Collaborative Modeling Using System Dynamics for Water Resource Management

Water resource management for most Southwestern states requires collaborative solutions that cross regional, state, and federal judicial boundaries. As most of the region experiences drought-like conditions as well as population growth, there is a growing concern about sustainability of the water resource to meet industrial, agricultural, and residential demands. Technically, seeking a consensus path requires modeling of the hydrologic cycle within a prescribed region. Credible models must capture key interdependencies of various water resources, use historical data for calibration, and provide temporal/spatial resolutions that are aligned with the interests of the decision makers.