Comparison of generic simulation models for water resource systems

In water resource systems that frequently experience severe droughts, generic simulation models can provide useful information for developing drought mitigation measures. This paper is about modeling in practice rather than in theory. The emphasis is on the application of generic simulation models to a multi-reservoir and multi-use water system in Southern Italy where frequent droughts over the last two decades have necessitated the use of temporary and unsustainable user-supply restrictions. In particular, AQUATOOL (Valencia Polytechnic University), MODSIM (Colorado State University), RIBASIM (DELTARES), WARGI-SIM (University of Cagliari) and WEAP (Stockholm Environmental Institute) models are considered in a preliminary analysis, which considers series and parallel simple schemes and also evaluates the possibility of alternative plans and operating policies in complex real water system. Each model has its own characteristics and uses different approaches to define resources releases from reservoirs and allocation to demand centers. The proposed model comparison and application does not identify in detail all the features of each model, rather it provides insights as to how these generic simulation models implement and evaluate different operating rules. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.