Collaborative Hydrologic Modeling

In our day of increasing conflicts for water resources, water management decisions are more important than ever. They require the understanding of the hydrologic nature of the interactions between water use and the water resources. In Kansas, conflicts for water resources occur at both the interstate and intrastate level. These conflicts have led to the development of hydrologic models. These are used as tools for water management decision-making.

In the past, hydrologic model construction was typically the responsibility of a single entity (primary modeler). There was limited technical input from agencies and the interested constituents. The peer review generally occurred at the end of the model construction process. This led to models with limited buy-in from the regulated community. It limits a model’s usefulness in difficult and contested water management decisions.

However, model construction has changed. The states of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska used a robust, collaborative model development process. This was used in the development of the Republican River Compact Administration (RRCA) groundwater model.  This model is part of the settlement of the compact litigation in 2002. Follow the link for more information on the RRCA model.

More recently this model development process was used to construct the Numerical Model of the Middle Arkansas River Subbasin in south-central Kansas.  The model development process utilized multiple modeling experts. The experts reviewed the model datasets and calibration targets. They also tested modeling assumptions and explored various modeling approaches. Working together, the experts determined when model construction was complete.

This collaborative process requires greater commitment of total resources. In both cases described above, the process has led to good, practical, defendable models. Decision makers are using these models as tools. They guide important water management decisions.

New Model Building Paradigm

1. Lead Contractor

2. Robust and continuous review that involves modelers and stakeholders

3. Early decisions are made on model targets

4. Rigorous data development and review

5. Allows for testing of alternate model processes to determine the most appropriate

6. Eliminate model bias

The collaborative modeling process is being utilized for all modeling projects in Kansas.

1. Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 3

2. Northwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4

3. Big Bend Groundwater District No. 5

4. Upper North and South Fork Solomon

5. Middle Arkansas River subbasin

6. Ozark Plateau Aquifer region