This presentation by ACWADAM deals with groundwater modeling using the Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP) model. WEAP is a microcomputer tool for integrated water resources planning and operates on the basic principle of a water balance. WEAP is distinguished by its integrated approach to simulating water systems and by its policy orientation. It provides a comprehensive, flexible and user-friendly framework for policy analysis.

WEAP places the demand side of the equation i.e., water use patterns, equipment efficiencies, re-use, prices and allocation on an equal footing with the supply side i.e., streamflow, groundwater, reservoirs and water transfers. WEAP is a laboratory for examining alternative water development and management strategies. As a database, WEAP provides a system for maintaining water demand and supply information. As a forecasting tool, WEAP simulates water demand, supply, flows and storage.

WEAP is comprehensive, straightforward, and easy-to use and attempts to assist rather than substitute for the skilled planner. A growing number of water professionals are finding WEAP to be a useful addition to their toolbox of models, databases, spreadsheets and other software. WEAP has been applied in water assessments in dozens of countries, including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Israel, Oman, Central Asia, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, China, South Korea, and Thailand.

The presentation details the five main views of WEAP, its requirements and methods used through the Chikhalgaon case study. This model is capable of simulating the current and future scenarios of agriculture water use and provides a modeling framework relevant to AGRAR case study for understanding the impacts of check dams.

However, the system has the following limitations: (a) Demands a detailed understanding of the system (b) Huge database requirement (c) Needs background information pertaining to water resources and land use statistics.

This presentation is part of the training modules on planning, development and management of groundwater with special reference to watershed management programmes by ACWADAM. Please write to ACWADAM at acwadam@vsnl.net for sourcing these presentations.