**Part 1**

**Water Resource Management for Rivers and Reservoirs** 

**1** 

Ralph A. Wurbs *Texas A&M University* 

*United States* 

**Generalized Models of River** 

**System Development and Management** 

This comparative review of capabilities for computer simulation of the control, allocation, and management of the water resources of river basins focuses on user-oriented generalized modeling systems developed in the United States that are applicable anywhere in the world. The objectives of this chapter are to assist practitioners in selecting and applying models in various types of river/reservoir system management situations and to support research in continuing to improve and expand modeling capabilities. The chapter begins with a broad general review of the massive literature and then focuses on comparing several generalized modeling systems that have been extensively applied by water management agencies in a broad spectrum of decision-support situations. Modeling capabilities are explored from the perspectives of computational methods, model development environments, applications, auxiliary analyses, and institutional support. The chapter highlights advances in modeling complex issues in managing rivers and reservoirs that are significantly contributing to

Reservoir/river system modeling encompasses various hydrologic, physical infrastructure, environmental, and institutional aspects of river basin management. Dams and appurtenant structures are required to control highly fluctuating river flows to reduce flooding and develop reliable water supplies. Institutional mechanisms for allocating and managing water resources are integrally connected to constructed facilities. Management of the water and related land and environmental resources of a river basin integrates natural and man-

This review of computer modeling of river system development and management focuses on user-oriented generalized modeling systems developed in the United States. *Generalized* means that a model is designed for application to a range of concerns dealing with river systems of various configurations and locations, rather than being site-specific customized to a particular system. Model-users develop input datasets for the particular river basin of interest. *User-oriented* implies that a model is designed for use by professional practitioners other than the model developers and is thoroughly tested and well documented. Useroriented generalized modeling systems should be convenient to obtain, understand, and use

**1. Introduction** 

made systems.

actual practical improvements in water management.

and should work correctly, completely, and efficiently.
