Development and validation of an Approximate Redistributive Balance model to estimate the distribution of water resources using the WEAP: The lower Hron river basin, Slovakia

Abstract

The Approximate Redistributive Balance (ARB) model integrated within the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) software environment aims to retrospectively simulate the flows measured by water gauging stations with sufficient accuracy according to objectives of study. It does so by initially approximating the runoff distribution with a rainfall-runoff model along the modeled streams and then redistributing the difference between the sum of the total simulated runoff to the water gauging station and the flow in the water gauging station (cleaned of any anthropogenic influences). Due to its different approach to the modeling method and the user-friendly environment of the WEAP software, this model, with a relatively small scale of input data, retrospectively simulates flows along the modeled streams with a high degree of accuracy (NSE = 0.89 for similar hydrological regime of validation and calibration basins). This paper describes its development and basic characteristics and provides partial insights into the degree of accuracy with which it can simulate monthly streamflow at water gauging stations and along modeled rivers. It can therefore be a precise foundation for analyses of water management balance scenarios.