A computationally efficient open-source water resource system simulator – Application to London and the Thames Basin

Interactive River-Aquifer Simulation-2010 (IRAS-2010) is a generalized water resource system simulation model. IRAS-2010 is a new release of IRAS previously released by Cornell University in 1995. Given hydrological inflows, evaporation rates, water allocation rules, reservoir release rules, consumptive water demands and minimum environmental flows, IRAS-2010 estimates flows, surface water and groundwater storage, water use, energy use, and operating costs throughout the water resource network at each user-defined time-step. Multi-reservoir release rule curves, streamflow routing, regional groundwater flow, ecological flows, hydropower, pumping, desalination, and other features can be represented. The IRAS-2010 model is linked to a generic user-interface called HydroPlatform; both model and user-interface are open-source. We present an IRAS-2010 model of London’s conjunctive use water resource system that satisfactorily emulates a more sophisticated model currently used by regulators. Results from daily and weekly time-step models are compared. IRAS-2010’s fast run times make it appropriate for workshop settings and advanced planning methods that require many model evaluations. Model limitations, benefits, project organization and future plans are outlined.

► This paper introduces the Interactive River-Aquifer Simulation 2010 (IRAS-2010).
► IRAS-2010 is a generalized water resource system simulation model.
► The IRAS-2010 model is linked to a generic user-interface called HydroPlatform.
► We present an IRAS-2010 model of London’s conjunctive use water resource system.
► Model limitations, benefits, project organization and future plans are outlined.