Reservoir System Regulation For Water Quality Control

A computer model capable of evaluating water quality conditions in large reservoir systems was recently developed by the Corps of Engineers. The model, Simulation of Flood Control and Conservation Systems (Including Water Quality Analysis), HEC-5Q, provides a comprehensive water quantity model with fairly simple water quality routines. The HEC-5Q can evaluate how to operate each reservoir in a system for the best overall regulation to meet both water quantity and water quality objectives at all points of interest in the system. An overview is provided of the model capabilities and concepts regarding method of regulation analysis. A maximum of eight water quality parameters can be analyzed. These include water temperature, a maximum of three conservative and three non-conservative parameters, and dissolved oxygen. The planned future development and availability is discussed. (Author).