Systech Engineering, Inc
WARMF Training Session for Truckee River Watershed
Laura Weintraub
Systech Engineering, Inc.
September 13, 2006
Systech Engineering, Inc
Workshop Agenda10:00 – 12:00: Lecture
• Background on WARMF • How will we use WARMF for TMDL?• Coverage of TR watershed• WARMF Calibration - non-point source load prediction • WARMF-->TRHSPF data transfer
12:00 – 1:15: Lunch on your own
1:15 – 5:00: Hands-On “How to run WARMF” (15 min break ~2:30)• Install / Walk through WARMF Modules• View Model Input/Output• Example Scenario – Septic System Removal
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WARMF Background
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Model n. A schematic description of a system, theory, or phenomenon that accounts for its known or inferred properties and may be used for further study of its characteristics.
-The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English
Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
What Is a Model?
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Why Do We Use Models?
Problem Decision Results
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Why Do We Use Models?
• Model helps to answer “What if?”
Problem Decision ResultsPlanning
Model Output
Decision Making Tools
Data
MODEL
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Types of Watershed Models Mass Balance Assessments
– Back of the envelope calculation, spreadsheet– Low cost, easy to implement, numerous simplifying
assumptions GIS-mapping-based Tools
– Link simple mass balance models to GIS databases– Produce maps highlighting sensitive watershed regions– Interesting but can lack quantitative information
Mathematical Models– Complex tools using differential equations to describe
physical processes– Rigorous, physically-based, provide dynamic simulation of
system
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What is a Watershed Model?
Measured Data•Hydrologic Conditions •Water Quality
Watershed Characteristics
•Land use•Fertilizer•Catchment areas/slope •Soil characteristics•Septic systems
Meteorological Conditions
Air Quality
Model Output•Stream flow•Water quality (nutrients, DO, Chl-a, TSS)•Loading
Watershed Model Adjustable parameters: •Precipitation weighting, temperature lapse•Initial conditions•Reaction rates•BMPs•Bank stability / vegetation factors
Point Sources
Managed Flow•Diversions•Reservoir Releases
COMPARISON
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How Does it Work?
• Model balances flows of mass into and out of linked control volumes (e.g. soil layer, river segment).
Water flow w/ nutrients
Rain, fertilizer, air deposition
Outflow to downstream river or reservoir
River or Reservoir
Catchment
(land surface)
Inflow from upstream river
Reactions Reactions
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What is WARMF?
• GIS-based watershed model and DSS• Physically based, dynamic model
– Simulates flow, temperature, nutrients TSS, DO, Fecal Coli, Chl-a, etc.,
• Friendly tool, easily transferred to stakeholders• Well-suited for answering questions during the TR
TMDL process
Watershed Analysis Risk Management Framework
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• Based on algorithms from legacy models• Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor Objects =
Catchment + Stream Segment + Lake Layer • Dynamic Watershed Model, Daily Time Step• Driven by Meteorology and Land Use Data• Processes = Kinetic Expressions• Mass-Heat Balance = Advection + Diffusion + Sink +
Source
• C(t) = C(to) + dC/dt t
Theoretical Basis of WARMF
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WARMF Credentials
WARMF Applications
• Applied to over 17 watersheds– Hydrology, water quality, TMDLs, watershed planning
• 4 USEPA-Guided Peer Reviews • Available as a Public Domain Tool via USEPA
– Compatible with EPA BASINS
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Questions WARMF Can Help Answer
• How will regional growth affect hydrology and water quality?
• What is the allowable loading of a pollutant to a river?
• What strategies will be effective for nonpoint load reduction?
• What is the effect of power production on water quality?
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How Will We Use WARMF for the Truckee River TMDL?
Predict the nonpoint loading into the Truckee River
Provide boundary condition loadings for TRHSPF
Evaluate how nonpoint loading could change with varying land use, meteorological conditions, water use
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Truckee River TMDL Revision
Why link models together?• Daily predictions of flow and water quality better than monthly
estimates used in past• WARMF can predict impact of land use change on water quality • Both models incorporate TROM, future land use conditions, and
massive amounts of local watershed and river data
WARMFWatershed Model
Predicts nonpoint source loads for input to TRHSPF
TRHSPFIn-stream Water Quality Model
Calculates final TMDL analysis
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WARMF – TRHSPF Linkage
• TRHSPF Model Domain– Thick yellow lines
• WARMF Boundary conditions – Thick blue lines
and shaded catchments
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WARMF Application
to the Truckee
River
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Model Development Process
Collect input and calibration data
Build model and analyze data
Calibrate model: hydrology and water quality
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History of WARMF-Truckee
WARMF Adaptation, 1998-2001– Data Compilation– Model Setup, Enhancement, Calibration
Steamboat Creek, 1998-2000– Model Comparison of WARMF vs. HSPF
(Aqua Terra)
Scenario Runs for USBR, 2003– Supported TROA EIS/EIR – Boundary conditions for DSAMMt
Stakeholder Training, 2004– Two day workshop sponsored by City of
Reno
Truckee River TMDL Revision, 2005-2007– Updated database through 2004– Low-flow simulation improvements– Model Calibration Refinement– WARMF Training– Scenario Runs to support TMDL Revision
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Watershed Processes in Truckee River
Irrigation Return
Pyramid Lake
Groundwater Seepage
Steamboat Creek/ TributariesHuffaker
Reservoir
Evaporation
Water Plant
Septage
Lake Tahoe
Snow Melt
HeatRainfall
TMWRF
Reservoirs
Erosion Runoff
Urban Drainage
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WARMF Input DataData Source Details
DEM USGS Map delineated to 94 catchments, 78 river segments, 7 reservoirs
Meteorology NCDC, SNOTEL Reno, Stateline, Tahoe City, Mt. Rose, Truckee, Virginia City, Wadsworth, Big Meadow
Reservoir USGS, USBR, CDEC Release, Bathymetry, Elevation
Land Use Washoe Co., BASINS 11 Land uses
Air Quality NADP Smith Valley, Lyon County
Diversion Federal Water Master 46 Diversions
Point Source TMWRF, NDEP, TTSA 2 Major, 5 Minor
Observed Stream Flow
USGS 28 Stations
Observed Water Quality
NDEP, STORET, TMWRF, LRWQCB, T-TSA
38 Stations
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How Complete and Thorough is WARMF’s coverage of the Truckee River Watershed?
• Land Use– Two Projections: “Current” and 2020 projection– 12 Land Use Categories
• Map extent – Lake Tahoe down to Pyramid Lake
• Water Quantity– meteorogically driven simulations– water diversion, irrigation and return flows– USBR reservoir releases
• Point sources – Major: TTSA and TMWRF – Several minor
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How Complete and Thorough is WARMF’s coverage of the Truckee River Watershed?
• Anthropogenic loads– septic systems– urban surface loading– pasture loading– confined feeding stockyard– reuse application– reservoir leakage??
• Natural loading– air deposition– steamboat hot springs– ground water accrual near fernley
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What is WARMF’s Predictive Capacity for Nonpoint Loads? Calibration
• •
• ••
• •••
••
•• •
- Measured- Modeled
Modeled
Target Accuracy
Measu
red
X
X
X
XX
XX
X
• Adjust model parameters, reaction rates, etc. until simulated flow or concentration is as close as possible to observed data
• Start with hydrology, then water quality• Use visual inspection and statistical output to determine
goodness of fit
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Periods of WARMF Simulations
• Model Calibration10/1/1990 – 12/31/1997
• Model Validation (use same model parameters with different input data set)10/1/1997 – 12/31/2004
10/1/1985 – 12/31/1990
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Calibration Parameters• Hydrology
• Water Quality
• Sediment TransportCatchment WatershedPrecipitation weighting Snow formation temperatureTemperature lapse Snow melting temperatureSoil thickness Melting ratesField capacityHydraulic conductivitySurface roughness
Catchment River Land UseInitial soil Reaction rates Fertilization/surface loading ratesconcentration (nitrification, SOD, ProductivityAdsorption organic carbon decay) Litter fall and uptakecoefficients Soil and foliar nitrification
Catchment River Land UseSoil erosivity Initial sediment depth Rainfall detachment factorParticle content Detachment velocity multiplier Flow detachment factor
Detachment velocity exponent Cropping factorParticle content
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Hydrology Truckee River at Reno/Sparks1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Nitrogen Truckee River at Reno/Sparks
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Phosphorus Truckee River at Reno/Sparks
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Dissolved Solids Truckee River at Reno/Sparks
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Hydrology Steamboat Creek at Cleanwater Way 1998-20041990-1997
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Total Nitrogen Steamboat Creek at Cleanwater Way
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Phosphorus Steamboat Creek at Cleanwater Way
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Dissolved Solids Steamboat Creek at Cleanwater Way
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Hydrology Truckee River at Vista1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Nitrogen Truckee River at Vista
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Phosphorus Truckee River at Vista
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Total Dissolved Solids Truckee River at Vista
1990-1997 1998-2004
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Loading Output
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Calibration Refinement• Revisiting data limitations and model assumptions
– Septic systems– Litterfall / uptake rates– Soil hydrology in Steamboat Creek region– Air quality– TTSA data assumptions (e.g. use well data, apply time lag)– Urban surface loading rates– Upstream reservoir contributions (e.g. seasonal patterns of N)
• Additional sources of loading– Confined feeding– Reservoir leakage
• QA/QC Data for Calibration– Ensure all appropriate data is included for calibration comparison– Review calibration data with scatter. Remove extraneous data
• Finalize Calibration and Prepare Report
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WARMF – TRHSPF Linkage
• TRHSPF Model Domain– Thick yellow lines
• WARMF Boundary conditions – Thick blue lines
and shaded catchments
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WARMF TRHSPF Data Transfer
• Linkage: Upstream boundary (Glendale), tributaries, local catchments draining to TR
• Define scenarios to be run• WARMF Input: TROM outflows, 2020 land use• WARMF output generated using export tool:
– Daily predictions of flow and water quality – Impact of land use change on water quality– Impact of water management on nonpoint loads
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WARMF Output Export Tool
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Installation of
WARMF
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WARMF Installation• Installation Directory:
c:\program files\systech\warmf\truckee• CD Contents
– WARMF model– Database for Truckee River Basin– Calibration, validation and ConvertSeptic scenario
results– Warmfdoc.pdf – Documentation– WarmfUsersGuide.pdf – User’s Guide– Knowledge Module Files
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Walk Through WARMF Modules
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Engineering and Data Modules
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Subwatershed Breakpoints
• Break system into smaller sections• Boundary condition file created at
each breakpoint (flowqout.ID#)• View / Subwatersheds• Automatic breaks at each reservoir• Click on river to set new breakpoint• To run independently…
– Must be a headwater section…OR…
– Subwatershed above already run with same simulation period (flowqout.ID# file for upstream must exist)
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Data Module• Data driving simulation
Time Series: meteorology, air quality, managed flow, point sources
Scenario Data: land use, fertilizer, physical data, reaction rates, sediment coefficients
• Calibration data Observed hydrology and water quality
• Insert or add rows• Copy and paste from Excel• Document source of data
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Scenario Management
Project Files(Truckee)
Watershed Data(pts, met, air, etc.)
Scenario Data(Base90to97)
Scenario Data(ConvertSeptic)
Scenario Data(StRest)
FILE SAVE
SCENARIO SAVE
Projects can have any number of scenarios, but only 4 can be open at any given time.
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Project FilesGeneral for all scenariosTruckee.wsh – map fileTruckee.wsm
name of .wsh filenumber of scenarioslist of scenariosname of consensus file
Truckee.con – consensus filestakeholder informationintended use / criteriasaved TMDLslist of pictures
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Scenario Data (Base90to97, ConvertSeptic, etc.)
Viewed through Engineering module and modified to generate new scenarios.
INPUT
Base.coe - coefficients, rates, land use, fertilizer
OUTPUT
Base.cat – catchment outputBase.riv – river outputBase.lak – lake outputBase.psm – loading output
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Watershed Data FilesViewed through data module*.air – air quality *.met – meteorology data*.pts – point source data*.flo – release and diversion data*.orh – observed river flow*.orc – observed river WQ*.olh – observed lake elevation*.olc – observed lake WQ*.pic – picture files*.avi – picture files
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Create a New Scenario
1. Select BASE as active scenario
2. Go to scenario manager and click on COPY
3. OK to copy active scenario? YES
4. Type in new scenario name
5. Open the new scenario (close others if necessary)
6. Make it active by selecting it under Scenario Menu
7. Do a FILE SAVE to save new scenario configuration
8. Do a SCENARIO SAVE to save new data
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• Reduce Simulation Time– Run smaller subwatersheds– Run a shorter time period– Turn off chemistry
• Conserve Hard Drive Space– Turn off constituents – Edit / Output List– Turn off catchments, rivers, etc. – Input Dialogs / Write
Output to File– Delete Old Scenarios – Scenario / Delete
Time and Space Savers
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Consensus Module
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Loading and WQ
• Must have Generate Loading checked in Run Dialog to view results
• Select River or Reservoir to add or delete loading chart
• Double click on loading chart for values
• Loading only calculated for subwatersheds that are run
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TMDL Module
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TMDL Procedure
• TMDL = WLA+LA+FG+MOS
• Water Quality Limited Sections (WQLS)
• Intended Use
• Multiple Possible Solutions
• Cost Sharing or Pollution Trading
• Stakeholder Involvement
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Knowledge Module
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Files Contained in Knowledge Module
• BeneficialUses.xls– Spreadsheet showing the beneficial uses and criteria for
California, Nevada, PLPT• TMDL.pdf
– Truckee River TMDL, NDEP 1993• IrrigationSpreadsheet.xls
– Spreadsheet used to allocate diversion water back to individual land catchments
• SBCreekModelCompare.pdf– Report of model comparison between WARMF and HSPF in
Steamboat Creek region• WARMFPeerReview.pdf
– WARMF Peer Review publication, EPRI 2000• WARMFTruckeeFinal02.pdf
– WARMF- Truckee modeling final report, Systech Engineering (updated 2002)
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Potential Scenario Development
• Livestock Exclusion• River Restoration
WARMF’s Consensus Module McCarran Ranch Restoration Site
• Septic System Conversion • Water Management (TROM,
conservation, modified diversions)
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Example Problem
Septic System Conversion
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Example: Septic System Conversion• Retire 924 Septic
Systems in Verdi region• Add domestic waste
from these residences to TMWRF discharge
Truckee River at Verdi
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Step 1: Create New Scenario1. Use Scenario Manager to make a duplicate copy of base run
2. Copy to a new name (ConvertSeptic)
3. Make sure scenario is “open”
4. Make sure scenario is “active”
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Step 2: Remove Septic Systems
Catchment ID
Existing “Population Served”
Tanks Converted
Converted Population
New “Population Served”
418 1296 540 1296 0
2274 1654 87 209 1445
419 31 22 31 0
2273 485 157 377 108
420 250 118 250 0
Total 3716 924 2163 1553
Reduce “Population Served by Septics” in 5 specified catchments
1. Locate catchments in table using Edit / Find
2. Open catchment and change value in the Population Served by Septics field.
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Step 3: Add Additional Load to TMWRF
1. Locate River Segment with TMWRF using Edit / Find (by ID “67” or by name “TMWRF”). May need to zoom in to see it.
2. Replace existing TMWRF point source file with new file (TMWRFConvSeptic.pts)
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Step 4. Run Scenario
1. Select Scenario / Save.
2. Select Scenario / Run to open run dialog. Click OK. Let it chug along…
3. Simulation Complete! Close dialog.
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Step 5: View Output
Loading Comparison
Septic System Loading (kg/d)
Point Source Loading (kg/d) ΔLoading
(kg/d)Base Convert Septic
Base Convert Septic
Nitrate 2.38 1.35 43.8 44 -0.83
Total Nitrogen 4.04 1.91 347 349 -0.13
Total Phosphorus 0.565 0.186 41.6 41.9 -0.079
Fecal Coli. (1e6/d) 7.21e6 2.37e6 5150 5170 -4.84e5
BOD 45.1 15.3 770 775 -24.8
•Decrease in nonpoint loading (septic system category).
•Increase in point source loading
•Overall decrease in loading
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More Example Problems in Handout• Water Augmentation / Land Use Change• Stream Restoration / Livestock Management