To create a water quality simulation in ResSim, the first step is to define a Water Quality Alternative using the ResSim Alternative Editor. The Water Quality tab in the ResSim Alternative Editor contains three sub-tabs: Data Sets, Compute Options, and Output Variables.

The Data Sets tab allows the user to specify the corresponding datasets that form the foundation of a Water Quality Alternative. The required water quality datasets for creating a Water Quality Alternative include:

  • WQ Geometry Set: Defines the water quality domain, computation elements, water quality cells, regions, and network connectivity.
  • WQ Constituent Set: Specifies which water quality constituents will be simulated.
  • WQ Parameter Set: Defines the values of water quality parameters.
  • Initial Conditions: Establishes the initial water quality conditions at the start of the simulation for all relevant elements.
  • Boundary Conditions: Defines inflow boundary conditions for the water quality model domain.
  • Meteorological Data: Includes meteorological stations and their parameter data.
  • Mixing Coefficients: Specifies the vertical and horizontal mixing coefficients for transport processes.

Before saving the Water Quality Alternative, an error check should be performed on the specified datasets. To do this, click the Input Data Quality Check button located in the lower-left corner of the ResSim Alternative Editor (Alternative Editor- Input Data Quality Check... button). This consistency check ensures that all necessary inputs for a successful water quality simulation are properly defined.

For example, an inconsistency may arise if a Water Quality Alternative lacks parameter values for any simulated constituent. This can happen if a user copies an existing constituent set, adds a new constituent, but forgets to define parameter values for it in the WQ Parameters Editor. In this case, the Water Quality Alternative will be flagged as inconsistent. On the other hand, if a user removes a constituent, the Water Quality Alternative remains consistent because the parameters for the deleted constituent will simply be ignored.

It is possible to create multiple water quality alternatives in the ResSim Alternative Editor, each based on the available water quality datasets. This flexibility allows for the simulation of different scenarios or conditions within the same project.

Alternative Editor- Input Data Quality Check... button