Modeling Water-Resource Systems for Water-Quality Management

Water managers have been attempting to operate reservoirs in a “best water management strategy” to meet specific project objectives since the first man-made impoundment was constructed. When it was realized, several years ago, that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must have the capability to analyze the operation of large multiple reservoir systems for water quality, the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) was funded to develop a computer program to meet this need. “HEC-5Q, Simulation of Flood Control and Conservation Systems” computer model has the unique capabilities to accept user-specified water quantity and quality needs systemwide, and to decide how to regulate a network of reservoirs. The decision criteria are programmed to consider flood control, hydropower, instream flow (municipal, industrial, irrigation, water supply, fish habitat), and water-quality requirements. A brief history and description of the HEC-5Q model is provided along with citations to related case studies and technical reports.