts and floods.

Conjunctive use involves coordinated management of surface water and groundwater to maximize overall water availability. During wet periods, excess surface water recharges aquifers; during dry periods, groundwater supplements surface supplies. Our integrated models simulate these interactions to design optimal conjunctive use strategies.

Environmental flows are the water regime needed to maintain healthy river ecosystems. We use hydrological analysis and ecological assessment to determine flow requirements for different seasons. Our water allocation models then incorporate these requirements as constraints, ensuring development doesn't compromise ecological sustainability.

Water footprint measures the total water used to produce goods and services, including direct use and supply chain water consumption. We conduct water footprint assessments for organizations, products, and regions using international standards. Results help identify water risks, improve efficiency, and communicate sustainability performance.

Scenario modeling simulates 'what-if' questions about future water management. We develop scenarios for population growth, climate change, infrastructure investments, and policy options. Comparing results across scenarios reveals which strategies are most robust and helps build consensus among stakeholders with different priorities.