Modeling Water Resources Systems for Water Quality.

Abstract : A reservoir system analysis computer model has been recently developed with the capability to simulate up to ten reservoirs, thirty control points and eight water quality parameters. With this model the user can evaluate a best system operation analysis for multipurpose reservoir regulation to obtain target water quality conditions at user specified control points. The model uses a linear programming algorithm to evaluate the best system operation among all the reservoirs and a nonlinear routine for operation of multilevel intakes at each interval in the system. The user may select to operate the system for a balanced resevoir pool operation and its associated water quality or to allow for a modified flow distribution between reservoirs to improve the water quality operation. This model, HEC-5Q, has been applied to the 10,000 square mile (26,000 square kilometers) drainage area of the Sacramento River System. The Sacramento system includes two tandem reservoirs, three parallel reservoirs and 400 miles (640km) of stream channel network.